LinkLiar

LinkLiar is here to help you keep your MacBook safe when connecting to public networks. Every Apple and non-Apple device has a unique identifier called a MAC address. This address can be tracked when you hop onto a public Wi-Fi network. While your iPhone does a good job of hiding this info, your MacBook doesn't do it automatically.

What Does LinkLiar Do?

LinkLiar is an open-source app that makes it safer for your MacBook to connect to those sketchy public networks. Instead of letting everyone see your real MAC address, it sends out a random one when you connect to new networks. Plus, it's super easy to control right from the menu bar!

Using LinkLiar is Easy

Once you launch the app, you'll spot it in the menu bar. It shows you the original MAC address for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. You have options: randomize them, set up a new one manually, or use the original MAC address.

Keep Track of Your Connections

The cool thing about LinkLiar is its menu bar icon. It tells you whether one of those unique MAC addresses is being used at any moment. You'll also see indicators for each device connected! Plus, if you're connecting to new networks often, you can set up default actions.

Why Is This Important?

You might not know this, but every time your MacBook connects to an unknown network—like at coffee shops or airports—your real MAC address is visible to others on that network. This means they could track where you're going online! But with LinkLiar, it masks that address so only a random one gets shared.

A Note on Ethernet Tracking

Now, LinkLiar can also spoof your Ethernet adapter's identifier if needed. But let's be real: most people don't plug into unknown networks with an Ethernet cable much these days! So while it's nice that the option exists, it's not as crucial.

Your Privacy Matters

If you're worried about how LinkLiar uses data or what information it holds on you, don't fret! You can always check out the source code yourself and compile the app if that's what makes you comfortable.

The Bottom Line

No matter how you choose to use it, LinkLiar is an awesome tool for anyone looking to keep their MacBook safe from snoopers on public Wi-Fi!