Do you know anyone that uses a MAC address filter without using a WEP key to protect their router? I did, and to prove how insecure it was… I used my Nintendo DS.

That’s right, using a homebrew DS application called wifi_lib_test, I was able to scan all the access points around me, giving me the channels they were using and their MAC addresses. Using the same application I was then able to view the packets being sent on a certain channel. Since this router was the only one in range on that channel, all I had to do was look for the MAC address that didn’t belong to the router.

Once I obtained the MAC address using my DS, I changed the MAC address on my PC and connected to the router. If you want a quick and easy way to change your MAC address in Windows, use Macshift.

Everything I did on the DS can be done with a laptop using the appropriate software, but using a DS to prove how insecure someones wireless setup is gives me a tingling sensation. At the very least, the DS proved to be a great portable way to find hotspots.

Nintendo DS AP Scan