However, your point is valid that random MAC's could pose a problem for corporations that filter MAC addresses (for whatever reason) or assign static IP's per MAC address.
MAC's are sent unencrypted over the network and are spoofed easily, as iOS8 will be doing. There is no such thing as "MAC address security". Retailers typically perform mobile device tracking in order to get a picture of customers’ movements in a store and track their behavior. Each device will generate random MAC addresses to be used during scanning and connection, a behavior that will go a long way toward hampering the pervasive device tracking that’s performed as a matter of course by so many retailers and other companies. Those identifiers typically are static, but in Apple iOS 8 the company is introducing a function that will spoof MAC addresses when a device scans for available WiFi networks. Those networks also can be used to collect detailed information about the devices that connect to them, including the unique device identifiers known as MAC addresses. Attackers often will use public hotspots as targets for man-in-the-middle attacks that let them intercept users’ traffic. Users rarely think twice about connecting to the wireless networks in coffee shops, airports, retail stores and other public spaces, even though there are a lot of security and privacy risks associated with that behavior. One of the key methods that retailers and other companies involved in the massive mobile tracking industry is the collection of MAC addresses of the devices that connect to various WiFi hotspots. But perhaps the most important change is a subtle one hidden beneath the covers that will help prevent much of the tracking of mobile devices that’s done through WiFi hotspots.
Apple enthusiasts have been poring over the feature list for iOS 8, due out this fall, geeking out over the tighter integration among all iOS devices, the improved mail app and myriad other bells and whistles.
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