Apple’s new security feature called a “MAC address”, keeps information secure by requiring a device to identify itself to a network before logging in. This means that if you have a device using the MAC feature, you may be required to re-log in in to Pepperdine’s Wi-Fi server frequently. See this page for more information.
Resources Affected
- This feature affects the following devices: Devices bought with or upgraded to iOS 14, iPadOS 14, or watchOS 7.
- ISO recommends all faculty, staff and students use the following procedure (See “work around” farther down this page) to disable this feature after connecting to Pepperdine’s Wi-Fi network using an Apple device running one of the affected iOS versions.
- Note that if the feature is turned off after registration, there may be one more registration as the MAC address reverts to the hardware address. Android devices and Windows 10 computers also have this feature, but it is not on by default.
- If colleagues or students with those devices are getting deregistered daily, check if that feature is enabled for the “pepperdine” Wi-Fi SSID and turn it off.
- Technicians may reach out to the Information Security Office by phone with questions at x4040 for further technical explanations. Students and colleagues who need help configuring the private Wi-Fi to off for the “pepperdine” SSID should contact Tech Central, x4357.
People Affected
- On-campus faculty, staff, students and other colleagues when registering one of the above described devices to the “pepperdine” Wi-Fi network.
Work-Around
- To disable the feature you may follow the instructions found here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Information Services at [email protected] or (310) 506-7425.
