YOUR DEVICE IS SENDING OUT YOUR DATA WHILE SEARCHING FOR WI-FI.
HOW CAN A DEVICE SEND DATA?
Mobile devices store a list of previously connected Wi-Fi networks and periodically check for their presence. If a known network is detected, they connect automatically for a seamless experience. To do this, devices send out Probe Requests, which await responses from nearby networks. These requests, along with their data, can be intercepted by other devices—forming the foundation of this project.
Wi-Find has localized the location of more than 1500 individual previously connected Wi-Fi networks. The map shows where they are located around the world.
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DATA PACKETS IN SIX WEEKS
that's how many WI-FInd was able to collect from unaware students at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, which served as the basis for creating the profile.
BUILDING BLOCKS TO CONSTRUCT A PROFILE
PROBE REQUEST
A data packet that helps Wi-Fi devices detect known networks. It includes the device’s MAC address and, previously, the network name (SSID). Modern devices now modify or omit this data for privacy
MAC ADDRESS
A unique hardware identifier for network devices, consisting of six digit pairs (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). Previously sent unchanged in probe requests, it is now often randomized to prevent tracking.
SSID
A Wi-Fi network’s name. Older devices sent it in probe requests, but modern ones use wildcards to enhance privacy.
HOW PROFILES ARE CREATED
The data was analyzed and processed to track individual devices, bypassing privacy protections with machine learning. Each device is then assigned an "SSID fingerprint", linking it to specific networks and locations. This information is used to build detailed profiles.
THERE IS MUCH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A PROFILE
By linking SSIDs to locations, profiles expose details like profession, income, interests, and social networks, turning simple data into a full picture of an individual’s lifestyle and status.