A situation arises when a MacBook detects a wireless network broadcasting without its Service Set Identifier (SSID). This can occur when a router or access point is configured not to openly announce its presence, instead requiring devices to know the specific network name to connect. For instance, a user might relocate, attempt to connect to a previously configured home network, and observe that their MacBook lists a “hidden network” option instead of the familiar network name.
The practice of hiding a network SSID aims to add a layer of security by making the network less visible to casual scans. Historically, this method was seen as a way to deter unauthorized access. However, modern network analysis tools can often still detect these networks, diminishing the security benefits. The user experience is also impacted, as manual configuration is required on each device attempting to connect.
