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World of Warcraft: Blizzard Authenticator
Szark
News ManagerMember Posts: 4,420
Blizzard has announced the Blizzard Authenticator, a small device that adds an extra layer of security when playing World of Warcraft.
IRVINE, Calif. –- June 26, 2008 -– Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today introduced an optional extra layer of security for World of Warcraft®, its award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Designed to attach to a keychain, the lightweight and waterproof Blizzard® Authenticator is an electronic device that generates a six-digit security code at the press of a button. This code is unique, valid only once, and active for a limited time; it must be provided along with the account name and password when signing in to the World of Warcraft account linked to it.
This optional security measure will be available at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, which takes place June 28-29 in Paris, France. In addition, the Blizzard Authenticator will be made available for purchase via Blizzard's online store in the near future for a cost of $6.50.
Read more here.
Comments
Honestly, this "feature" really annoys me. Numerous free MMOs out there offer this type of security for free, yet somehow Blizzard decided it would be a good idea to charge people even more money.
The sad part is that if you lose it, you'll have to contact Blizzard to get a new one. And guess who won't be playing WoW during that time?
What are you smoking, there is NO MMO out there that offers this type of security. For anyone with an established account, it is a cheap $7. Like anything you own, if you are careless where you put it....it does fit on a keychain though, put it on a keychain and keep it close to the computer, should be pretty hard to lose it.
We use something similar at the bank for security and it works quite well, I have never lost mine either.
Personally I intend to get one, when I start playing Wow again.
Did you even read the anouncement?
This is so that even if someone does get your PW, they still can't log into your account, because they can't get your security key.
Thousands of businesses out there use these every day.
I think this is a great new feature, i had my account hacked once thanks to not scanning my PC regularly.. Seemed i had some keyloggers and trojan's on m. The hack caused my guild and myself lots of dismay. It took about 5 weeks before Blizzard restored my items, since there seemed to be an increase in hacked accounts. Meaning i had to wait in line to have my items restored.
So in order to save themselves a whole lot of work, me thinks, they have brought this key chain security into live. Sadly i quit about 3 months ago, otherwise id order it directly!
I am smoking nothing, but thanks for assuming I do illegal drugs because you don't agree with me. There are plenty of MMOs that offer this type of security... Requiem comes to mind, but there are other free MMOs as well, that have programs that make it so you have to physcially click a password in to enter a game (either by clicking numbers for a code or clicking letters on a little keyboard that pops up on the screen). It's similar to the "type in this random bunch of numbers" program that many websites use to make sure you're real. It also means that trojans/etc can't mimic/memorize the passwords since the clicking is completely random (numbers/letters change around on the screen).
This is free in most games. Blizzard is charging for what is basically a different way of verifying that you are indeed at your own computer and not a hacker/etc.
And I'm glad to know you have never lost your keychain. Nor have I, but there are a lot of people who do.
Did you even read the FAQ?
I am smoking nothing, but thanks for assuming I do illegal drugs because you don't agree with me. There are plenty of MMOs that offer this type of security... Requiem comes to mind, but there are other free MMOs as well, that have programs that make it so you have to physcially click a password in to enter a game (either by clicking numbers for a code or clicking letters on a little keyboard that pops up on the screen). It's similar to the "type in this random bunch of numbers" program that many websites use to make sure you're real. It also means that trojans/etc can't mimic/memorize the passwords since the clicking is completely random (numbers/letters change around on the screen).
This is free in most games. Blizzard is charging for what is basically a different way of verifying that you are indeed at your own computer and not a hacker/etc.
And I'm glad to know you have never lost your keychain. Nor have I, but there are a lot of people who do.
Did you even read the FAQ?
how does exactly "clicking" your password in stops someone that just stole your password because they sent you a fake email about WoTLK beta and you did input your user name and password ?
Blizzard is charging because you are physically getting a product. What the games you mentioned above do is nothing physical is part of the game, is like a "free" patch if you wanna call it that way.
I don't think you understand what this actually is.
This isn't like on Yahoo, or MSN or such where you have a pic with unusual shaped letters and numbers so that an automatic program can't create a bunch of emails to spam people with (that's why they do that by the way, not for "security").
This is a device about the size of your keychain car alarm that has a little screen on it that will give you a "code of the day". When you sign on, you not only have to enter your password, but you also have to enter that code (which changes daily). So it won't matter if a hacker gets your password, they won't have your PERSONAL code for the day. If they get it for one day, they won't have it for the next. Extra security for your account.
It's you guys (not all, just some) who seem to be a little confused. Here, let me spell it out for you because you obviously can't read my words without thinking I'm saying something else.
I understand what it is, what I find annoying is the fact that other games offer similar types of protection for free. Never once did I think it was something else, nor did I say so. What I always said was that other games offer SIMILAR features for free.
I agree completely that the free security programs cannot protect against people being stupid and clicking on links in an email instead of going directly to the source themselves. But it does keep "passive" theft like keyloggers from stealing information.
The problem is that they could easy offer a security program for free, or even both options (or one or the other) but they immediately jump for the one that costs the users money. So there ends up being no middle ground (aside from what basic knowledge of what not to click or access gives you).
Devices of this nature usually function on much smaller time frames than a single day. I suspect these codes would only be valid for a few seconds to a minute at most.
If someone gets your account information, 1 day is more than enough time to wipe out your bank/guild accounts and do whatever it is they need with the money.
They are charging you for the key fob, what $6.50? That's CHEAP.
Six-fifty is dang cheap for that added layer of security. And I'm sorry if you think Blizzard is in this business to just please you, but I thought they were in this business to make money. Sure they have to have a product that enough people want to buy that will make them that money, but if they "piss off" or "run off" a very small handful of people who just want stuff for free, I really don't think that's going to hurt their bottom line. Because, believe me, they have done their research and for every one of you, who want it for free, there are 100's if not 1000's of other who will pay their six and a half bucks for that little extra layer of security.
And No, this isn't "similar" to any game security I know. You claiming it's similar is what most of us don't understand. A programming solution is no match, or even on par, with this level of security. And yet you still want it for free? If you don't want it, don't put out the money for it, but then don't complain because it's not "free".
Plus if you read the FAQ, all you have to do contact billing answer questions about your account and they can disable the Authenticator, if lost, malfunction, etc.
I like how MMO's are that important to people that they need a physical security device. News flash, if people didn't download all sorts of $hit to make the game pretty much play on auto-pilot they wouldn't have to worry about downloading a keylogger, etc.
God the world was such a better place before WoW came out and pretty much made MMO's mainstream. It was sooo much greater when it was a niche market.
Newsflash, you don't have to download anything intentionally to get a keylogger. In fact addons are safe if you are smart enough not to click on executable files from some random website.
To be honest you sound like the people who think they know enough to be safe, but in fact have very dangerous habits.
Holy conjecture Batman! Yes, because i gave you sufficient information about myself for you to be able to surmise that I have "unsafe habits"... wow what a stretch. Another news flash, if my account got hacked(which it never had and have played numerous games since the UO beta) I would say to myself, "wow that pretty much blows, time to play a new game or get a hobbie".
But I digress... Again, if you need to buy a physical security device to make your GAME safe, then you really need to get out from behind the computer and do something more constructive, because its down right ridiculous.
ZOMG!! All my uber epics are gone and my guild bank wiped!! What am I going to do now? I just spent the last two years and eight hours a day grinding the same old boring duneons to get my sick loots for bragging rights so I can stand around the bank and look cool.
If only I had a security device to keep the evil hackers from ruinging the only life I know. WHHYYYY?!?!?!??
Wow Thedrizzle you sound like such an idiot.
What does it matter to you if someone has put a lot of effort into a game and doesn't wanna see it wiped away in seconds by some asshole?
I myself have played WoW sense 2005; but, I don't play 8+ hours a day or anything. I play when I can/when I want to. I have put a lot of effort into playing my characters and getting their levels - I usualy buy most armor and weapons from Auction House, so I don't have all the "epics" by any means - and I personaly don't want anyone deleting it just because they can.
I've been lucky so far with games; but, I am thinking bout buying this just becaseu this is the first major game I have ever really put a lot of time and effort into over the years - and I wnt everything I do to be there until I decide I want to quit the game or delete something -- not some hacker.
.:// JDMnet Owner | www.jdmnet.org
I am smoking nothing, but thanks for assuming I do illegal drugs because you don't agree with me. There are plenty of MMOs that offer this type of security... Requiem comes to mind, but there are other free MMOs as well, that have programs that make it so you have to physcially click a password in to enter a game (either by clicking numbers for a code or clicking letters on a little keyboard that pops up on the screen). It's similar to the "type in this random bunch of numbers" program that many websites use to make sure you're real. It also means that trojans/etc can't mimic/memorize the passwords since the clicking is completely random (numbers/letters change around on the screen).
This is free in most games. Blizzard is charging for what is basically a different way of verifying that you are indeed at your own computer and not a hacker/etc.
And I'm glad to know you have never lost your keychain. Nor have I, but there are a lot of people who do.
Did you even read the FAQ?
Sorry if I offended with the "what are you smoking" phrase, it was strictly used as a colloquialism to indicate great disbelief, you should not take it literally.
Ah quite obvious you have no clue what you are talking about. Let me make it clear there is NO game, nada, not one that offers security like this. What Requiem offers is not even close to this kind of security, a good hacker will easily overcome what Requiem offers. Not so with the Blizzard device.
To top if off you are complaining about a paltry <$7 amount just makes your argument even that sillier.
If I lose the banks security bob it is over $100 to replace it. I'd say that blizzard is doing everyone a real favor at this price.
So not only am I disagreeing with you, I am flat out informing you that you just have no argument to stand on period,
THIS GAME SOUND LIKE ENTROPIA UNIVERSE WHERE YOU NEED A SPECIAL LAYER FOR SECURITY.
This device is great for people who play at online cafes or play wow from several machines as they cant keep tabs on what other programs are loaded onto them including keyloggers etc. This is where this device comes into it own.
So to every 1 who thinks this is a gimmik, a money spinner or pointless think again.
Personally I like this idea - it will hopefully save Blizzard some money in that they don't have to have as many anti-hacking staff - it lowers the likelihood of being hacked and is not always because you downloaded something.
My account was hacked because at the time I shared a computer with my mom who has no safety habits regarding executable files and damned if I'm gunna run a virus scan before I log in EVERY time.
It is ignorant to say that the amassed items of characters are just for show - I love playing this game when I have nothing better to do and for $15 a month it's cheaper than a lot of other entertainment alternatives.
I could care less about actually having the epics I just love downing a new boss with my guild or pvping with my friends and guess what: if I get hacked it's at least a week or two before my account is back to normal and I can play with my guild and friends (me and a few RL friends play together) as well as a lot of frustration - I'd rather spend 6.50 Once to ensure security - on that note it doesn't even matter if they get your account info without the dongle which is very nice.
Holy conjecture Batman! Yes, because i gave you sufficient information about myself for you to be able to surmise that I have "unsafe habits"... wow what a stretch. Another news flash, if my account got hacked(which it never had and have played numerous games since the UO beta) I would say to myself, "wow that pretty much blows, time to play a new game or get a hobbie".
But I digress... Again, if you need to buy a physical security device to make your GAME safe, then you really need to get out from behind the computer and do something more constructive, because its down right ridiculous.
ZOMG!! All my uber epics are gone and my guild bank wiped!! What am I going to do now? I just spent the last two years and eight hours a day grinding the same old boring duneons to get my sick loots for bragging rights so I can stand around the bank and look cool.
If only I had a security device to keep the evil hackers from ruinging the only life I know. WHHYYYY?!?!?!??
All I was pointing out was that you were spewing misinformation about how people get keyloggers in an attempt to make yourself seem in the know. I simply stated that makes you SOUND LIKE people who think they know what they are doing, but instead have bad habits. See the important distinction there?
As for the rest of your tirade against the evils of gaming may I suggest switching to decaf or breathing when you type.
I agree with the OP, blizzard could just set in a code, like myspace has all the time, where you have to type in number and letters.
it works better free. i dont think blizzard needs anymore money, they need to keep the customers happy, and charging them for every little thing is not one of them.
right now sony has all their games free for vets, would be nice if blizzard just activated old accounts at least twice a year, maybe they would get more ppl to come back..
my wow account got hacked not to long ago, logged on my husbands account and caught the hacker online red headed and gave him a piece of my mind and logged him out of my account. by then it was to lat the damage was done, two days later i got everything back..
i stopped playing wow, because i didnt want to have to worry about my account being hacked everytime i typed in my username and password.
i do full system scans everyday twice a day, and never click on links. i learned my lesson a long time ago.
this feature should be free to us paying for the game every month.. sure its a one time payment of 7 bucks but hey, i could use that 7 bucks to put gas in my car to work, so i can pay blizzard monthly fees for the game..(if i was still playing)..
so if you want to flame and bitch about what ppl have to say about anything, then you need to get a life.
if someone wants to make you unhappy, they will always find a way!!!!!
Sadly people still dont understand or want to understand how this device works.
Ill try and make is simple.. if I gave some 1 my username and password for WoW they could not, on any machine log into my account. They would need the random code (changes everytime you press the button) generated by this device to get into my account.
Its not like when you sign up to a forum and have to type in a code thats been generated on screen, if that was the case the guy i gave my username and password too would jsut have to type in the code he sees on screen.
I dont know, maybe its so simple people dont understand?
So ones account is tied up for several weeks in the "investigation" Will this key prevent the time ones account is "Under investigation" ?
Let's just put ones entire character on the key fob inclusive of banked items and gold so as to facilitate immediate character retrieval w/o any down time.
Oh by the way let's also add a security feature to the key fob if stolen or lost where it takes a DNA sample and records this into an international security gaming account retrieval system( I.S.G.A.R.S.) that automatically scans the key fob with user so a felonious user can't get in to ones account.
OK, now we can prohibit under age people from actually playing the game. One who has applied for the account needs to have the key to play the game and it will scan the player prior to initializing the starting sequence of the game.
Sarcasm ON in the above post.
What's next? Rectal (I mean retinal) scans b4 use or to get ones character back? I still am awaiting holo -projection systems with neural implanted gaming chips available.
I love the fall back response of "It's just a game" or "relax, and take a breath,go outside and do something else" when obviously it's gone waaaay beyond that. Heck, I remember when the cd keys came out to just load a game, we thought that over the top security as well.
Earl, Lothar Loc'Nar
Earl Lothar Loc'Nar