In an effort to curve account and item theft in the largely popular MMO World of Warcraft, Blizzard has announced a security device that can be used to prevent hackers from access to your account. It's a physical device that has a button on it that will be pressed when you log into your WoW account or go to account management on the WoW website. That button generates a unique code that can only be used once. So duplicating a code will be met with denial of service.

The device is totally optional and won't be required for anyone except those who opt into it. If you do decide to get the device then you can head over to the Blizzard Store soon and pick it up for $6.50. When you get it you link it to your account and it will be required to log in from then on. Also note that this doesn't replace your account name and password. It only adds another layer.

Sounds like a good option for players who wish to have an extra level of security about their accounts. Everyone's at least heard one MMO account theft horror story. It's nice to see Blizzard continuing the tradition of taking steps to inform and help it's customers protect their accounts and information.

If you have any questions Blizzard has created a FAQ to hopefully answer them at http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=24660&rhtml=true.

Tags : Blizzard Activion : Blizzard Entertainment : pc : security : World of Wacraft: The Burning Crusade : World of Warcraft : WoW

Comments

By: Dragonfly

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On: 10:49 Jun 27th, 2008
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There's absolutely no reason why they can't make this free, and not doing is a really stupid move, and a bit of a spit in the face of those who have actually suffered account theft problems in the past.

I'll pass, thanks Blizzard.

By: Marty Chimpants

On: 10:57 Jun 27th, 2008
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I've been a part of an account theft horror story.

Why?

Because I was too silly to be careful with my password n stuff in the first place. I'm this close to considering going back to WoW, I don't need Blizzard being a complete idiotic douche to make me turn away again.

By: Laylia

On: 03:08 Jun 27th, 2008
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Dragonfly;52362

There's absolutely no reason why they can't make this free, and not doing is a really stupid move, and a bit of a spit in the face of those who have actually suffered account theft problems in the past.

I'll pass, thanks Blizzard.

I don't see how this is spiteful to people who don't want to pay for this?

It's no different than the extra money you can pay on your real bank account that insures you against ID theft. You don't have to pay for it if you don't want to, but it's just an extra service that there's an option to have.

By: Marty Chimpants

On: 03:11 Jun 27th, 2008
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It's not as difficult rebounding from a hacked account than it is a bank account.

If someone takes their time to make their password hackproof, that's $6.50 you save. I know it's not a lot of money, but still the same results can be had for free with a few extra minutes of time and thought.

By: Dragonsoul

On: 03:19 Jun 27th, 2008
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Sounds like a great idea to cash in on the fear and misfortune of having your account hacked into. Blizzard really ought to make this free, I agree or optionally free, as in you can choose to have the extra layer or not, free of charge. When you give your information, money, etc. to a goods or service provider it's *their* responsiblity (within reason) to ensure you don't have your product or service stolen. I've had my bank account hacked into because Scotia Bank's internet site is ****e. Personally, I find it irresponsible on the part of any service/goods provider if their customer experiences theft as a part of their own (the provider's) failings.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 03:38 Jun 27th, 2008
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I think a good portion of account and item theft can be prevented by simply steps like never giving your account to anyone, letting that info lie around, and being careful where you sign in at.

No system is perfect. I don't expect Blizzard to protect me 100%. I think they are doing a lot to help customers by offering articles on account protection and this device. I don't really see the problem with forking out a few bucks for account security. It's half the price of what you pay a month anyway and you only pay for the device once.

By: Dragonfly

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On: 04:23 Jun 27th, 2008
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Laylia;52408

I don't see how this is spiteful to people who don't want to pay for this?

Because they could implement into directly into the games for free.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 06:13 Jun 27th, 2008
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Dragonfly;52427

Because they could implement into directly into the games for free.

Having it be a physical device makes it a little harder to reverse engineer. It's just making it a little harder to copy or hack.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 03:20 Jun 28th, 2008
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Update: Ok, I misunderstood the wording. I thought it plugged into your computer. It looks as if the device has an LCD screen that displays a code to input. I am not so sure anymore how this going to make your account safer.

Here's a picture.

http://www.blizzard.com/shared/blizz-com/images/misc/AuthKeychainBlack.jpg" class="picture">

By: Laylia

On: 03:30 Jun 28th, 2008
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Picture?

From the description, it sounds like this device should cost more than �6.00, so it's a bargin! �4 extra as a one off payment isn't that unreasonable for extra protection, is it?

Dragonfly;52427

Because they could implement into directly into the games for free.

How would that be any different than just adding another password or secret question? It's much easier to steal a piece of information like a password than it is a physical object.