From the 'net:
In an effort to stem the tide of account theft and fraud, Blizzard has just revealed the Blizzard Authenticator, a "a physical 'token' device" that ensures only you can access your data.
Though it has yet to appear in the Blizzard Store, the Authenticator will retail for $6.50 when it eventually materializes.
Once players have registered their World of Warcraft account with an Authenticator, they'll be met by an extra validation screen during log-in. This new screen will ask for a randomly generated, unique, one-time use code from the Authenticator that players must then type into a text box.
I don't see the need for the extra layer of security for myself, but if this thing comes with an adorable murloc drawing I could justify the purchase as a new keychain fob.
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WoW Gets Extra Security With Blizzard Authenticator
World of Warcraft creator Blizzard has announced that its forthcoming Blizzard Invitational will see the release of a 'Blizzard Authenticator,' a new keychain dongle that will give users an additional six-digit security code to "help prevent unauthorized account access."
The device will cost users $6.50, and will generate a unique code per user that will be valid only once, and only for a limited time, and will then be required to access a World of Warcraft account once linked.
According to Blizzard, the Authenticator is not meant to replace a user's login and password, but rather give an extra layer of security. If the device is lost, the company says, Blizzard's account services team can restore access "by verifying certain secure information."
Currently, the device will only be made available at the June 28-29th Paris Blizzard Invitational, but the company says the it will soon be added to its online store at the same price.
Said Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime, “It’s important to us that World of Warcraft offers a safe and enjoyable game environment. One aspect of that is helping players avoid account compromise, so we’re pleased to make this additional layer of security available to them.”
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From the Blizzard website!!
Blizzard Authenticator FAQWhat is the Blizzard Authenticator? The Blizzard Authenticator is an optional tool that offers World of Warcraft players an additional layer of security to help prevent unauthorized account access. The Authenticator itself is a physical “token” device that fits easily on a keyring.
Where do I get a Blizzard Authenticator? The Blizzard Authenticator will be able to be purchased directly from the Blizzard Store for $6.50 *Coming Soon*.
How does the Blizzard Authenticator work? You must first associate the Blizzard Authenticator to the World of Warcraft account you play. Once the account has been linked, the Authenticator token will be required to log in to Account Management or to the game; when logging in, you will be prompted to supply a digital code generated by the Authenticator.
How do I associate a Blizzard Authenticator with an account? You can associate your Blizzard Authenticator to the World of Warcraft account you play by logging into Account Management. Click the “Add Blizzard Authenticator” button and then enter the serial number on the back of your Blizzard Authenticator.
What is a digital code and where do I see it? The digital code is a six-digit numeric code that is produced when you press the button on the front of your Blizzard Authenticator. Each code is unique and is valid only once.
Where do I enter the digital code when I log in to World of Warcraft or to Account Management? After you enter the account name and password, you’ll be prompted to provide the digital code from your Blizzard Authenticator. You must press the button on your Authenticator and enter the code it displays to complete your login.
Can I apply my Blizzard Authenticator to more than one account? Yes! You’re welcome to associate a single Blizzard Authenticator to as many accounts as you like. Please remember that you must have that Authenticator with you to log in to any of these accounts afterwards.
Can I keep one Blizzard Authenticator at home and another at work, and have both associated to the same account? No. Each account can have only one Blizzard Authenticator linked to it at a time, so you would need to carry the Authenticator with you to log in from different computers.
What happens if I lose my Blizzard Authenticator? Do I lose the account it’s linked to? If you lose your Blizzard Authenticator, you will need to contact Blizzard’s billing and account services team for assistance. Our representatives will be able to assist you with regaining account access by verifying certain secure information with you.
Will my Blizzard Authenticator work while I am traveling? Will it work in other countries? Yes, the Blizzard Authenticator will work anywhere you can log in to World of Warcraft.
Will this have any effect on Parental Controls? No, the Parental Control service will not change in any way. However, the parent/guardian will need the Blizzard Authenticator to log in to Account Management and make changes or updates.
Can I turn the extra security of the Blizzard Authenticator on and off as I wish? While you can add the Blizzard Authenticator as you wish, removing it will require a call to billing and account services.
Does the Blizzard Authenticator replace my password and secret question? No, the Blizzard Authenticator is only there as an optional measure to augment account security. It does not replace standard security measures. You will still be asked to enter the account name and password when logging into the game or Account Management, and should not share that or your secret question information with others.
Will a Blizzard representative ever ask for my Blizzard Authenticator information? Yes. Blizzard may ask for the serial number on your Blizzard Authenticator, typically to help you associate it to an account or to verify your ownership of that Authenticator.
What if my Blizzard Authenticator stops working or has a technical problem? Blizzard will have several support options available to assist you and ensure that the impact on your play experience is minimized in the event of a problem with your Authenticator. Please contact our billing and account services team for assistance if you have questions.
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