A real-world security keychain to protect WoW characters' identity
Blizzard introduces a physical security token to help give gamers added peace of mind when playing World of Warcraft online.
To help keep gamers safe from possible account hijackings in World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment has introduced a small electronic authenticator that will produce a six-digit security code that can be entered before a WoW player logs on.
Users who purchase the authenticator can register it with their WoW account. Each time they try to log into their account, they'll need to provide their user name, password, and randomly generated code from the authenticator. The only way to have it removed from an account is to call Blizzard and have them manually remove the feature. The randomly generated code is good for one login, and will refresh if not used within 60 seconds.
If lost, owners must provide personal information to Blizzard to have a new authenticator activated and mailed out.
The authenticator can be purchased online for $6.50. Blizzard did not say when the new keys will be released, though did say it will initially be available only for US gamers.
Authenticators have been rolled out for online financial institutions, including PayPal, but have not seen demand for online gaming accounts. But an increased level of account hijackings has led Blizzard to try and create a cost-effective solution to protect its customers, without presenting additional hassles. Today, real-world WoW thieves hijack an account and sell off its holder's valuable possessions over eBay and similar auction sites.
Specifically, WoW gamers have been targeted by hackers who redirect gamers to Internet sites that unknowingly installed keylogging software onto their computer to get their account information. In separate incidents, malicious players have sent e-mails to WoW account holders with Trojan horse files attached.
HSBC, Wachovia, and several other banks use similar tokens to help protect customers' financial information and data.