Blizzard's "Authenticator" to Protect World of Warcraft Accounts
Looks like Blizzard is selling an "Authenticator" to keep bad guys from logging your keys! Well, not really. It doesn't actually stop keyloggers from getting onto your computer, however, it just provides another level of security in the form of a second random password.
The Authenticator is a keyfob which generates random digits when its button is pressed. Once the Authenticator is linked to your account, you log in by entering this number along with your password, and you'll press the button for a new number every time you log in. The Authenticator is tied to the account permanently, and must be used every time. It seems kind of excessive to me, but then again, I play at home and am the only user of my computer. I can see how it can be useful to some people.
If you don't want to go the Authenticator route, what are some things you can do to keep your account secure?
- Don't share accounts. With anyone.
- Don't give out your password. If you must share an account with a relative or friend, type in the password yourself.
- Change or rotate your passwords frequently (once a week).
- If you use addons, don't accept addon files from your friends. Download them directly from the source.
- Scan your computer regularly for viruses. Don't be passive in your virus protection. Firewalls are great and so is virus protection software, but scan your computer regularly using software like Ad Aware or Trend Micro's online virus scanner HouseCall. They're free and they work well.
- Surf the web with a program like NoScript installed in your browser. NoScript will block Javascript and Flash from websites as you browse. You can easily allow sites which have Flash movies you want to view or Javascript that needs to run.
2 comments:
Good info, I personally think blizzard should foot the bill and send these devices to all of their regular customers (people that have been using the service for at least 3 months) with all of the money we've paid to them over the years and the fact that this device really helps blizzard at least as much as it helps us by lessening the demand for their CS staff from people that get heir account stolen.
I'm not so sure I want to use one of these, myself. I could see myself losing it or just becoming aggravated with it the same way I get mad at half of Blizzard's other crazy in-game ideas. :)
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