Blizzard Authenticators May Become Mandatory

An anonymous reader writes "WoW.com is reporting that a trusted source has informed them that Blizzard is giving serious consideration to making authenticators mandatory on all World of Warcraft accounts. The authenticators function the same as ones provided by most banks — in order to log in, you must generate a number on the external device. Blizzard already provides a free iPhone app that functions as an authenticator. The source stated, 'it is a virtually forgone conclusion that it will happen.' This comes after large spates of compromised accounts left Bizzard game masters severely backlogged by restoration requests."

Comments

No thanks

[sopssa]

Sure it might work with just one game, but what about if this starts a trend and all online games start to require such? No thank you.

We do not use such USB devices with banks here btw, instead everyone has an account number and running list of one-time codes, with a second list of confirm codes. It's a little pain but incredibly secure. However, it's not something to use with games.

Instead of mandatory, please at most make it only the default option so those who want to can turn it off.

Re:No thanks

[bertoelcon]

Agreed. Also, do they plan on putting them out other ways for free if they try this. When I looked into one you had to buy the thing from Blizzard for like $25 or something. I know there is a free Iphone app but what if you don't have an Iphone? Anyone know if they have other authentictor apps for other platforms.

So...

[stonedcat]

How will this affect Linux WoW players? Don't let Blizzard tell you there aren't any, there are thousands of us.
They better make sure they have their shit together first before fucking people over or they'll lose customers.

Re:No thanksRe:No thanks

[Snaller]

And again, us intelligent people have to suffer because of the morons who play wow - now what would be good if we could get rid of the morons instead.