Activating the Authenticator
by Amanda Dean 
Jul 12th 2008 at 9:00AM
The Blizzard Authenticator is currently sold out on the Blizzard Store. I'm sure there will be plenty more to come, when they're ready. I bought one as soon as I heard they were available. Although my experience with the Blizzard Store was not great, it was certainly better than some others. After my order was placed, every time I checked on in, I what appeared to be a rag doll murloc who informed me that an error occurred on the page. My authenticator has arrived. Thanks to the free shipping from the Blizzard online store, I saved $0.59 in United States Postal Service postage.
To be honest, I'm just glad to have my security token. The token come with a single piece of documentation, which directs the user to the security token FAQ page. I expected the authenticator to be slightly larger. It's approximately the same size as the clicker for my Mustang. I have not yet devised a tether for it, but the device will soon be leashed to my computer.
You just enter your user name and password as normal, then the token entry screen pops up. Just push the button and enter the code on the LCD. Both accounts logged in with no apparent delay in processing. This little doohickey is meeting my expectations so far.
It looks like the token entry is only required for logging into the game. I was not prompted for an authentication code when I logged in to the forums.
Edit: I do wish that the LCD had a back light. However I usually have minimal light in the house and can use the authenticator. On the plus side, it means the batteries should last longer.
Your questions:
Silly question, you can associate two accounts with one, can you be logged on to both accounts at the same time still?
Yes, I have logged into both accounts at the same time.
Can anyone explain how these work and how they are unique to everyone?
The reason that you have to enter your serial number is because each authenticator is coded differently. Just how my boyfriend and I both drive fords, but my keys won't start his truck (super hot 2000 Lightning) and his keys won't start my car (Yes, I drive a 2006 Mustang GT and I'm incredibly proud of it).
What happens if you loose or damage your Authenticator? Is there any way to get your account back?
You'll call customer service and they can deactivate the authenticator from your account. Same thing if it runs out of batteries. You have to make the call, you can't do it from your computer.
Is it built for long term use?
Yes, blizzard expects it to last for several years on the battery included in the package. That's one of the upsides of no backlight. Think of it like the key fob for your car. Yeah, the batteries will run out, in a decade or so. You'll just call and replace the authenticator if that happens.
So do you have to enter this extra code every time you log in?
Yes, and the code is different each time, so even you shouldn't be able to crack your own code.
Can I press the button and quickly give him the numbers to enter from a different location, or will it just not work?
While you shouldn't be sharing accounts, the answer to your question is yes. The authenticator is time specific but not location specific.
What do you do when the batteries run out? Can they be changed?
The batteries can not be changed, but you can buy another authenticator for another $6.50 if/when the batteries die.
Edit: I do wish that the LCD had a back light. However I usually have minimal light in the house and can use the authenticator. On the plus side, it means the batteries should last longer.
Your questions:
Silly question, you can associate two accounts with one, can you be logged on to both accounts at the same time still?
Yes, I have logged into both accounts at the same time.
Can anyone explain how these work and how they are unique to everyone?
The reason that you have to enter your serial number is because each authenticator is coded differently. Just how my boyfriend and I both drive fords, but my keys won't start his truck (super hot 2000 Lightning) and his keys won't start my car (Yes, I drive a 2006 Mustang GT and I'm incredibly proud of it).
What happens if you loose or damage your Authenticator? Is there any way to get your account back?
You'll call customer service and they can deactivate the authenticator from your account. Same thing if it runs out of batteries. You have to make the call, you can't do it from your computer.
Is it built for long term use?
Yes, blizzard expects it to last for several years on the battery included in the package. That's one of the upsides of no backlight. Think of it like the key fob for your car. Yeah, the batteries will run out, in a decade or so. You'll just call and replace the authenticator if that happens.
So do you have to enter this extra code every time you log in?
Yes, and the code is different each time, so even you shouldn't be able to crack your own code.
Can I press the button and quickly give him the numbers to enter from a different location, or will it just not work?
While you shouldn't be sharing accounts, the answer to your question is yes. The authenticator is time specific but not location specific.
What do you do when the batteries run out? Can they be changed?
The batteries can not be changed, but you can buy another authenticator for another $6.50 if/when the batteries die.
Filed under: How-tos, Blizzard, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Vince Jul 12th 2008 9:08AM
It's just a branded RSA SecurID security token like we use at work.
deviationer Jul 12th 2008 10:06AM
actually it's not from RSA. Vasco Digipass Go 6
Sal Jul 12th 2008 9:14AM
Yeah, It's pretty much a VPN token if you have ever had one. Creates unique passwords that change after a certain amount of time. Mine for work does it once a minute, looks like this one is most likely similar except you are calling it up with the button. Pretty good devices. Definitely do their job.
Brian Jul 12th 2008 9:18AM
The authenticator is also needed to access your account info from when you associate it with your account. As for a tether, lanyards make great tethers. I'm using my lanyard form the WWI which is hanging from the DVD rack beside my PC.
kunukia Jul 12th 2008 9:31AM
I was charged by the PO an extra 75 copper. Some other person in Wisconsin was also, according to the forums. Silly Wisconsin.
Still the authenticator is easy and comforting.
Jordrah Jul 12th 2008 10:15AM
75 copper? i lived in wisconsin and i didnt realize they accepted copper at the PO lol
kunukia Jul 12th 2008 10:22AM
Well, typewriters used to have a cent symbol, but I can't find one on my keyboard, and I don't want to look foolish by typing it out all the time, so I try to look WoW cool by saying copper. Truth...
Jordrah Jul 12th 2008 11:14AM
whats funny is that i didnt even notice it the first time, after playing wow for so long i guess copper=cent in my head :D
jboy Jul 12th 2008 9:38AM
I also received my authenticator yesterday.
Positives: Easy to register...even easier to use. Protects my account from never being hacked again!! No matter how smart the keyloggers get.
Negative. Wish the LCD was backlit when the button is pressed (to see the numbers). It is difficult to see the numbers in low light settings.
doug Jul 12th 2008 10:17AM
I was so scared when I was entering the serial code that I checked it at least 338 times before I pressed "Okay"
Ganaw Jul 12th 2008 11:15AM
And I thought I was the only one!
kunukia Jul 12th 2008 11:19AM
Haha, I did also...
Maxpower Jul 13th 2008 12:10AM
Ha! I'm glad I typed it in correctly the first time. I didn't even think about typos while entering the barcode. What a mess that would have been! :)
Tensai Jul 12th 2008 10:17AM
I received mine yesterday and activated on both of my accounts. Smooth process, although it appears that I need to trigger separate codes for each account when I log in (even if the authenticator gives me the same number each time I press).
Only complaint, no backlight. I understand it would suck up battery life, but it's a pain walking across the room to flick on the light switch.
Kerrun Jul 12th 2008 11:02AM
mini flashlight?
also a blank white page (open word) makes a bunch of light.
but yeah backlight would be good.
Dan Jul 13th 2008 10:02AM
Ergonomically speaking, you should have a light on in your room while playing WoW anyways, the contrast between a (to some extent) bright screen and the dark desk/room will cause eye strain.
What I'm wondering over with the authenticators though is, how do you get control over your account again if your authenticator breaks/runs out of battery/is lost.
robotrock Jul 12th 2008 11:08AM
From a security standpoint, it's bad practice to keep your authentication key next to your computer :P
Blackhorn Jul 12th 2008 12:07PM
Keyloggers rarely, if ever, actually sit at your computer to do their work.
If they do, make sure you're not in china.
Mora Jul 12th 2008 4:03PM
well they are not scared that someone in there house will steal there account. they are scared that someone outside the house will take it. So keeping the thing next to the computer is safe.
Jon Jul 12th 2008 11:44AM
Well it's more for stopping some crazy chinese hacker from stealing your password and selling off all your items.
I wouldn't be afraid of my wife doing that :P