I agree, have 2 versions of Cataclysm. One with them and one without. But make it required to have authenticator to have Cataclysm. If you already have one get the one without authenticator. Just make sure that they both cost the same.

They don't even have to do that; they've already proven they can make these as stand alone software applications (for iPod/iPhone and other mobile phones); so just come up with an authenticator that runs on the local desktop.

It's not as secure, but as long as the seed number for the authenticator is something random combined with the date stamp at activation, it should be practically impossible to hack--no significant percentage of account hacks involves actually having physical access to the machine, they just get people to give away information without realizing it. Then you can keep selling the stand alone physical authenticators as a "more secure" option--less likely to ever be hackable, no need to go through authenticator problems if your hard disk crashes, able to be used with multiple computers, etc.

If they both cost the same, is there really any point in having 2 versions ? Even if you already have one, if it's the same price, it would be silly to get the one without an authenticator.

Having the authenticator on your computer COMPLETELY defeats it. The hacker, while stealing your password, can just make a copy of your authenticator while they're at it.

The authenticator works because the hackers can never gain access to it.

And +1 to including it in all Cataclysm boxes (they're cheap).

That would be a really good thing, Retro...since I (and I suspect others) who have no access to a credit card or who are uncomfortable using the credit cards online, has been the greatest road block for us in securing one.

Rather than making a desktop version, expand the list of compatible phones...especially smartphones. I was amazed to find that for the most part, Palm wasn't supported...one of the major smartphone makers. I also do not see any Android devices on the list. That would reduce the need for authenticators if there was better coverage for phones.

Yeah, I don't understand why it's not out for more mobile platforms yet. Android and palm would add a decent chunk to the market. Or at least via a text message service (you text blizzard a password from a number attached to your account and they text back an authenticator code good for 3 minutes).

I actually have a stand alone authenticator, but I've never added it to the account b/c I'm worried it will break or I'll lose it. Much easier if it's just woven into my phone.

@ Wild Colors

just make sure you write down the 10 digit code on the back, then you can get it taken off. i lost my keys which had my old authenticator and the one i got from blizzcon that year when i was flying back to ny and regret not having written the bloody number down.

Great idea to include it with Cata. As far as having a program on your computer providing you with the code is pretty stupid. Accounts are hacked from keyloggers most of the time, so the same type of technology could be used to view/hack the authenticator software.

As far as hardware (keychain) authenticators vs phone software, I much prefer the hardware one. I have both types. On my iPhone, it takes too long to open up the app, compared to just pressing a button and instantly receiving the code on the hardware version.

Also, it's happened to me at least twice, that either my phone locked up and I had to restore it, or accidentally upgrading the iPhone app, and doing that without deactivating the authenticator from the account first will lock your account. And it's a major pain to call up support.

I much prefer the hardware authenticator over the phone software authenticators.

The fact why I have not yeat got myself an authenticator, is because Im afraid I'll lose it or the batteries go dead (at some point.. may it be two weeks or two years)

[even more] off topic here, but I heard I have to call blizzard to get my authenticator off if something happens to it? well, I don't speak very good english (I type better than speak, I think) so I think I won't do that.. so do you have to make the call, or can you, like email them..?

Three. words

Free SMS support.

I am sure all CATA boxes will have one, and tbh the money they are spending atm on staff etc for these issues probbly outway the cost of putting Authticators free in each CATA box.

BTW also to fix this authtication issue, maybe allow all countries to purchase from blizzard shop??

Srly every country has mail, why are blizzard not allowing them to purchase from them, when any normal person can send a letter or shipment to there.

@ MR. X
The trouble with sending an authenticator through the mail to certain countries has to do with defining the item. I believe Authenticators fall under encryption devices, so are limited in import/export.

Seems silly, but if they can't find a work around, they can't send it.

Yeppers, PSP or DSi support may stretch the numbers even further.

"Son, where's your DS? I need my Authenticator Code."

"Uhh..."

If you are able to get one and you don't have it yet, then you are risking too much. I never thought to get one untill 2 guildies got hacked in the same week. Yeah, most likely you can get your stuff back, after some time, but since we live in a shitty world where people will even hack into your free time hobbies for money you better protect yourself. It sucks that we have to pay for a device for this , but honestly, its better than watching your own toon ninja your guild vault...

By all means if they put it in Cataclysm boxes I'd use it. :D

I'm just gonna have to get used to having something else on my underused Keyring. >.>

Personally, I think it's time to:

PANIC!!!!!!!!
Assume that Blizzard wants to keep subscriptions and therefore will have a plan in place.... screw that...
PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU ARE ALL GOING TO LOSE ACCESS FOREVER!!!!

Continue the nerdrage, please.

Nah - they'll put one in ALL the boxes. I could be wrong, but I can't imagine they're expensive to produce in the numbers they'd be producing, and the infrastructure is already there, so it's not like more authenticators is really a huge added expense. You'll just throw yours away if you already have one.

That said, I would like to replace my first-gen authenticator, with the ugly Blizzard logo, with the new cooler one.

I'd also like to see them backlit, I always play in a dark room and I sort of have to tilt it towards the screen and hit the button right after I enter my password, because it darkens too much when it shows the screen where you have to enter your code...

Not too worried about Blizzard keeping up with demand for authenticators. If they decide to make them mandatory, they know *exactly* how many they need and will be able to contract to have them made and ready before the announcement.

ie: Decision is made, math is done, purchase orders are cut, when product is ready, announcement is made.

Easy Peasy.