Cataclysm Beta: Guild ranks can be set to require authenticator
by Robin Torres 
Sep 15th 2010 at 9:00AM
This is a much more reliable tool than making members show their Core Hound Pup in order to get guild bank privileges, which was really the only way to verify authenticator use before. Of course, this is the beta, and that means the functionality may change drastically before making it to live, if it does. I predict, however, that Blizzard will try its very best to release this setting, as its use should reduce time spent recovering stolen bank items.
Guild leaders, will you use this feature? Guild officers, what is your opinion of this change?
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it; nothing will be the same! In our Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion, from brand new races to revamped quests and zones. Visit our Cataclysm news category for the most recent posts having to do with the Cataclysm expansion.Filed under: Guilds, Account Security, Cataclysm
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)
Darky Sep 15th 2010 9:01AM
Fantastic.
Mahgo Sep 15th 2010 9:06AM
Hell, its about time.
Jam Sep 15th 2010 9:09AM
The default setting for Guild Masters option is a bit alarming. I live in a country Blizzard deemed unworthy of receiving the gift of Authenticators.
Darky Sep 15th 2010 9:14AM
In this day and age everyone and their dog has an ipod touch/iphone/android I'm not saying its a solution but it isn't exactly a gigantic issue.
Mahgo Sep 15th 2010 9:17AM
Illidan : o.O
Turns out Blizzard was prepared.
Robin Torres Sep 15th 2010 9:22AM
Jam, it's the default setting for the highest rank below Guild Master, not Guild Master.
Jam Sep 15th 2010 9:26AM
It kind of is a problem if the mobile application doesn't support your specific handset. I don't see the Nokia E72 (my handset) anywhere on the list. Oh, and you have to pay via PayPal, which is again, not an option for everyone.
Hoof Sep 15th 2010 9:49AM
My guild will definitely use this feature. We currently secure the guild bank by checking core hounds as it is. This will ensure we're always up-to-date on people's authenticator status.
Netherscourge Sep 15th 2010 10:07AM
I think this is a great idea.
If I was running a guild, I wouldn't want an Officer to get hacked and start emptying the Guild Bank.
I'm usually anti-mandatory authenticators, but with guilds I support it.
Still, Blizzard should have included them with the Collector's Edition of Cataclysm so this wouldn't even that big of an issue because most hardcore WoW gamers are getting the CE and they'd have an authenticator by default.
rplkleynhans Sep 15th 2010 10:43AM
Great, except if you are from a country (South Africa for me) to which Bliz wont ship authenticators and your handset is not supported (such as me and most people in my guild).
Eternauta Sep 15th 2010 10:48AM
I agree with both Jam's comments.
bob Sep 15th 2010 10:49AM
@Jam:
Where there is a will there is a way. Even if you live somewhere where there are no authenticators or you can afford the monthly subscription but not the extra $6 for the token, you can have an authenticator.
Blizz has a mobile authenticator app for Android. Android can be run in a virtual machine (like the free VirtualBox) off of a live CD (The one called live-android seems to work well). The live-android wiki has instructions for how to install applications into your new Android instance, which you can use to install the mobile authenticator.
Is it as easy as the hardware authenticator or simply having an iPhone/Android phone? Not by a long shot. Is it impossible? Also no.
Supereuropa Sep 15th 2010 11:55AM
Not really. See, my country has gamecards I can buy, but there are no authenticators. It's not about money, it's about they aren't available. And I can't afford an iPhone or an Android phone.
dinnercoat Sep 15th 2010 12:28PM
@Jam:
I'm guessing it has to do with export restrictions on encryption.
Pyromelter Sep 15th 2010 12:59PM
http://www.wowwiki.com/Battle.net_Mobile_Authenticator
Check out the sections on "desktop port" and "unsupported mobile devices." Since the mobile authenticator is a java app, it can be ported to desktops and mobile phones that can run java.
wutsconflag Sep 15th 2010 4:13PM
HALLELUJAH!
charlie Sep 15th 2010 5:51PM
@Jam et al.
There are now free versions of the authenticator around. Sure, they aren't the physical device, and those are the best security. But something is definitely better than nothing.
I use an open-source Windows based one, as a backup and an alternate, as it can clone the key from my Android phone. It's at http://code.google.com/p/winauth
DavidC Sep 16th 2010 12:05PM
No Excuse for not having an authenticator. There are ways to turn cold hard cash into electronic monies even if the easiest way (paypal) is not an option. There are ways to get products shipped to you, even if Blizzard doesn't ship directly to your country.
The only excuse people have is laziness. Heck, even teenagers have options.
So, if you want to run a guild, then don't be lazy ... even if you don't want to run a guild get an authenticator so Blizzard Resources (which are not infinite) can be better spent on stuff other then retrieving your/guild stolen stuff.
cmichaelcooper Sep 15th 2010 9:06AM
Brilliant.
Mistat Sep 15th 2010 9:04AM
Nice.
Won't do much against dedicated bank thieves, but it'll stop the hackers from robbing your guild banks blind, at least.