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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsOpt-out option incoming for recent authenticator security change
by Michael Sacco 
Jul 26th 2011 at 8:00PM
The change, aimed to make authenticators less of a hassle for those who log on from the same computer quite a bit, caused an odd uproar on the official forums from players who were worried that this change somehow made their account less secure. Addressing these concerns, Blizzard Community Manager Zarhym announced today that Blizzard is working on providing an opt-out option for this convenience feature.
Details were scarce since, as Zarhym noted, Blizzard hasn't quite nailed down specifics yet, but he assured players that it's something Blizzard's been looking into since the authenticator change was first announced.
The full announcement post and followups are after the break.
About the Recent Authenticator Change
We understand the concern many players have with the recent Battle.net authenticator changes. To that end, we're exploring the idea of adding an "Opt Out" option within Battle.net Account Management, which would then force the prompt for an authenticator code whenever you log into World of Warcraft.
To be clear, we have gone to great lengths to ensure Battle.net accounts and authenticators provide players with a high level of security. Maintaining a safe and secure Blizzard gameplay environment remains a top priority for us.
To be clear, we have gone to great lengths to ensure Battle.net accounts and authenticators provide players with a high level of security. Maintaining a safe and secure Blizzard gameplay environment remains a top priority for us.
About the Recent Authenticator Change
We've been discussing the best way to implement new options for this feature since the moment it was announced. We don't yet have additional details about exactly how we might implement the feature, or whether it's something you'll need to opt out of by default, or opt into by default.
The news is already rolling out for the upcoming WoW Patch 4.2! Preview the new Firelands raid, marvel at the new legendary staff, and get the inside scoop on new quest hubs -- plus new tier 12 armor!Filed under: News items, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 5)
Ben Jul 27th 2011 10:53AM
It is still secure, unless the hacker uses your own home and computer to compromise your account. Actually, it is more secure because it makes it harder for hackers to monitor the authentication codes to find patterns and break the algorithm. Fewer entries means less data to work with.
StClair Jul 27th 2011 11:54AM
If someone with malicious intent is able to get physical access to your computer, in your home (i.e., not even stealing it and taking it somewhere else to log in), you're boned in ways that go far, far beyond your WoW account.
Billaos Jul 27th 2011 2:14PM
Conspiracy theorists everywhere, rejoice!
gilbert.fernandes Aug 1st 2011 9:21AM
The code has to be entered each time.
Why ?
Let's see. You have a PC. Wow is installed on it.
You buy an authenticator, and launch the game. Authenticate, done.
Now. You leave the PC. And someone has it infected the next day with something that allows to randomly take control of keyboard and mouse. That person waits for the screensaver to activate, so you are not in front of the PC. He/she uses the remote control to launch Wow, uses the code you got from sucking all keyboard typing, and since the Authenticator is not required, here goes your accounts gold, stuff and eveything in it.
The authenticator is a protection against that. If someone steals your password, and has a tool control mouse/keyboard from another machine, since the code is required, nothing can happen.
Taking control of mouse+keyboard of infected machines is very easy.
heck. I am PAID by some wives to install such software on their husbands computers so they can look around even when they are not home because they go to hotels for work and then use websites to find women locally and have sex or whatever...