Hacker groups tried to take down WoW ... and failed
by Adam Holisky 
Aug 22nd 2011 at 10:30AM
While the question and answer doesn't specifically say LulzSec or Anonymous, I think it's safe to assume LulzSec is the group in question, given the recent high-profile attacks on U.S. government sites and other MMOs, like EVE Online.
Most of LulzSec's work has been focused on DDoS attacks and breaking into servers to create "lulz." During their most recent spree, rumors abounded that WoW was a target; however, nothing came of it. It would now appear nothing came of it thanks to Blizzard's security measures.
Tom Chilton
Several major gaming studios have fallen victim to hackers of late. What measure are Blizzard taking to ensure that WoW is not hit?
We have always tried to be as diligent as we possibly can when it comes to security. Certainly when hacking was going on with other companies recently there were numerous attempts against ourselves also. Fortunately, our security was good enough, so we didn't lose data or anything like that.
We always put a high priority on security, but that's not to say you can ever be impregnable. We're not resting on our laurels saying 'they can't get us'. It's always a possibility, and we take it very serious, but so far, so good.
We have always tried to be as diligent as we possibly can when it comes to security. Certainly when hacking was going on with other companies recently there were numerous attempts against ourselves also. Fortunately, our security was good enough, so we didn't lose data or anything like that.
We always put a high priority on security, but that's not to say you can ever be impregnable. We're not resting on our laurels saying 'they can't get us'. It's always a possibility, and we take it very serious, but so far, so good.
Filed under: Blizzard, News items, Account Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Austin Aug 22nd 2011 10:37AM
I remember hearing that Facebook was another major target. Makes you wonder if it could be taken down.
Wulfkin Aug 22nd 2011 10:56AM
This claim was debunked by Anonymous on twitter as a windup by a fake account. Don't worry, your Farmville is safe... for now.
Skyrei Aug 22nd 2011 6:47PM
Could you imagine if Facebook was taken down?
What would people do with all that free time?
Would have have to return of the archaic era of verbal communication?
Balgus Aug 22nd 2011 10:38AM
Uh oh... Bragging online about beating hackers is just asking for it...
Eirik Aug 22nd 2011 3:50PM
Don't get caught monologuing!
jfofla Aug 22nd 2011 4:12PM
Hackers have no power....IN JAIL
Sqtsquish Aug 22nd 2011 4:18PM
Nah this is just what you want to hear regarding any company that you pay for their services "we've been safe so far, but you can never be too safe"
Tribunal Aug 22nd 2011 10:39AM
I realize he even said "we're not saying we're unbreakable" but I can't help but wonder if this will be taken as even more of a "come and get us".
Always seems like a risk.
Straz Aug 22nd 2011 10:41AM
I just don't understand some people. What joy can there be in doing stuff like this? Just proves that you're a basement-dwelling tool squandering away any potential you have just to be a jackass.
Wulfkin Aug 22nd 2011 11:01AM
To be fair LulzSec and Anonymous have a pretty robust political movement against oppressive government and the rule of big business. As a rather large business, you can see why Blizzard may have become a target. Not saying that I would have wanted WoW to be hacked, because obviously don't; however it's pointing out that regardless of your view on their politics, these aren't just a bunch of basement-dwellers trying to screw people over.
Personally, whilst the MMO attacks were an unusual move, they have since been involved in exposing corruption in government agencies which I feel more than validates their work.
Wicked Aug 22nd 2011 11:09AM
Wait, are we still talking about hackers or gankers?
MrJackSauce Aug 22nd 2011 11:15AM
I got the inpression that LulzSec = We're LULZing at your SECurity you big businesses that promisw us "common folks" "top security" when really it's nothing at all when some random hackers (lulzsec) can come in and just DDOS it to oblivion.
This article is proof that Blizzard take it a bit more seriously.
MrJackSauce Aug 22nd 2011 11:16AM
I got the impression that LulzSec = We're LULZing at your SECurity. At big businesses that promise us "common folks" "top security", when really it's nothing at all when some random hackers (lulzsec) can come in and just DDOS it to oblivion.
This article is proof that Blizzard take it a bit more seriously.
MrJackSauce Aug 22nd 2011 11:16AM
Downrate Top one to oblivion. No spell checking and, ugh, it's just horrible to read.
Caz Aug 22nd 2011 11:20AM
I'd have to agree. I understand the Robin Hood type movement, but I don' t think Blizz is anything like our Govt. I don't understand some ppl either, why hack games that people enjoy playing. Find something else to hack
Cyno01 Aug 22nd 2011 11:30AM
http://randazza.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/lulz.jpg
Suzaku Aug 22nd 2011 9:37PM
@Wulfkin:
Anyone who thinks LulzSec or Anonymous are serious political or social movements has to be an idiot teenager.
LulzSec did not accomplish one goddamn thing, except for forcing various online services to go offline and inconenience thousands of consumers, and leaking tens of thousands of passwords stolen from various websites. They hacked PBS, a donor-funded non-profit television network which prides itself on educational programming and solid news reporting. They were trolls trying to justify their trolling. And now several of them are locked up where they belong.
Anonymous "the group", has had some valid points in the past, but has NEVER accomplished anything meaningful, because they're a bunch of fucking teenagers who jump from one bandwagon to the next every other month. Oooh, Anonymous versus Scientology! No, wait, they got distracted, now they're sending death threats to a 13-year-old girl that made fun of them. Half the time they care more about publicity than their "movement", and most of the rest of the time they're posting stupid memes on message boards.
You want to see some real political movements?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otpor!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kmara
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_6_Youth_Movement
Maxilimus Aug 22nd 2011 10:38PM
@Suzaku
LulzSec is just a few script kiddies with a bot net
Anonymous is big and for the most part disorganized. The people who do those specific things are just the same people. They have accomplished some good though.
Wulfkin Aug 22nd 2011 11:19PM
@suzaku
Well (obviously) I disagree. I think Anonymous have done a lot of good, most recently with the paypal boycotts, I thought it was quite impressive getting tens of thousands of people to unite in protest all at once.
To say they jump from lots of issues is you being deliberately reductive, you're talking about an umbrella of lots of smaller protest groups with different agendas united only by a broadly defined common cause; of course their actions aren't consistent, the actions of hundreds of individuals rarely are!
Also the whole hacker = loser teenager idea doesn't really fly any more, same as you could hardly say WoW players must all be loser teenagers. I respect you don't approve, but base your criticism on something more concrete than cliched stereotypes.
Oh, and in regards to the accusation I must be an 'idiot teenager', I'm 27 with a masters degree in politics, so funnily enough I am aware of what a political movement looks like. :P
Nawaf Aug 22nd 2011 10:42AM
anything can be hacked. It's just that somethings require more time than others.