Blizzard Adds Dial-In Authenticator Service, Combats Keylogging Hackers
Come one, come all. Witness the evolution of Blizzard’s authentication security! Those of you who have been playing World of Warcraft long enough know that the game is plagued by gold farmers and hackers very determined to get their grubby mitts on your virtual stuff. Well, in an effort to combat these meddling would be thieves, the folks at Blizzard created a device originally called the Blizzard Authenticator (now referred to as the Battle.net Authenticator.
The initial version of this service featured a digital screen with time released numeric security codes and doubled as a key chain (available for online purchase at $6.50 from the Blizzard Store). A few years (and handful of pricey eBay auctions) later, you could access the very same security on your mobile device via the Battle.net Mobile Authenticator for free. And now, Blizzard has added yet another option for their rightfully paranoid customers … the Battle.net Dial-in Authenticator!
The Battle.net Dial-in Authenticator is exactly what it sounds like, and is aimed at customers who don’t have the key chain or mobile alternatives, as well as anyone concerned about the recent keylogging epidemic. Signing up for this service displays a toll free number and one time security code on your screen with each log in attempt, and allows only those who can dial in from the phone(s) you authorize to access your account. Not enough security? No problem. The Dial-in Authenticator also requires you to create your own personal pin number that needs to be verified when you call.
