TalonBot
06-10-2009, 01:21 PM
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.wow.com/media/2009/06/authenticator_newlook_rlt.jpg (http://www.blizzard.com/store/search.xml?q=authenticator)After getting a glimpse into the operations and motivations of a scammer (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/06/an-interview-with-a-scammer/), a lot of questions have arisen about the Authenticator (http://www.wow.com/tag/authenticator/). Can it be circumvented? Through social engineering, yes. Is having an Authenticator worth the hassle? Absolutely. These are just quick answers, and this is a topic worthy of more in-depth questions and long answers.
What is the Authenticator?
The Authenticator is a small device (http://www.blizzard.com/store/search.xml?q=authenticator) (pictured right) or an iPhone/iPod Touch app (http://www.wow.com/2009/03/27/iphone-authenticator-now-in-app-store/) that can be tied to your account and provide an extra layer of security. The application is free, but the physical Authenticator costs $6.50 with free shipping in the U.S. They are also available in other countries.
How does it work?
The Authenticator generates a code that you must enter after entering your username and password when logging into WoW or when accessing your account management screens. This code is a one use code that is valid only for a limited time. But it is valid for longer than it lasts on the Authenticator. A new code is generated every few seconds, but an unused code is valid for longer than that (I'm not sure how long). For more details about how the Authenticator works, please read our interview with Blizzard (http://www.wow.com/2008/09/18/wow-insider-interview-blizzard-speaks-about-authenticator-secur/).
Continue reading The truth about Authenticators (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/)
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion (http://www.wow.com/category/analysis-opinion/), Account Security (http://www.wow.com/category/account-security/)
The truth about Authenticators (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/) originally appeared on WoW.com (http://www.wow.com) on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).
Permalink (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/) | Email this (http://www.wow.com/forward/19061067/) | Comments (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/#comments)
More... (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/wowinsider/~3/tFx6wMeSZbI/)
What is the Authenticator?
The Authenticator is a small device (http://www.blizzard.com/store/search.xml?q=authenticator) (pictured right) or an iPhone/iPod Touch app (http://www.wow.com/2009/03/27/iphone-authenticator-now-in-app-store/) that can be tied to your account and provide an extra layer of security. The application is free, but the physical Authenticator costs $6.50 with free shipping in the U.S. They are also available in other countries.
How does it work?
The Authenticator generates a code that you must enter after entering your username and password when logging into WoW or when accessing your account management screens. This code is a one use code that is valid only for a limited time. But it is valid for longer than it lasts on the Authenticator. A new code is generated every few seconds, but an unused code is valid for longer than that (I'm not sure how long). For more details about how the Authenticator works, please read our interview with Blizzard (http://www.wow.com/2008/09/18/wow-insider-interview-blizzard-speaks-about-authenticator-secur/).
Continue reading The truth about Authenticators (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/)
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion (http://www.wow.com/category/analysis-opinion/), Account Security (http://www.wow.com/category/account-security/)
The truth about Authenticators (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/) originally appeared on WoW.com (http://www.wow.com) on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).
Permalink (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/) | Email this (http://www.wow.com/forward/19061067/) | Comments (http://www.wow.com/2009/06/10/the-truth-about-authenticators/#comments)
More... (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/wowinsider/~3/tFx6wMeSZbI/)