SWTOR: Keyfob-ulous!
Keyfob-ulous!
Most of you have probably already been notified of the changes being implemented on the official forums regarding account security. Besides changing your password (regularly, as they suggest), the other option that will be available to us will be the custom branded Security Authentication Key:
Just like any other user account you have, changing your The Old Republic password on a regular basis is one of the simple measures you can take to protect your personal information. Another way to ensure a secure account is to get the official custom branded Security Authentication Key, available in the Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector’s Edition. The Collector’s Edition is still available in limited quantities at select retailers. Watch for more information on other ways to obtain The Old Republic Security Key soon!
So, what does it do?
Essentially, the authenticator adds a supplemental authentication method to your account. Once activated, you will be required to use the code generated by the authenticator, in addition to your normal password, to log into the game. BioWare hasn’t given us any specifics about availability yet, or even how they will be used (i.e., will we need to use it every single time we log in?), but have promised that such information is forthcoming.
Blizzard has a similar authenticator, and runs a promotion to encourage folks to pick them up by tethering their purchase to unlocking an in-game pet. The World of Warcraft-branded authenticator retails for $6.50 USD, which leads me to believe that BioWare’s will be competitively priced. I wouldn’t mind getting a baby Rancor Monster in-game by buying one, but that’s probably a pipe dream for the time being…
So, why should you get one?
Well, it seems that no company is safe these days when it comes to targeted hack-attacks. Have you checked your Steam account security, lately? With as big as SWTOR will most likely be, SWTOR will be no exception. The authenticator adds a bit more peace of mind. I’m hoping to see a Mobile Authenticator App made available as well, for those who prefer not to use the keyfob.
I’ll be curious to see if EA tries tethering the authenticator to their Origin service as well, and if people would welcome that move in light of the Steam shenanigans.
Would you jump at the chance to order one of these separately? Would you expect an in-game reward, similar to what Blizzard has done? Would you prefer to wait for a mobile version of the same thing?
8 Responses to “SWTOR: Keyfob-ulous!”
Already in my CE Box.
But these are a must, if I had no already get my hands on the key-fob I would look to buy one or d/l an app for it.
got mine ordered, these are so crucial i couldnt imagine being subbed to a MMO nowadays without one. 🙂
Didn’t get ce, but I shall be picking up the fob, hopefully one will have a mandolorian symbol on it
Got the CE, and part of the reason for that was these babies. Plus, ya know, all the other awesome stuff in it.
I pre-ordered the CE so I have one coming. I use a mobile app version of this for my #rift. As much as i find it annoying to have to input the key (which is different every 30 sec or so) every time i log in. I know that I will be safer.
Rosie
The CE key-fob was definitely a huge reason for my CE preorder. I like the other bonus items; the CE in-game store is a great idea, the statue already has a dedicated spot in my geek trophy case, etc. But the key-fob put it over the top. For as much time as I’m going to spend on my account I want it to be as secure as it can be. I’ve never been hacked, but I’ve had friends in other games who lost everything and ended up unsubscribing out of frustration when Customer Service didn’t live up to their name.
Lock. It. Down.
I thought about getting the CE for one of these, but couldn’t stomach what would’ve been a 100$ keyfob, when we all know that there’s got to be another way to get one soon enough.
Still, I think fobs are necessary for ANY secure transaction, given how insecure everything else is. I just wish banks felt the same way. It’s embarrassing that my bank account is less secure than my game account it.
I ordered the Collector’s Edition so i have an authenticator coming.
I also have a WoW authenticator and would HIGHLY recommend one for gamers.
There is nothing worse that going to get on the game, just to find out:
1) You can NOT get on the game and must go through the hassle of customer service.
2) You get on the game just to find that your your toons have been deleted, moved or stripped.
3) Your guild bank was raped.
or any combinatiion there of.
I am sure SWTOR will be no different in the type and ammount of attacks. If there is real money to be made by selling your game stuff online (including your account), then it will be done probably the day after it launches.
How do they do it? One method is to put up a site with information you might look for (quest objectives, Armor locations, How-To character builders, etc…). By going to these sites, you inadvertently install an ACTIVE-X component on your computer. Part of that component is a key logger that communicates back to a phantom site. The hacker then collects the data from the phantom site.
Another method is to put up a FAKE Swtor screen and have you log in. Once you have entered the info, it will flash an error message (something about unable to …..) and then log you off (as if you were ever on). So, be very leary about logging onto a site if you did not use the LAUNCH icon.
And NEVER, NEVER, NEVER log onto SWTOR forums from anywhere but from your EA account.
Hope this helps those that do not have access to the authenticator right away, Lance