WoW Dongle for added security?

With the vast number of ways people can get hacked, everybody’s thinking of a way to better protect themselves. Keyloggers, trojans, spoofs, and other hacks have been the bane of online players everywhere.

Rushster from the World of War forums offered some interesting speculation regarding Blizzard‘s move to increase security in World of Warcraft. Apparently, WoW subscribers received a general survey email. The survey asked the usual questions but some questions caught Rushster’s eye.

Under additional security systems, Blizzard inquires whether the player would like to use a voluntary security system. Three systems were proposed:

• Disconnected Token. A disconnected token is a physical object that will fit on your keyring or in your pocket. It has an LCD screen and a button or keypad. When you press the button or keypad, it will display the password on the LCD screen. It runs on batteries that will last for years. For security reasons, the batteries canÂ’t be replaced when they run out.
• Connected Token. A connected token is similar to the Disconnected Token but has one more level of security. It connects to your computer either through a USB port or through a wireless connection to authenticate your token before generating a new password which you will then be able to enter into your account.
• Software Token. A software token is similar to the Disconnected Token except that it is not a physical object on your keyring or in your pocket. Instead, it is a software application installed on a portable device that you already own, such as a cell phone, palm pilot, portable music player, Windows Mobile device, etc.

Then the survey asks if the player would be interested in purchasing and using one. Then regarding the WoW site and account management:

• Asking you an additional challenge question based on your contact information (for example, what is your real name?)
• Using a one-time use password like the ones described on the previous pages

Whether these are going to be implemented or not, doubt still remains in some players. What would happen if they lose their token? What some people find out how to emulate the password generators? Anyway, let’s keep our fingers crossed and wait for more info.

With the vast number of ways people can get hacked, everybody’s thinking of a way to better protect themselves. Keyloggers, trojans, spoofs, and other hacks have been the bane of online players everywhere.

Rushster from the World of War forums offered some interesting speculation regarding Blizzard‘s move to increase security in World of Warcraft. Apparently, WoW subscribers received a general survey email. The survey asked the usual questions but some questions caught Rushster’s eye.

Under additional security systems, Blizzard inquires whether the player would like to use a voluntary security system. Three systems were proposed:

• Disconnected Token. A disconnected token is a physical object that will fit on your keyring or in your pocket. It has an LCD screen and a button or keypad. When you press the button or keypad, it will display the password on the LCD screen. It runs on batteries that will last for years. For security reasons, the batteries canÂ’t be replaced when they run out.
• Connected Token. A connected token is similar to the Disconnected Token but has one more level of security. It connects to your computer either through a USB port or through a wireless connection to authenticate your token before generating a new password which you will then be able to enter into your account.
• Software Token. A software token is similar to the Disconnected Token except that it is not a physical object on your keyring or in your pocket. Instead, it is a software application installed on a portable device that you already own, such as a cell phone, palm pilot, portable music player, Windows Mobile device, etc.

Then the survey asks if the player would be interested in purchasing and using one. Then regarding the WoW site and account management:

• Asking you an additional challenge question based on your contact information (for example, what is your real name?)
• Using a one-time use password like the ones described on the previous pages

Whether these are going to be implemented or not, doubt still remains in some players. What would happen if they lose their token? What some people find out how to emulate the password generators? Anyway, let’s keep our fingers crossed and wait for more info.