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WoW Rookie: Keeping your account safe and sound

Lisa Poisso
Updated ·3 min read


New around here? WoW Rookie points WoW's newest players to the resources they need to get acclimated. Send us a note to suggest a WoW Rookie topic.

It doesn't take keyboard gymnastics to prevent your account from getting hacked. As a new player, you're bound to be concerned – and if you do any digging at all, you're also bound to uncover a tangle of acerbic, rather arcane-sounding comments (many of them on posts right here at WoW Insider) about what operating systems, browsers and browser add-ons are most secure.

You really don't have to change your entire computer system simply to keep your WoW account safe. This week, WoW Rookie rounds up a selection of WoW Insider posts that show you how (and why) to keep your WoW account from being hacked and prevent your computer from spilling its beans to the world at large.


Account security basics
Although this older WoW Rookie post doesn't contain information on newer security measures such as the Blizzard authenticator key, it does a good job at reviewing the routine steps you should be taking to protect your World of Warcraft investment. Find about about creating a strong password, how to dodge keyloggers and phishers, and what to do if you find your password has mysteriously stopped working.

Tips for keeping your account safe
More security basics: keeping software up to date, scanning for viruses, avoiding gold sellers and powerleveling services, recognizing e-mail scams and using the Blizzard account authenticator key.

Blizzard speaks on authenticator security
Blizzard answers WoW Insider's questions about how Blizzard authenticator keys work and clarifies common questions about security.

Activating your account authenticator key
Here you go: step-by-step instructions on how to activate your own Blizzard account authenticator key.

Account security is your responsibility
Gaming companies place some of the blame for a compromised account on you, the account holder -- and for good reason. The browsers you use, the sites you visit, your firewall settings, the anti-virus software you use and how often you update your software are just a few of the ways that you contribute to your own hacking experience.

Account security mythbusting
Contributing Editor and former Blizzard CM Michael Sacco shares his inside experience and knowledge to burst or confirm common account security myths.

Preserving your online privacy
Even if you think you've got nothing to hide, you don't want to discover your Social Security number posted on the WoW forums or hear guildmates discussing your home address and telephone number. Here's how to maintain your personal information privacy.

Patient patching prevents problems
In a hurry to patch? Downloading from unofficial sources puts you at risk for all sorts of malignant surprises. Here's why you should stick with Blizzard (or a verified source like our sister site, Big Download).


WoW Rookie feeds you the basics

to get you off to a good start in the World of Warcraft. Find more tools you can use in the WoW Insider Directory and WoW Insider Leveling Guides.