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Battle.net authenticator process updated with smarter log-in detection

A substantial updated to the Battle.net authentication system was announced today. Players will soon notice a change to their authenticator log on -- it just might not appear. Blizzard's login servers and authentication system now intelligently track where your account is logging into the game from and, if you're consistently logging in on your home computer, the authentication servers will let you pass, no code needed.

Blizzard wants make the authentication process less intrusive and this is a first step towards that goal. Right now, having to input a code each and every log in is a pain, sure, but it also makes me feel secure. I'm never going to say no to more security, however, and if the system is something that can accurately figure out where I am and let me on, that's great.

This doesn't take into consideration the circumstance where you use an authenticator to prevent access to WoW, even from the home PC. I know some parents who use a simple password that their kids can remember but use the authenticator as the gate to prevent unwanted play. Maybe there will be an opt-out feature of some kind to always ask for the code.

You can check out the Battle.net account security page or check out the Blizzard mobile site for application information. For more information on this specific change to the authenticator system, follow me after the break.



If you use an authenticator – and we hope you do – you may soon notice that an authenticator prompt may not appear with every login. We've recently updated our authentication system to intelligently track your login locations, and if you're logging in consistently from the same place, you may not be asked for an authenticator code. This change is being made to make the authenticator process less intrusive when we're sure the person logging in to your account is you.

We hope to continue improving the authenticator system to ensure the same or greater security, while improving and adding features to make having one a more user friendly experience. If you don't already have a Battle.net Authenticator attached to your account, don't wait until it's too late - http://us.battle.net/en/security/checklist

If you have comments, concerns, or feedback regarding this change, please visit this thread to voice them so we can consolidate your thoughts. Thanks!

Original Thread: http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/2674529777