Pimp your Authenticator

A while back I bought an authenticator to add an extra layer of security to my Warcraft account. But since it travels everywhere in my pocket attached to my keys, the art work on the front is starting to look a bit damaged. Then while listening to Turpster on the Wow Insider Show offer to sign the BlizzCon authenticator they were giving away and idea struck me. Why not make my own sticker to attach to the front, with unique artwork!


Twenty minutes later I had myself two templates and a handful of custom artworks for my authenticator. These along with some simple instructions I share with you.

1. Buy an Authenticator from the Blizzard Store if you don’t already own one.
2. Visit your local stationary store and buy some sticky labels. The word template works perfectly with the Avery L7163 labels but with a bit of tweaking or if you use the Illustrator template most sticky labels will work as long as it is larger than 52mm by 21mm.
3. Find an image to use on your authenticator. You might want to use a screen shot of your character, some Blizzard concept art or even draw some thing yourself. You may need to revisit this step several times until you find a picture that fits well.
4. Open either the Word or Illustrator template and place your chosen image behind the overlay. Once your happy with the placement print your design onto the sticky label.
5. Using a sharp craft knife carefully cut out the blank spaces and then around the edges.
6. Peel your sticker off its backing and attach to your authenticator.

Download the Word Template

Download the Illustrator Template

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Authenticator

So authenticators are now available to Australia, you too can protect your account from hackers for the low price of US$6.50. So I signed up to the Blizzard store, selected myself an authenticator and a second on for Alassiel put in the payment information and then just about fell off my chair. Shipping and handling for two tiny authenticators is US$77.81! How could two authenticators cost so much to send?


I mentioned Authenticators in a previous post. They are intended to provide an additional layer of defense against hackers by requiring you to enter an additional code generated by the Authenticator every time you log in.

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New Security Measure Announced

Blizzard have announced a new security measure for your World of Warcraft account. You will be able to buy a key fob size electronic device that generates a six digit pin number on the press of a button. Called an authenticator this device will cost $6.50 US and can be linked to one or more accounts. The authentication codes generated by this device are account specific, can only be used once and only functions for a limited time. This technology is similar to that provided by banks (a banking example device can be seen in the picture to the right) to secure online banking and will significantly decrease the chance of having your account stolen or hacked into and is a great step to providing players with a secure playing environment. Participation in this addition security measure is voluntary but I will be participating, $6.50 is a small price to pay to save yourself from the horror of login in to find yourself poor and naked.

You can view the official Blizzard press release here or have a look at the FAQ page on the device here.

Image from http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com

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