Blizzard possibly releasing Mobile Authenticator for iPhone

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As TUAW reports, Blizzard has posted a job listing on their website, indicating they are building a Mobile Authenticator for Apple's iPhone/iPod touch.

The Authenticator currently comes in a hardware form, costing $6.50 US, and is used to further secure players account in Blizzard's World of Warcraft. This would come in extremely handy for those looking to further secure their World of Warcraft accounts, but don't want an extra device (or have to pay $6.50) to do so.

There's no word on how far away the Mobile Authenticator is, or how much it will cost. You'll be able to use it for your Battle.net account also, for as many accounts as you desire. For the iPod touch iteration, you will need a WiFi connection to initially activate the Mobile Authenticator; after this, you won't need a network connection. Pricing is expected to be lower than $6.50, as that cost is mainly for hardware costs. Also, it would make sense Blizzard would want to keep pricing down as low as possible, in order to help as many people as possible keep their accounts secure.

Keep an eye on Neowin's gaming section to see when Blizzard plans to release the application via Apple's App Store.

#1 -Hiroshi- on 20 Mar 2009 - 04:53

Nothing really beats common sense and a secure password.

(2 replies) #2 +Anarkii on 20 Mar 2009 - 05:24

Very true, for the hell of though i've purchased the Blizz Authenticator for my WoW account, just because my guild has over 30,000 gold and other high level raiding supplies. Being an officer, I don't want to be responsible for the guild bank getting hacked under my account and loosing all that. So $6.50 in my opinion is a great buy.

#2.1 phrea on 20 Mar 2009 - 05:56

And if they were not always sold out when I checked, I would buy one myself. :

#2.2 +dead.cell on 20 Mar 2009 - 18:36

Yeah, they sell out very quickly.

#3 FISKER_Q on 20 Mar 2009 - 08:45

It's already done, just only released in Korea for the moment: http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=26109

Though i dunno what versions are supported yet, as it looks like the carrier has to send out the app or something.

#4 ptchaos on 20 Mar 2009 - 09:41

iPhone is really on the news lately

Really like the idea. Since I always carry the phone with me, no more having another piece of hardware to safely play the game.
And for sure it will solve the sold out problem.

(1 reply) #5 Crompee on 20 Mar 2009 - 10:55

I dont understand what this has to do with the iPhone? It says in the top right corner that the Mobile Authenticator is a downloadable application for mobile phones.. Its not exclusive to the iPhone, its for all internet enabled phones.

#5.1 ptchaos on 20 Mar 2009 - 12:11

Correct, tried looking on Blizzard pages and found nothing about being specific for iPhone.

But the source of this news is TUAW and WoWInsider, which states "The page is sparse on exactly what phones and mobile devices will be supported, but it does mention that it works with the iPod Touch and iPhone."

#6 NeoandGeo on 20 Mar 2009 - 12:31

Monopolizing little kids with their moms credit cards should be considered illegal, don't you think? :p

#7 eXtermia on 20 Mar 2009 - 12:33

I just want to be able to do Fingerprint logon(Digital Persona comes to mind or the MS Fingerprint Series) OR even a SmartCard. I don't play at KIOSK terminals so I don't need to take it with me (but if I did I still would like to use fingerprint or smartcards to get in game).

Something you know and something you are..... I find this much more secure (even if fingerprints are not 100%). I already logon to the Blizzard website this way. So I just wish it would work with the client. Say good by to keyloggers anyway..

(1 reply) #8 LynxMukka on 20 Mar 2009 - 12:53

Can we actually have news that is confirmed or least rather than simply a possibility piece of news that is all from some small Apple Fanboy site.

What news is becoming these days.

#8.1 ptchaos on 20 Mar 2009 - 14:40

Well, seems confirmed, since the information is on Blizzard website
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=26109

#9 eXtermia on 20 Mar 2009 - 13:09

grr mispelled goodbye but wouldn't let me edit

#10 Crimson Behelit on 20 Mar 2009 - 13:23

This is an excellent idea, I'm impressed.

#11 GreyWolfSC on 20 Mar 2009 - 15:04

While it might be handy, by putting what was once in a secure chip on any phone's OS it weakens the chain of trust of the security as there is yet another layer the authenticator ID or current key could be duplicated.

#12 +Obi Wong on 20 Mar 2009 - 15:06

Here is the download site
right now they only have it for Korean carriers
the US/EU carriers link is grayed out and not clickable

https://us.battle.net/account/support/mobil...th-download.xml

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