In today‘s digital age, online gaming has become an integral part of many people‘s lives. Millions of players worldwide log into their favorite games every day to compete, socialize, and immerse themselves in virtual worlds. However, as the popularity of online gaming has grown, so too have the risks and challenges associated with securing player accounts.
One company that has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges is Blizzard Entertainment, the creator of iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. In recent years, Blizzard has implemented a variety of security measures to protect its players‘ accounts, including two-factor authentication, account recovery tools, and most recently, mandatory phone number verification for certain games.
The Rise of Account Hacking and Toxic Behavior in Online Gaming
To understand why Blizzard and other gaming companies are investing so heavily in account security, it‘s important to first look at the scope of the problem. According to a report by the cybersecurity firm Akamai, the gaming industry suffered 12 billion credential stuffing attacks in 2020 alone, representing a 224% increase from the previous year. Credential stuffing is a type of cyberattack where hackers use lists of stolen username and password combinations to attempt to log into multiple accounts across different services.
In addition to account hacking, online gaming communities have also struggled with issues like cheating, harassment, and toxic behavior. A 2019 survey by the Anti-Defamation League found that 65% of players had experienced some form of severe harassment while playing online games, including physical threats, stalking, and sustained harassment. These issues not only harm individual players but can also damage the reputation and growth of entire gaming communities.
| Type of Harassment | Percentage of Players Affected |
|---|---|
| Physical Threats | 44% |
| Stalking | 13% |
| Sustained Harassment | 29% |
| Any Severe Harassment | 65% |
Source: Anti-Defamation League, "Free to Play? Hate, Harassment, and Positive Social Experiences in Online Games 2020"
The Evolution of Blizzard‘s Account Security Measures
Blizzard has been actively working to combat these issues for many years, with a particular focus on securing player accounts. In 2009, the company introduced the Battle.net Authenticator, a physical device that generates time-based codes for two-factor authentication. Players could also use a mobile app version of the Authenticator for added convenience.
However, as hacking techniques became more sophisticated, Blizzard recognized the need for additional layers of security. In 2012, the company introduced Battle.net SMS Protect, which allows players to associate their accounts with a mobile phone number for verification purposes. With SMS Protect enabled, players are required to enter a code sent to their phone via text message whenever logging in from a new device or location.
In 2022, Blizzard took this security measure a step further by making SMS Protect mandatory for most of its games. Now, players must provide a valid phone number and verify their identity through SMS in order to access titles like Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. This change was met with some backlash from players who felt it was too invasive or inconvenient, but Blizzard has maintained that it is a necessary step to combat account hacking and abuse.
How SMS Protect Works and Why It Matters
So how exactly does SMS Protect work, and why is it such an important tool for account security? When a player attempts to log into their Battle.net account from a new device or location, Blizzard‘s servers will detect the unfamiliar login and prompt the player to verify their identity. This typically involves sending a unique numeric code to the phone number associated with the account, which the player must then enter to complete the login process.
This extra layer of verification helps ensure that even if a hacker manages to obtain a player‘s login credentials, they still won‘t be able to access the account without also having physical access to the player‘s phone. Additionally, by tying accounts to a specific phone number, Blizzard can more easily identify and block suspicious activity like multiple accounts being created or accessed from the same device.
SMS Protect also allows Blizzard to send important notifications and alerts to players‘ phones, such as when a new login is detected or when changes are made to the account‘s security settings. This can help players quickly identify and respond to potential security breaches before any real damage is done.
Of course, no security system is perfect, and there are valid concerns around the collection and storage of personal information like phone numbers. Blizzard has stated that phone numbers collected for SMS Protect are only used for security purposes and account notifications, and are not sold to third parties or used for marketing without explicit consent. However, as with any online service, there is always a risk of data breaches or leaks, which could expose players‘ personal information to malicious actors.
Best Practices for Securing Your Gaming Accounts
While adding a phone number to your Battle.net account is an important step towards better security, it‘s not the only thing players can do to protect themselves online. Here are some additional tips and best practices for securing your gaming accounts:
Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using the same password across multiple services, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, either through SMS, a mobile app, or a physical security key. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
Be cautious of phishing attempts and suspicious emails or messages that ask for your login credentials or personal information. Legitimate gaming companies will never ask for your password via email or unsecured websites.
Keep your computer and mobile devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software to protect against malware and other threats.
If you suspect that your account has been compromised, change your password immediately and contact customer support for assistance.
The Future of Mobile Authentication in Gaming
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it‘s likely that we‘ll see even more companies adopting mobile authentication methods like SMS Protect. While these systems may add some friction to the login process, they are becoming increasingly necessary to combat the rising tide of account hacking and abuse.
Looking ahead, we may see a shift towards more advanced forms of mobile authentication, such as biometric verification through fingerprints or facial recognition. Some companies are also exploring the use of blockchain technology to create decentralized, tamper-proof systems for storing and verifying player identities.
Ultimately, the goal of any authentication system is to balance security with usability, providing a seamless experience for legitimate players while making it as difficult as possible for hackers and cheaters to exploit the system. As new threats and challenges emerge, gaming companies will need to continually adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
Adding your phone number to your Battle.net account may seem like a small inconvenience, but it‘s an important step towards securing your online gaming experience. By enabling SMS Protect and following other best practices for account security, you can help protect yourself and your fellow players from the harms of hacking, cheating, and toxic behavior.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it‘s clear that mobile authentication will play an increasingly important role in keeping players safe and secure online. While no system is perfect, by working together and staying vigilant, we can create a better, more inclusive gaming community for everyone.
