Valve Unveils Hardware-Based Steam Security

[Waaghpowa]

Sweet zombie Jesus people, learn to read. There's one guy watching this thread JUST to retell people the same thing over and over, give him a break.
1) it's optional
2) You wont lost anything
3) Prevents changes to the account to be made ONLY from one computer to combat identity thieves.

 

[John Funk]

So, this just seems like a limited version of the services already offered by Blizzard/Paypal?

Seriously, Valve. Just copy the Blizzard authenticator and release iOS/Android apps for it. No pesky hardware requirements, no one-computer-only requirement, and it's just as secure.

Its the same technology as the blizzard authenticator but built in on the next generation of processors. I wouldn't be surprised if blizzard and paypal don't adopt it. It means instead of having multiple devices for each different service you will have on inbuilt on your pc.

Which seems like a downgrade to me.

I have one device for them, too. It's my Droid. And I don't need to bother with customer service if I upgrade or change PCs.

But...I don't own a Droid. Or plan to buy one anytime soon.

I'm fairly certain that the blizzard authenticator app exists on almost every modern phone that can run that sort of thing.

 

[gl1koz3]

This MUST be optional. If it won't, then it will defeat the purpose of Steam.

 

[AngelOfBlueRoses]

I'm glad this is optional.

Besides, I'm all about AMD. The only way I'd switch to Intel is if the i7 was made a hell of a lot cheaper than what it currently is at. In the meantime, I'll stick with my AMD Phenom? II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4 GHz. Yeah, I'll stick with my AMD

 

[Zakarath]

From what I read it won't lock you out of playing games and whatnot on multiple computers, it is just to prevent changes to your account like those that would enable someone else to steal it from you (password alterations and the like).

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

Queue people who didn't read the article properly complaining about DRM.

EDIT: Too late.

 

[Xelt]

Sounds like the World of Warcraft Authenticator in a way, good idea, but hopefully optional.

 

[Plurralbles]

just keep it strictly optional and okay, good deal, Valve.

 

[Buccura]

Sounds like a good idea, but I'd like to know of a way to unwire first before I consider it.

 

[WhiteTigerShiro]

I would prefer just using an authenticator. Blizzard really did have the right idea.

Unless I misread something, this feature pretty much IS the exact same thing as the Blizzard Authenticator, just built-in to the processor rather than being a separate device.

 

[Shjade]

I'm fairly certain that the blizzard authenticator app exists on almost every modern phone that can run that sort of thing.

I just have a phone that makes phone calls. And texts! And takes crappy pictures. If I wanted a Blizz authenticator I'd have to buy the USB keychain thing. :x

Not that I'm all amped up about the idea of having this stuff installed directly into my hardware by default, but the alternatives aren't exactly I-already-have-this convenient for everyone. Just putting that out there.

 

[SyphonX]

If it is not optional, and they do not allow you to unwire your account in the future (for obvious reasons), then that has absolutely NOTHING to do with security for it's customers. If that is the case, it is more about draconian methods of control.

However, I would -think- (well assume really) that Valve wouldn't do something so asinine, and they're a little more good-natured than EA or Ubisoft, for instance.

Never know these days.

 

[Andy of Comix Inc]

So if my computer explodes, or I go traveling, can I unwire my Steam account?

Yeah, what if we change computers or something? Or, like he said, travel?

Thats one of Steam's selling points, which is "take Steam with you wherever you go, and download your games anywhere!".

Well, it IS optional.

I don't know if someone has already mentioned, but it ties account management to a single PC. So you can log in from elsewhere, but you can't change your name/password/email and other account-related settings. So if someone got ahold of your details, they could still log in, but they couldn't change your password or email unless they were on your computer.

It's an added layer of account protection, not a "locked to one computer" gimmick.

 

[Dana22]

As long as it's voluntarily, I won't mind. If it's not, it's going to be just like Treacherous Computing [http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/can-you-trust.html]

No this is mandatory, unless you buy hardware with "Intel's forthcoming Identity Protection Technology", you wont be able to log into the Steam.

 

[carpathic]

So if my computer explodes, or I go traveling, can I unwire my Steam account?

Yeah, what if we change computers or something? Or, like he said, travel?

Thats one of Steam's selling points, which is "take Steam with you wherever you go, and download your games anywhere!".

My thoughts exactly. What if I change up my computer?

 

[master m99]

for stuff like this i really love my battle,net authenticator keychain, random code every min ithink so none but me can get into my wow account and i can easily carry it with me so i can log on from any pc with wow on it =)

 

[master m99]

I would prefer just using an authenticator. Blizzard really did have the right idea.

Unless I misread something, this feature pretty much IS the exact same thing as the Blizzard Authenticator, just built-in to the processor rather than being a separate device.

difference is that the blizzard thing is a keychain/app and so is portable meaning you can log on anywhere so long as you have your keys/phone which most if not all people will, with a piece of hardware this is a bit more difficult as its well heavy and difficult to trancport.

 

[DonTsetsi]

I would prefer just using an authenticator. Blizzard really did have the right idea.

Unless I misread something, this feature pretty much IS the exact same thing as the Blizzard Authenticator, just built-in to the processor rather than being a separate device.

difference is that the blizzard thing is a keychain/app and so is portable meaning you can log on anywhere so long as you have your keys/phone which most if not all people will, with a piece of hardware this is a bit more difficult as its well heavy and difficult to trancport.

You can log in from anywhere, you can't change account details from another pc.

 

[DefiantWolf]

Honestly, the amount of half-assed knee-jerk reactions I'm seeing from a bunch of you is downright silly.

Simple logic to consider

- Phishing issues is Steam's number 1 Customer Service issue (it's right there in the article) I myself can think of at least a half dozen attempts on my own account that I spotted and dodged in the past couple years.

- Yes, people's computers die, but it's rare. I've been gaming on the PC for over a decade and have only had 2 CPU's ever die on me, and one motherboard crack due to my hamhandedness when replacing a defective cooling unit.

Therefore, if this system can greatly reduce their customer service load by significantly reducing phished account tickets in exchange for a far fewer number of "my computer fried" tickets, then I would say they made the right choice. The leaner they can run their Customer Service department while maintaining their level of quality (not saying it's good, just saying don't let it get worse) gives them more resources to make the kickass games they make.

So I support it. I'll even go on record to bet that it will be optional.

 

[Arachon]

As long as it's voluntarily, I won't mind. If it's not, it's going to be just like Treacherous Computing [http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/can-you-trust.html]

No this is mandatory, unless you buy hardware with "Intel's forthcoming Identity Protection Technology", you wont be able to log into the Steam.

Really? I see no mention of this in the article. What's your source?

But if this is true, they've essentially locked out anyone with an AMD CPU...