Valve Unveils Hardware-Based Steam Security

[WittyInfidel]

I have no intention of using this. I have two computers, and I use both for my Steam. Whichever one I'm not using, my wife uses the other to access her Steam. It would seriously hamper our usage.

And isn't Steam's "take Steam wherever you go" versatility one of its strongest selling points?

 

[MrTub]

I have no intention of using this. I have two computers, and I use both for my Steam. Whichever one I'm not using, my wife uses the other to access her Steam. It would seriously hamper our usage.

And isn't Steam's "take Steam wherever you go" versatility one of its strongest selling points?

You can still use it on any computer you want but you can only change your account setting i.e your password/email/buy stuff on one computer..

 

[Shjade]

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.

 

[frago roc]

Just pray to fuck your processor doesn't bite the dust while you have it enabled. I can only imagine the migraine to re-establish access to your account should this happen.

 

[TechNoFear]

Either way, it will be cracked within a few days.

I don't think you understand what this is. The way identity thieves work is either via trojan, email scam(phishing) or brute force. This is impossible to crack by trojans or phishing, and offers enough protection against brute force to not worry about it.

An effective system against 99% of the thieves out there.

You forgot Man-In-The-Middle attacks, which this system will not protect you against.

 

[Ca3zar416]

As long as I and I alone am capable of switching which computer it acts on. As much as i love my computer it will eventually have to be replaced. (talking to computer) I'm sorry baby daddy loves you but there will be a day when we'll have to let go *sniff sniff*.

 

[Arcticflame]

This is a good addition, I will utilise it.

If my PC fries itself, it's not all that hard to ring up steam, or email them and give them evidence you are the owner of the account. I would assume there are multiple ways of doing this.

 

[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.