Account security is a very important part of playing World of Warcraft and many other games besides. Having a secure account prevents your account from being hijacked, your personal information from being stolen and your game related details from being changed or deleted. I have specifically included in this post a list of tips to increase the security of your Battle.net account. We highly recommend to guild members and other users that you take these steps for your own online safety.
- Use an email account separate from your personal accounts for gaming accounts and logins
- Use different passwords on that email address than you use to login to games
- Use passwords with at least 2 or more numerals for every 8-10 characters
- Never follow links to a login page from an email
- Practice safe web browsing habits and avoid maliscious websites
- Try to avoid using too many IP addresses to login (particularly for wireless internet on laptops)
- Do not use the DMZ port on your router for internet access
- Keep your antivirus software updated (especially for PC)
- Save one or more of the digital/physical game codes on your Battle.net account in a secure file for reference
- Obtain a Battle.net authenticator
If you think your security may already be compromised there are a few steps you should take immediately:
- Change the password to your email account for Battle.net
- If you are locked out of the account recover it using the normal "reset password" method (aka "forgot password")
- If you are still locked out, cannot change the password or believe that another person has changed the account recovery information to the compromised account contact customer sevice immediately
- If you are able, identify the IP address and state/country that is out of place in the account logins (Gmail has this function)
- Report any information you can to your service provider
Next take these steps:
- Change the password to your Battle.net account
- If you are locked out of the account recover it using the normal "reset password" method (aka "forgot password")
- If you are still locked out, cannot change the password or believe that another person has attached an authenticator to the compromised account contact customer sevice immediately
- Be prepared to provide game key codes and other personal information to the CS Representative over the phone
- After recovering your account and changing the password, add or add again an authenticator to the account