Question about Account Security

#4 - April 23, 2014, 6:46 p.m.

Bloodstealer.5978:

Well mine has been hacked today, I am seriously kittened.. GW2 is obviously nor secure anymore.. their is soo many hack reports alone today its seriously worrying… now someone has set up their own authenticator and continually authorising access

Quite directly, this has nothing to do with Guild Wars 2 security. Each account compromise is that: an account compromise. I suggest that you read the security post in the sticky post section of this sub-forum to learn more and then take the steps outlined in that post to secure your account.

Incidents of account hacks increase as RMT companies find themselves with fewer opportunities to bot. We have been removing more bots in the game. However, the increase is not due to a lack of security on our servers or related to the game, but to an increased effort to hack individual accounts through phishing and through use of the millions of “known credentials” that are available to criminals and other shady individuals.

#5 - April 23, 2014, 6:48 p.m.

Lilith Ajit.6173:

Note: Yes. I have read the security post so please don’t refer me to it.

So I have a question that’s bothering me. I have as much security on my account as I can, because I spend a lot on the game and would be devastated to lose it all. Lately I’ve been seeing more and more hacks into unsuspecting folks’ accounts, and many are automatically setting their own mobile authenticator (I’m guessing) so they can keep the account longer. I have one of those on my account. If, Dwayna forbid, a hacker got ahold of my account, would they be able to create a mobile authenticator on my account, a second one? Would they first have to get rid of mine, and then do it?

I realize it sounds obsessive, but I’m feeling like I need to change my email and password for the game at least once a week to be safe from hackers. I’m sorry, I know I’m crazy, but this is my only hobby at the moment haha.

Nerve wracking.

Lilith, are you saying you have mobile authentication set on your account, but you’re concerned that someone might somehow add a second, overriding mobile auth system to steal your account? If that’s your question, I believe it’s safe to respond that if you have mobile auth on your account, you’re safe. Naturally, if your credentials were known and someone acquired your smart phone, there would be an area for worry. But with mobile auth, a unique password, and discretion on your part (such as not leaving your account online when you’re AFK, to prevent the “Evil Little Brother™” type hack) you should be just fine.

Oh, and thank you for reading the post about security. There’s a lot to consume there, but we appreciate that folks read and heed it!

#7 - April 23, 2014, 7 p.m.

Lilith Ajit.6173:

Gaile Gray.6029:

Lilith Ajit.6173:

Note: Yes. I have read the security post so please don’t refer me to it.

So I have a question that’s bothering me. I have as much security on my account as I can, because I spend a lot on the game and would be devastated to lose it all. Lately I’ve been seeing more and more hacks into unsuspecting folks’ accounts, and many are automatically setting their own mobile authenticator (I’m guessing) so they can keep the account longer. I have one of those on my account. If, Dwayna forbid, a hacker got ahold of my account, would they be able to create a mobile authenticator on my account, a second one? Would they first have to get rid of mine, and then do it?

I realize it sounds obsessive, but I’m feeling like I need to change my email and password for the game at least once a week to be safe from hackers. I’m sorry, I know I’m crazy, but this is my only hobby at the moment haha.

Nerve wracking.

Lilith, are you saying you have mobile authentication set on your account, but you’re concerned that someone might somehow add a second, overriding mobile auth system to steal your account? If that’s your question, I believe it’s safe to respond that if you have mobile auth on your account, you’re safe. Naturally, if your credentials were known and someone acquired your smart phone, there would be an area for worry. But with mobile auth, a unique password, and discretion on your part (such as not leaving your account online when you’re AFK, to prevent the “Evil Little Brother™” type hack) you should be just fine.

Thank you much, Gaile.. I was just concerned that hackers might be able to unlink my authenticator if they try hard enough, which would be devastating to me, considering how much RL money I spend monthly, and how much time and thought I put into both of my accounts. I’m glad to have that cleared up.

You’re very welcome. I truly understand the nervousness related to the possibility of a compromise. Having one’s account hacked can be devastating! However, I’m delighted that we nearly always are able to offer account restoration services, and with that, the account can be restored to a point near the compromise incident.

I hope it gives you some peace of mind to know that, even if the worse happens, we’ll do our darnedest to get you back on your feet with as many of your treasured items in place as possible!