I should go into a bit of in-depth explanation, given the questions surrounding these things.
I've had a WoW token for as long as they've been around. Â Essentially, what they do (and the reason their batteries last for so long) is to run a mathematical function that neither ends nor repeats. Â It figures out digits in six-digit strings at a fixed interval. Â When you hit the button on the authenticator, you're seeing where it is in the process. Â The six digits that it's "on" is your temporary passcode.
When you log in, FFXIV (or whatever program is authenticating you) will ask for your passcode. Â It knows what six digits should be there at the given time you request to log in. Â What that means is that, unless someone manages to hack deep into the Square network and pulls your function from there, the only person who can log into your account will be the person with your authenticator, since no one else knows the function. Â That means that Johnny McGilseller in Laos can't hack your account with a keylogger even if he knows your password and username, because he doesn't have your authenticator to know what the six digit code is at.
So essentially, yes, I definitely recommend getting them. Â They're not just another layer of security, they're practically invincible to your common, everyday hacker because they would have to be either deep enough into Square's system to know your code for the moment or they'd have to be able to hijack you once you're in. Â I know that I've never been hacked in WoW despite the long time I've played, mostly because of my authenticator (and because I don't torrent or do anything equally stupid).
It works on the login from the launcher menu, where it asks your name, password, and one-time use password. Â That'll be where the code goes. Â I'd recommend everyone get one if you're going to be investing any appreciable time into the game. Â Mine will probably arrive after my new heat sink fan.
I hate when I order from Amazon.com and everything shows up except for one essential component. Â Of course that will come on the very last day we expect it to arrive. Â
I've had a WoW token for as long as they've been around. Â Essentially, what they do (and the reason their batteries last for so long) is to run a mathematical function that neither ends nor repeats. Â It figures out digits in six-digit strings at a fixed interval. Â When you hit the button on the authenticator, you're seeing where it is in the process. Â The six digits that it's "on" is your temporary passcode.
When you log in, FFXIV (or whatever program is authenticating you) will ask for your passcode. Â It knows what six digits should be there at the given time you request to log in. Â What that means is that, unless someone manages to hack deep into the Square network and pulls your function from there, the only person who can log into your account will be the person with your authenticator, since no one else knows the function. Â That means that Johnny McGilseller in Laos can't hack your account with a keylogger even if he knows your password and username, because he doesn't have your authenticator to know what the six digit code is at.
So essentially, yes, I definitely recommend getting them. Â They're not just another layer of security, they're practically invincible to your common, everyday hacker because they would have to be either deep enough into Square's system to know your code for the moment or they'd have to be able to hijack you once you're in. Â I know that I've never been hacked in WoW despite the long time I've played, mostly because of my authenticator (and because I don't torrent or do anything equally stupid).
It works on the login from the launcher menu, where it asks your name, password, and one-time use password. Â That'll be where the code goes. Â I'd recommend everyone get one if you're going to be investing any appreciable time into the game. Â Mine will probably arrive after my new heat sink fan.
I hate when I order from Amazon.com and everything shows up except for one essential component. Â Of course that will come on the very last day we expect it to arrive. Â
