14 DAY TRIAL // WoW Insider has found a posting over on Blizzard's Support section that suggests the giant developer is planning to release an application called Mobile Authenticator – the software-only version of the Blizzard Authenticator.
Blizard currently has this piece of hardware for sale, the Authenticator, which pushes out a code according to an algorithm, keeping players' accounts secure when they sign in to play WoW, TUAW reports. Based on the company's latest updates, the iPhone and iPod touch are likely to get an app that does just this:
Blizzard Authenticator (United States only)
Blizzard Authenticator for use with your World of Warcraft account.
Protect your World of Warcraft account with industry leading account security - introducing the Blizzard Authenticator! The Blizzard Authenticator is designed as a supplemental authentication method for your World of Warcraft account, giving you the security of Two-Factor authentication. Each time you log in using the Blizzard Authenticator you are provided with a unique, one-time use password to use in addition to your regular password. Log in with both and you can rest easy knowing that your account is now even more secure from malicious attacks such as keyloggers and trojans.
According to Blizzard, the Battle.net Mobile Authenticator is an optional tool. It offers Battle.net account users an additional layer of security to help prevent unauthorized account access. The service extends to players of Blizzard's popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, who log in to the game using a Battle.net account. The application is installed and accessed by the user on his / her cell phone.
Reportedly, for the iPod touch version of the application, you will need a Wi-Fi connection for the initial activation process. The Mobile Authenticator would then continue to work without the need of a network connection. Since Blizzard also needs to cover the costs of the hardware for the Blizzard Authenticator, the iPhone / iPod touch app is likely to cost less than $6.50.