Valve Unveils Hardware-Based Steam Security

[microwaviblerabbit]

It seems like a good idea, but I am not sure that steam is the best place for it. It seems it would be better for a large company, so they could physically control admin privileges to their networks and software. It would create an extra layer of security that most companies would love. The same would go for schools and libraries as well.

Personally, I would prefer an external key or authenticator over this, due to the problems of hardware changes and component failure. Although it is strange that games have more security measures protecting them than online banking...

 

[captaincabbage]

I'd love it if Valve revealed some kind of game-like system, based around a bespectacled scientist some time soon.

 

[anian]

So basically they're making it more complicated for users, because they can't provide protection the way it is now?
If I can choose which account to connect with which pc/laptop...can't the hacker do the same? If somebody steals my laptop, there's far more important documents and information there, not to mention the value of the hardware itself as opposed to $100 or even $200 bucks spent on games.

Other thing is - print out you receipts! Proof purchase I keep in a drawer at home, that way I have physical proof. to show to Valve.

Btw they're already gathering a lot of data, if you fill out one of their Steam information forms, that things probs your computer, that I felt violated, so pretty much gathering commerical and marketing information for free, and you know what - I don't mind, they offer good service and good offers. But now they want complete control? A bit of privacy would be nice, Valve people!

 

[MrTub]

what if you have 3 PCs?

what if you break your mobo & processor?

You can play on other computers and just change password/buy stuff on one computer.

And if it breaks I imagine you could simply contact the customer service and ask them to unlock it?

It sounds promising, but what about situations like mine where half the time Im on my laptop and half the time Im on my pc which breaks a lot. What if I make my pc my main computer but it breaks. what happens then?

 

[Atmos Duality]

The same response repeated over and over and over.
Shit, I'd say that the topic is already devoid of discussion material.

Those of you who are worried about this becoming mandatory: It's based on proprietary tech from Intel for hardware that may not be distributed yet (the page for supported processors has no information yet, it's probably new tech for their iCore series).

 

[Echo136]

It sounds promising, but what about situations like mine where half the time Im on my laptop and half the time Im on my pc which breaks a lot. What if I make my pc my main computer but it breaks. what happens then?

 

[MrTub]

The same response repeated over and over and over.
Shit, I'd say that the topic is already devoid of discussion material.

Those of you who are worried about this becoming mandatory: It's based on proprietary tech from Intel for hardware that may not be distributed yet (the page for supported processors has no information yet, it's probably new tech for their iCore series).

Since they said second generation Im guessing they mean Sandy bridge

 

[Echo136]

So basically they're making it more complicated for users, because they can't provide protection the way it is now? If I can choose which account to conect with which pc/laptop...can't the hacker do the same? If somebody steals my laptop, there's far more important documents and information, not mention the value of the hardware itself as opposed to $100 or even $200 bucks spent on games.

Other thing is - print out you receipts! Proof purchase I keep in a drawer at home, that way I have physical proof. to show to Valve.

The net worth of the video games on my Steam account is probably worth more than my laptop at this point. If I check my list of games, it says I own 100 games on STEAM.

 

[Atmos Duality]

The same response repeated over and over and over.
Shit, I'd say that the topic is already devoid of discussion material.

Those of you who are worried about this becoming mandatory: It's based on proprietary tech from Intel for hardware that may not be distributed yet (the page for supported processors has no information yet, it's probably new tech for their iCore series).

Since they said second generation Im guessing they mean Sandy bridge

I concur. A cursory search reveals that there isn't any data on Core Duo(1 or 2) possessing this sort of tech yet. Those are the most common gaming computer processors of the last generation (from Intel, that is).

Unless every Steam user buys a brand new gaming computer this year, and the processor comes from Intel, there is no way for them to make it mandatory.

 

[MrTub]

So basically they're making it more complicated for users, because they can't provide protection the way it is now? If I can choose which account to conect with which pc/laptop...can't the hacker do the same? If somebody steals my laptop, there's far more important documents and information, not mention the value of the hardware itself as opposed to $100 or even $200 bucks spent on games.

Other thing is - print out you receipts! Proof purchase I keep in a drawer at home, that way I have physical proof. to show to Valve.

Since you need to be logged onto that computer for to change any settings so therefor the hackers cannot just change which computer to use as a "main" And I only needed to say my credit card numbers for to change my email/ or I could have given them a serial key that is linked to that account.

 

[Ravek]

Tied to CPU? That's stupid.

Why not give us a physical authenticator like Blizzard/Paypal

Because of equipment and distribution costs.

or a digital one for like iPhone/Android or something.

Because obtaining your hardware is a lot more difficult than copying some digital authenticator.

 

[MasterSplinter]

Why you guys ALWAYS call gabe newell "head honcho"? I mean i know he's the CEO or something but that nickname is getting a little repetitive.

 

[Knusper]

This seems like a good idea. I already have had my account broken into (well not really broken, I gave away my password unwittingly because it was still early morning) and I wouldn't want it to happen ever again.

 

[JDKJ]

It's a nice idea (assuming it's voluntary), but I probably won't use it. I like being able to access my Steam account and games on both my desktop and my laptop.

You're obviously going to be able to undo it. The reports a little vague on the details of how it works anyway.

This is strictly voluntary, right? Because if this is required, I'm gonna be furious.

Seems most likely.

"Steam Guard will let users limit control of their Steam account to a single PC, "

Would they have ever said "Steam Guard will force users to limit control of their Steam account to a single PC" even though to say so would be 100% truthful?

 

[Woodsey]

It's a nice idea (assuming it's voluntary), but I probably won't use it. I like being able to access my Steam account and games on both my desktop and my laptop.

You're obviously going to be able to undo it. The reports a little vague on the details of how it works anyway.

This is strictly voluntary, right? Because if this is required, I'm gonna be furious.

Seems most likely.

"Steam Guard will let users limit control of their Steam account to a single PC, "

Would they have ever said "Steam Guard will force users to limit control of their Steam account to a single PC" even though to say so would be 100% truthful?

Its voluntary, so I'd love to know how that's truthful. And if they want people to continue buying games from their store then obviously their PC will have to be upgraded at various points, meaning that at some point, the hardware that the account is linked to will have to be reassigned.

 

[Someone Depressing]

As long as I can 1.) Un-Wire my account incase my PC Bluescreen's again. 2.) Account Hacking eventually stop's.
I'm pretty happy that I can finally play in peace without some twat trying to blackmail me for my account!

 

[Albino Boo]

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.

 

[Liiizard]

See, the best thing I like about my steam account is the fact I can use it on any computer I want. Even so, it's a nice option to have.

 

[MrTub]

See, the best thing I like about my steam account is the fact I can use it on any computer I want. Even so, it's a nice option to have.

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.. So I actually think it's a great feature.

 

[anian]

Since you need to be logged onto that computer for to change any settings so therefor the hackers cannot just change which computer to use as a "main"

Right, because there is a protection that cannot be cracked. Especially one that's connected to the internet. If anything, it'll make it a challenge.
Apparently you can already crack Steam games (not that I needed it or wanted to do that) by changing Steam installed files and I'm pretty sure it's even easier to do it within the game files.

Still say that they're trying to hide the lack of security on their side.