Valve Enhances Account Security With Steam Guard, Leverages Intel IPT
by Mike Bendel on March 3, 2011 @ 11:20 am
In an effort to further prevent account phishing and hijacking, Valve’s announced the latest initiative towards bolstering security on its digital distribution service: Steam Guard. The two-factor authentication approach takes advantage of Intel’s Identity Protection Technology on Core i3, i5 and i7-based CPU chips.
IPT generates a new numerical password every 30 seconds, integrating into the processor functionality that previously required a separate card or key fob. Users are notified if any non-authorized PCs attempt to log into their account or modify settings.
Valve says the service is “available to third parties to incorporate into their own applications through Steamworks.”
“Account phishing and hijacking are our #1 support issues,” said Valve president Gabe Newell. “With Intel’s IPT and Steam Guard, we’ve taken a big step towards giving customers the account security they need as they purchase more and more digital goods.”
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Read more: Steam Cloud Arrives This Week, Valve Announces Steam Cloud, Store Saved Games And Settings Online, Valve: Steam Hacked, User Database Compromised, Steam To Overtake Retail PC Game Sales In Next Three Months, Valve Wants To Expand Steamworks On Consoles
