We really need a better account protection system

StormBlade512 · March 2023

The amount of people who have had issues with the email access code system is crazy. It was always problematic but recently it seems to have gotten worse.

I myself just had to go through support to switch my email because it was literally sending me nothing - no access codes, no forgot username emails, not even newsletters.

48 hours after I tried to login and suddenly the access codes come barreling into my old email.

I think investing in a proper two factor system with totp would a huge step forward for this game. The email system is literally preventing people from playing.

Jamie_Aubrey · March 2023

You get the access code pop up if you type the password wrong, you don't get any emails sent, so you might have went through all that for noting

StormBlade512 · March 2023

Jamie_Aubrey wrote: »

You get the access code pop up if you type the password wrong, you don't get any emails sent, so you might have went through all that for noting

Oh this wasn't the issue for me. It was a problem with the access code reaching my email (I was logging through the website). And I tried the password copy and paste method, so I know it was correct

WiseSky · March 2023

I was always told to never get the steam version of the game, So glad I did we have the best security, hope ZOS gets a similar one

StormBlade512 · March 2023

WiseSky wrote: »

I was always told to never get the steam version of the game, So glad I did we have the best security, hope ZOS gets a similar one

Love love love Steam's mobile authenticator. It's just so streamlined and easy. I'm on PlayStation so I get the advantage of Sony's good 2fa system, but my web account login isn't so lucky

Grizzbeorn · March 2023

It would be great if ZOS implemented a mobile authenticator.
I use Blizzard's for their games, and the SWTOR authenticator.

The access code via email approach that ZOS currently uses is annoying.

fleetingyouth_ESO · March 2023

I have this issue too. Just wiped my PC for a fresh install of the OS. Went to download ESO and can't log in to the website because I don't receive the access code. The next day the emails will show up but of course, the codes no longer work.

There is clearly an issue on their end with the automation of sending emails out.

TaSheen · March 2023

I'd rather have a physical auth fob like Blizzard used to have; I have no mobile service at my house, so a mobile auth setup wouldn't work for me.

rpa · March 2023

You can use WinAuth to do the "mobile authentication" on PC. I've used it for couple of MMOs and it worked just fine. (I uninstalled it with WoW, Battle.net and other junk after last time I gave it a try.)

TaSheen · March 2023

rpa wrote: »

You can use WinAuth to do the "mobile authentication" on PC. I've used it for couple of MMOs and it worked just fine. (I uninstalled it with WoW, Battle.net and other junk after last time I gave it a try.)

I don't think I've ever heard of WinAuth before.... but at least I can check it out if things change. Because lack of mobile service here is certainly not changing, nor is lack of real broadband!

StormBlade512 · March 2023

TaSheen wrote: »

I'd rather have a physical auth fob like Blizzard used to have; I have no mobile service at my house, so a mobile auth setup wouldn't work for me.

TOTP authenticators would work in this regard, no need for a signal or internet connection

TaSheen · March 2023

Oh, that's a good thought. I'd heard of them (Google Authenticator, and one from Apple's App Store) but never looked how to use them. Seems simple enough. So that takes care of a potential change to the way things work here.

Y'know, I haven't played WoW since 2013 - but I still have two never used auth tokens in my desk drawer! Guess I should toss them....

wilykcat · March 2023

What about SMS verification system?

Tandor · March 2023

TaSheen wrote: »

I'd rather have a physical auth fob like Blizzard used to have; I have no mobile service at my house, so a mobile auth setup wouldn't work for me.

Mine still works, I've no idea how long the battery lasts but I bought the game at launch, got the fob as soon as it was available, and haven't played WoW for several years, and before that only on and off after the initial couple of years. I've just tested it and pressing the button brought it instantly to life. More amazingly given my age, I remembered where I'd put it!

All that said, I've had no problems with the ESO email notifications, and I've also played it since launch using 2 computers which occasionally throws up an authentication wobbly with games when I switch from one machine to another, but no issues with ESO.

TaSheen · March 2023

Tandor wrote: »

TaSheen wrote: »

I'd rather have a physical auth fob like Blizzard used to have; I have no mobile service at my house, so a mobile auth setup wouldn't work for me.

Mine still works, I've no idea how long the battery lasts but I bought the game at launch, got the fob as soon as it was available, and haven't played WoW for several years, and before that only on and off after the initial couple of years. I've just tested it and pressing the button brought it instantly to life. More amazingly given my age, I remembered where I'd put it!

All that said, I've had no problems with the ESO email notifications, and I've also played it since launch using 2 computers which occasionally throws up an authentication wobbly with games when I switch from one machine to another, but no issues with ESO.

I've never had any real issues with the email OTP from ZOS either - except for when the "I screwed up, used the wrong password" situation was giving the wrong dialog box.

From what I remember about those auth fobs, their batteries were supposed to be good for a couple of decades.

ZOS_Bill · April 2023

As there are already multiple threads related to this login and access code issue, we have decided to close the discussion. For further discussion please use the thread found here.