Showing posts with label Diablo 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diablo 3. Show all posts
Monday, January 20, 2014
"Extra Credits" on gaming Difficulty and Fun
Couple of very good discussions on gaming, IIRC Extra Credits is associated with Penny Arcade, http://penny-arcade.com/, in some fashion.
Direct link for Youtube above http://youtu.be/BWFzFsHc75U
Link for Extra Credits Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraCreditz/featured
They do an exceptional job of articulating some of the differences in games and gamers.
Stuff I'd understood, but never heard clearly stated before, I know I much prefer games of Depth, as they term it, big part of the reason I still like Diablo 2 but can't stand Diablo 3.
Or Chess vs Checkers.
Difficulty isn't the motivator, or at least not the sole motivator, I also like Minecraft.
Worth watching if your into gaming, and very worth following IMHO.
Twitter and more info for them is available on their Youtube Channel.
Link for VOD http://youtu.be/ea6UuRTjkKs
Friday, September 28, 2012
Crota on Wizzards in Diablo 3 Patch 1.05
Crota talking about Wizzards in D3 after Patch 1.05
For more of Crota's VOD's http://www.youtube.com/user/BlizShouter/featured
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Nerd News: Retroactive Security?
http://bristolcrypto.blogspot.com/2012/07/retroactive-security.html
Link above is to a Cryptography/Computer Security blog I follow, mentions a talk by Butler Lampson from Microsoft Research, Lampson suggets using Banking security model as example to follow for computer security.
I don't think I agree with that at all, there are such huge problems with online Banking that at least some experts suggest using a Live CD to reduce vulnerability.
See my post Diablo 3 Account Security & Hacking compared to Online Banking Hacks
Link above is to a Cryptography/Computer Security blog I follow, mentions a talk by Butler Lampson from Microsoft Research, Lampson suggets using Banking security model as example to follow for computer security.
I don't think I agree with that at all, there are such huge problems with online Banking that at least some experts suggest using a Live CD to reduce vulnerability.
See my post Diablo 3 Account Security & Hacking compared to Online Banking Hacks
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Cool Story about Diablo 3 Malware
http://arstechnica.com/security/2012/06/hacker-uses-malware-built-in-chat-to-toy-with-researchers/
Interesting story, plus it gives an insight to how complex Malware can be, and how easy it is to get infested without doing anything that seems like high risk behavior.
Interesting story, plus it gives an insight to how complex Malware can be, and how easy it is to get infested without doing anything that seems like high risk behavior.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Blizzard says you have to use 2 Factor authentication for real money AH
Saw this on Ars http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/06/blizzard-ups-security-reqs-for-diablo-iii-real-money-auctions/
Blizzard link http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/5594218404#1
I am sure this will annoy some people, but I like it, I am a big fan of Two Factor authentication, I wish more banks supported this honestly.
It is sad that Blizzard seems to have stronger security for online transactions than my Bank.
For more of my posts on passwords or Diablo 3 just click click on those Labels, Labels can also be found at the bottom left of every post, or in the Label Cloud at left side of my Blog.
Blizzard link http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/5594218404#1
I am sure this will annoy some people, but I like it, I am a big fan of Two Factor authentication, I wish more banks supported this honestly.
It is sad that Blizzard seems to have stronger security for online transactions than my Bank.
For more of my posts on passwords or Diablo 3 just click click on those Labels, Labels can also be found at the bottom left of every post, or in the Label Cloud at left side of my Blog.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
More D3 Account Security
I am still following Diablo 3 accounts getting hacked.
See this useful post on Bnet http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/5271503297
Some other tidbits:
Don't use a password that can be found on a list like these (warning some Mature language):
See this useful post on Bnet http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/5271503297
Some other tidbits:
- You can get phished from friends Twitter messages, see http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=13330
- don't use same password on more than one site
- use at least one number and one symbol (ie "#$%")[should use upper and lower case letters but Blizz may ignore that]
- longer is better ^_^ But not if it is words or something from Hackers dictionary (ie 123456789)
- don't put number or symbol at beginning or end of password, that is what most people do, and password hacking software takes advantage of that
- Dictionary words for passwords =/= OED or Websters Dictionary; rather it means a Hackers dictionary! See below.
Don't use a password that can be found on a list like these (warning some Mature language):
- http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/26000-email-addresses-and-passwords-leaked-check-this-list-to-see-if-youre-included/50424
- http://www.troyhunt.com/2011/06/brief-sony-password-analysis.html
- http://www.imperva.com/docs/WP_Consumer_Password_Worst_Practices.pdf
- http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/repeat-after-me-reusing-passwords-is-bad/10684
- http://blog.jimmyr.com/Password_analysis_of_databases_that_were_hacked_28_2009.php
Friday, May 25, 2012
Password Hacking & Password Strength
Found a password strength meter/tester that is a little different than the others https://passfault.appspot.com/password_strength.html#menu
Article here at Sophos' Naked Security Blog explains it http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/05/25/how-long-would-it-take-to-crack-your-password/
I don't claim to be able to give expert advise about password yet, but personally I like using password phrases with numbers & symbols added to make nice and long passwords.
Article here at Sophos' Naked Security Blog explains it http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/05/25/how-long-would-it-take-to-crack-your-password/
I don't claim to be able to give expert advise about password yet, but personally I like using password phrases with numbers & symbols added to make nice and long passwords.
Blizzard News: Diablo 3 Real Money Auction House delayed, Hotfixes, Account Security/Hacking
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/5149181449
Full article at Blizzard link above, covers "Hotfixes, Upcoming Patch, and Ongoing Issues"; also says that due to the problems people have had staying on Bnet servers & etc that they are postponing the opening of the Real Money Auction House (RMAH) for D3, they also cover
"Battle.net®/Diablo III Security Concerns" which fits with what I have blogged already about here (includes link to Blizz to open ticket if account is hacked) & here, but below are some direct quotes of critical sections about Bnet/D3 security from Blizzards current article linked at top:
also
I hope that helps, you can click on the Diablo 3 Label, to see all of my Blog posts on D3, you can find that Label and select others in the Labels cloud at left side of the Blog. Every blog post will also have Label(s) at bottom left of post.
GL HF,
Cliff
Full article at Blizzard link above, covers "Hotfixes, Upcoming Patch, and Ongoing Issues"; also says that due to the problems people have had staying on Bnet servers & etc that they are postponing the opening of the Real Money Auction House (RMAH) for D3, they also cover
"Battle.net®/Diablo III Security Concerns" which fits with what I have blogged already about here (includes link to Blizz to open ticket if account is hacked) & here, but below are some direct quotes of critical sections about Bnet/D3 security from Blizzards current article linked at top:
...the number of Diablo III players who've contacted customer service to report a potential compromise of their personal account has been extremely small. In all of the individual Diablo III-related compromise cases we've investigated, none have occurred after a physical Battle.net Authenticator or Battle.net Mobile Authenticator app was attached to the player's account, and we have yet to find any situation where a Diablo III player's account was accessed outside of "traditional" compromise methods (i.e. someone logging using an account's login email and password).
also
...we've also seen discussions regarding the possibility of account compromises occurring in ways that didn’t involve these "traditional" methods -- for example, by "session spoofing" a player’s identity after he or she joins a public game. Regarding this specific example, we've looked into the issue and found no evidence to indicate compromises are occurring in this fashion, and we've determined the methods being suggested to do so are technically impossible. However, you have our assurance that we’ll continue to investigate reports such as these and keep you informed of important updates.and
The best defense against account theft still includes smart password management (e.g. using a unique password for every site/service and keeping your password to yourself) and scanning for malware and viruses regularly, as well as following additional preventative steps found here. In the end, while no security method is 100% foolproof, the physical Battle.net Authenticator and Battle.net Mobile Authenticator app are great ways to provide your account with an extra layer of protection.
I hope that helps, you can click on the Diablo 3 Label, to see all of my Blog posts on D3, you can find that Label and select others in the Labels cloud at left side of the Blog. Every blog post will also have Label(s) at bottom left of post.
GL HF,
Cliff
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Diablo 3 Account Security & Hacking compared to Online Banking Hacks
I have seen lot of people posting about getting their accounts hacked, and some people want to blame Blizzard.
I have been focusing on Computer Security issues with all the time & energy I can since late last year, when someone managed to hack my Credit Card.
I have learned a lot since then about computer security, though I feel I am a long way from being an expert, I have certainly learned some important things.
One of those things is that Malware and/or weak passwords are almost always the problem.
Here is a story about small business losing lots of money because of this, if you read the story you will see how it matches exactly with what people are experiencing with D3.
The author of that article has had lots of small business owners contact him because of his story asking what they should do, he recommends Live CD's, which is similar to VM but runs from CD/DVD.
There are also Live USB's.
The point of using these is that most Malware isn't designed to run on Linux, and the Live CD runs separated from the computer in many ways.
Bear in mind many of these people that Brian Krebs talks about lost $100k or more in money! So they were and are taking this very seriously, and more than a couple were using two factor authentication, lot of banks require than for customers that have large amounts of money.
But with malware on your computer, they can block or delay your log in and use the authentication that you enter to log in.
Additional Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_CD
Hope that helps.
I really do know what it is like to have stuff hacked, been there done that, don't want it to happen again, but it might no matter what I do. T_T
Stay Safe,
Cliff
I have been focusing on Computer Security issues with all the time & energy I can since late last year, when someone managed to hack my Credit Card.
I have learned a lot since then about computer security, though I feel I am a long way from being an expert, I have certainly learned some important things.
One of those things is that Malware and/or weak passwords are almost always the problem.
Here is a story about small business losing lots of money because of this, if you read the story you will see how it matches exactly with what people are experiencing with D3.
The author of that article has had lots of small business owners contact him because of his story asking what they should do, he recommends Live CD's, which is similar to VM but runs from CD/DVD.
There are also Live USB's.
The point of using these is that most Malware isn't designed to run on Linux, and the Live CD runs separated from the computer in many ways.
Bear in mind many of these people that Brian Krebs talks about lost $100k or more in money! So they were and are taking this very seriously, and more than a couple were using two factor authentication, lot of banks require than for customers that have large amounts of money.
But with malware on your computer, they can block or delay your log in and use the authentication that you enter to log in.
Additional Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_CD
Hope that helps.
I really do know what it is like to have stuff hacked, been there done that, don't want it to happen again, but it might no matter what I do. T_T
Stay Safe,
Cliff
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Blizzard Diablo 3 Account Security (also WoW & Starcraft 2)
[Special Thanks to KavikTV & Ravager for their help on this post, all errors though are solely mine.]
Update: If you have been hacked here is Blizz link to use to get problem resolved http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/compromised-diablo-iii-account
According to Blizzard, any time they release a new game, like Diablo 3, or when they release an expansion, there is an increase in the number of accounts reported being Hacked.
There are lots of reasons for this, but here some basic things you can do to help prevent this, these are things you should be doing to reduce your risk from these types of problem in general (ie internet banking, internet buying, etc).
First make sure your Operating System (OS) is up to date (as security problems are found, they are fixed, you need these to help keep hackers out, it is like getting a broken lock on your house door fixed), if your not sure see these links:
Second if your not using an AntiVirus/AntiMalware program already get one and use it!
Cliff recommends these two free AntiMalware products:
I haven't yet used the Sophos product, because I don't have a Mac yet, but I will be getting a Mac in a few weeks, and Sophos' AntiMalware is what my research leads me to use, I will report directly about that product in a future post.
Those two steps will do a lot to prevent a keylogger or something else bad from getting on your computer.
Third update your Browser, Blizzard has good guide to this
Next you should pick a strong password, and if you really want to do something extra get an Authenticator or a Mobile Authenticator from Blizzard, you can use these for Starcraft 2 & WoW as well.
What that does it lets Blizzard send you a 2nd temporary password to use in addition to the password you picked, it is like needing two keys to open a vault or launch a nuke.
I have at least one friend that has using this for some time, and it saved his account from getting hacked when all his local gaming buddies accounts got hacked.
VOD below from Blizzard describes these products and how to use them.
Cliff recommends the Authenticator over the Moble Authenticator, because most of us will connect our phones to our computers at least some of the time, and if there is MalWare on the computer, it could infect the phone as well.
Friend of mine recently had that happen to his phone, his infected computer also infected his phone.
Or if you have MalWare on your phone, from App or something else, the Hackers might be able to access that 2nd password.
I REALLY recommend the Authenticator if you use a shared or public computer!!!!!!!
Hope that helps.
Stay Safe,
Cliff
See Also:
http://us.battle.net/en/security/checklist
Update: If you have been hacked here is Blizz link to use to get problem resolved http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/compromised-diablo-iii-account
According to Blizzard, any time they release a new game, like Diablo 3, or when they release an expansion, there is an increase in the number of accounts reported being Hacked.
There are lots of reasons for this, but here some basic things you can do to help prevent this, these are things you should be doing to reduce your risk from these types of problem in general (ie internet banking, internet buying, etc).
First make sure your Operating System (OS) is up to date (as security problems are found, they are fixed, you need these to help keep hackers out, it is like getting a broken lock on your house door fixed), if your not sure see these links:
- For older Windows computers
- For Windows 7
- For Mac
Second if your not using an AntiVirus/AntiMalware program already get one and use it!
Cliff recommends these two free AntiMalware products:
- Microsoft's Security Essentials for Windows computers (XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, etc)
- Sophos Free AntiMalware for Mac if you have a Mac
I haven't yet used the Sophos product, because I don't have a Mac yet, but I will be getting a Mac in a few weeks, and Sophos' AntiMalware is what my research leads me to use, I will report directly about that product in a future post.
Those two steps will do a lot to prevent a keylogger or something else bad from getting on your computer.
Third update your Browser, Blizzard has good guide to this
Next you should pick a strong password, and if you really want to do something extra get an Authenticator or a Mobile Authenticator from Blizzard, you can use these for Starcraft 2 & WoW as well.
What that does it lets Blizzard send you a 2nd temporary password to use in addition to the password you picked, it is like needing two keys to open a vault or launch a nuke.
I have at least one friend that has using this for some time, and it saved his account from getting hacked when all his local gaming buddies accounts got hacked.
VOD below from Blizzard describes these products and how to use them.
Cliff recommends the Authenticator over the Moble Authenticator, because most of us will connect our phones to our computers at least some of the time, and if there is MalWare on the computer, it could infect the phone as well.
Friend of mine recently had that happen to his phone, his infected computer also infected his phone.
Or if you have MalWare on your phone, from App or something else, the Hackers might be able to access that 2nd password.
I REALLY recommend the Authenticator if you use a shared or public computer!!!!!!!
Hope that helps.
Stay Safe,
Cliff
See Also:
http://us.battle.net/en/security/checklist
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Nanman Streaming Diablo 3 All day!
My friend NanMan is streaming Diablo 3 all day.
I think he will have today's stream up on youtube later as well, he has play through of Beta up.
Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/therealnanman
I think he will have today's stream up on youtube later as well, he has play through of Beta up.
Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/therealnanman
Minigun & Catz Streaming Diablo 3
They are not playing together though T_T
Minigun's stream: http://www.twitch.tv/colminigun
Catz's Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/colcatz
Minigun's stream: http://www.twitch.tv/colminigun
Catz's Stream: http://www.twitch.tv/colcatz
Monday, May 14, 2012
Blizzard's Live Exclusive Diablo 3 Event
Machinima is hosting a Live Diablo III launch event.
When: May 14, 2012 at 19:45 (7:45 pm) PDT
Stream (a Youtube Stream weird): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RBCEV1yyD8
Note some helpful information in the comments section of the stream link.
When: May 14, 2012 at 19:45 (7:45 pm) PDT
Stream (a Youtube Stream weird): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RBCEV1yyD8
Note some helpful information in the comments section of the stream link.
Diablo 3 System Requirements, Install Problems, Help, etc.
I as well as many others are looking forward to Diablo III, which releases in less than 4 hours from now (in NA), I figured I would post some links to help anyone having trouble with the install tonight or in the future.
Feel free to post helpful links or information in the comments section.
I will add to this post as I find more information.
Good Intro to Basics (ie Primary skills, Secondary skills, Passive, etc): http://segmentnext.com/2012/05/12/diablo-3-builds-character-development-and-progression-guide/
Diablo 3 Blog (news, install problems, guides, etc): http://www.diablo3builds.com/
Blizzard/Bnet Diablo 3 Guide (start here if you have no clue): http://us.battle.net/d3/en/game/
Blizzard/Bnet Diablo III Main page: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/?-
System Requirements: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-system-requirements
Known Issues (mainly from Beta atm): http://us.battle.net/support/en/blog/5367451
PC Troubleshooting Guide: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-installation-troubleshooting-pc
Mac Troubleshooting Guide: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-installation-troubleshooting-mac
Main Blizzard Diablo III Help: http://us.battle.net/support/en/games/diablo3
Launch Day Prep Guide: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/5338015/Launch_Day_Preparation_Guide-5_14_2012#blog
Another Diablo 3 site (Builds, news, etc): http://www.d3sanc.com/
Feel free to post helpful links or information in the comments section.
I will add to this post as I find more information.
Good Intro to Basics (ie Primary skills, Secondary skills, Passive, etc): http://segmentnext.com/2012/05/12/diablo-3-builds-character-development-and-progression-guide/
Diablo 3 Blog (news, install problems, guides, etc): http://www.diablo3builds.com/
Blizzard/Bnet Diablo 3 Guide (start here if you have no clue): http://us.battle.net/d3/en/game/
Blizzard/Bnet Diablo III Main page: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/?-
System Requirements: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-system-requirements
Known Issues (mainly from Beta atm): http://us.battle.net/support/en/blog/5367451
PC Troubleshooting Guide: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-installation-troubleshooting-pc
Mac Troubleshooting Guide: http://us.battle.net/support/en/article/diablo-iii-installation-troubleshooting-mac
Main Blizzard Diablo III Help: http://us.battle.net/support/en/games/diablo3
Launch Day Prep Guide: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/5338015/Launch_Day_Preparation_Guide-5_14_2012#blog
Another Diablo 3 site (Builds, news, etc): http://www.d3sanc.com/
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Diablo III will be out May 15, 2012
Blizzard is taking Digital Pre Orders for Diablo 3 now!!
I admit I am a Blizzard fanboy, though not a WoW fan, I was playing Diablo II until a few months ago when my XP machine that it was installed on died.
I am looking forward to Diablo III, it will probably cost me a night or 3 of sleep ^_^
Official details & preorder information at http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/4612389/Diablo_III_Launching_May_15_%E2%80%93_Digital_Pre-Sales_NOW_OPEN-3_15_2012
I admit I am a Blizzard fanboy, though not a WoW fan, I was playing Diablo II until a few months ago when my XP machine that it was installed on died.
I am looking forward to Diablo III, it will probably cost me a night or 3 of sleep ^_^
Official details & preorder information at http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/4612389/Diablo_III_Launching_May_15_%E2%80%93_Digital_Pre-Sales_NOW_OPEN-3_15_2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Diablo 3 Beta VOD: Introduction, Walkthrough, & FAQ
The Holiday Season is a little slow for Starcraft 2, so I am using this time to showcase some other games. Don't worry, there is a bunch of Starcraft 2 goodness planned for the New Year, I am also working on a few new projects, so stay tuned.
NanMan is a SC2 Caster, he has cast at least 2 TL Opens and big week long series of all Pro Showmatches, among many other events, and games.
This series of VOD's covers all of Act I, all that is included in the Diablo 3 Beta. Note this was streamed live, and NanMan was answering questions from Chat & etc.
I really have to limit myself on how many games I buy, or I would NEVER get anything else done. Diablo 2 & Starcraft Brood War are the games that consumed my life until Starcraft 2 came out, I think Diablo 3 is going to replace Diablo 2 for me, just like SC2 did to BW.
NanMan is a SC2 Caster, he has cast at least 2 TL Opens and big week long series of all Pro Showmatches, among many other events, and games.
This series of VOD's covers all of Act I, all that is included in the Diablo 3 Beta. Note this was streamed live, and NanMan was answering questions from Chat & etc.
I really have to limit myself on how many games I buy, or I would NEVER get anything else done. Diablo 2 & Starcraft Brood War are the games that consumed my life until Starcraft 2 came out, I think Diablo 3 is going to replace Diablo 2 for me, just like SC2 did to BW.
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