security worries?

joosii

I just created an account to try the free trial. I clicked to download it, and it went to another page where there was a big button "Download now". so I clicked that and got the message "We are sorry but trial game accounts are limited to 1 per NCsoft account." what the????

So i decided i would subimt a request for them to look at it, and their  email support uses "mailto" and a direct email link. Holy! Old school, no security style website? They dont have enough money to at least hide their email and have a secure process for submitting support requests? Who uses the "mailto" code anymore? I'll tell you who... rookie web developers.

This company is already starting to scare me. Is my information safe?

Halandir

An obfuscated email link will not make your information safer, even if it may (debateable) reduce the amount of spam the target of the mailto: link recieves.

Several networks have been hacked and creditcard information has been stolen lately, not only from Sony but also several banks and subscriptionbased services has been successfully penetrated. Even a root certificate aurhority (DigiNotar) was hacked and the hacker was able to issue trusted certificates for most SSL sites. (Including gmail.)

So the short answer: No information you choose to submit on the internet is "safe". In each case you need to decide if the reward is worth the risk :-)

 

joosii

But wouldnt you want a company that looks like they are at least trying? What reputable company actually uses the "mailto:" code anymore? None of them -- because it's old school-hacker/spammer susceptible.

If they arent at least trying (or looking like they are trying), why should I put my confidential information in their hands in the first place? Yes, its ultimately my choice. And from what I can see, the choice for me here is no. And it's too bad cuz GW2 seems like a game i would really like to try. 

Halandir

Originally posted by joosii

But wouldnt you want a company that looks like they are at least trying? What reputable company actually uses the "mailto:" code anymore? None of them -- because it's old school-hacker/spammer susceptible.

Being concerned about your online security is absolutely important and commendable.

However, finding mailto: links when you opt for email-support does not, in any way, say anything about a company's level of professionalism. An email support option is often all about accessibility. A mailto: link is supported by all current browsers == extremely accessible.

I have no idea about how reputable Blizzard are, but I would consider them rather competent. If you choose to send them a mail for support you will (of course) find a mailto: link. Take a look... About halfway down the page.

Since most emails (still) are sent  unencrypted, you could probably choose the formbased, and somewhat more 'secure', web-support instead of email. Link is: https://help.ncsoft.com/app/ask

 

joosii

OK, i went to arenanet, and tried to grab the link to what i was talking about... there's a web console option. Didnt' see it there the first time.

(I gotta stop surfing in the middle of the night)

Apologies -- (though i think it would be worse if I hid my mistake). At least I'm feeling better about my info being in thier hands.