Valve announces Steam Guard security feature

Valve today announced a new Steam security feature named Steam Guard, which can use a feature on new Intel processors to link their account management with one single PC. Attempts to change account details must be approved, stymieing would-be hijiackers.

Steam Guard requires a PC supporting Intel's Identity Protection Technology, which can be found in its new second-generation 'Sandy Bridge' Core processors. Built into the CPU, IPT generates a passcode every 30 seconds, which is used in conjunction with your regular login to provide an extra layer of security. It's the same principle as Blizzard's Battle.net Authenticator but a lot harder to lose.

Users will be able to authorise other PCs, and will be notified if someone on an authorised system attempts to log in or change their details.

"Account phishing and hijacking are our #1 support issues," Valve president Gabe Newell said in the announcement. "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."

Steam Guard has been added to Valve's Steamworks suite for others to use too.

You'll also be able to amuse yourself by freely giving your login details to every phisher who messages you, pretending they work for Valve support and need to verify your password. Just imagine their little faces screwing up with rage. Brilliant.