Turns out those "non-personal system information" updates on the World of Warcraft log-in screen do more than you originally thought.
Every time you log into World of Warcraft, Blizzard scans your computer for viruses, keyloggers, and Trojans. If they find one, you will immediately get hit with a 24 ban and an email explaining the matter.
A copy of the email is as follows:
"Greetings,
An investigation of the World of Warcraft account [insert account name here] has produced evidence that the computer(s) used to play the account are infected by a virus, Trojan or keylogger.
To protect your privacy and security, we have temporarily disabled the account for a 24 hour period. During this time, we highly recommend that you follow the below steps to protect yourself and the account from unauthorized third party access.
Use up-to-date firewall, antivirus, and anti-spyware software to scan your system regularly for viruses, Trojans, and key-loggers.
Keep your operating system and other software up-to-date and be careful when downloading new software.
Be wary of "spoof" and scam websites and e-mails that pose as Blizzard Entertainment and request account or personal information. As a reminder, Blizzard Entertainment representatives will *never* ask you for your password.
Keep your login information confidential. Account access can only be shared with one minor of whom you are the parent or guardian. Sharing access with anyone else is a violation of the game's Terms of Use. You are also responsible for every use of an account on which you are listed as the registered player, whether the use was authorized or not.
Use separate, unique passwords for your email, World of Warcraft, and any other online accounts.
Change your passwords regularly and keep World of Warcraft account information updated using the Account Management page at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/account/.For additional security tips and information, please visit the following sites:
Account Security: http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/21131
Unauthorized Account Access Policy: http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/20460
World of Warcraft Account Security: http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/20572If you are looking for an added layer of security, we currently offer the Blizzard Authenticator, an optional device that can help prevent unauthorized account access. For more information about how the Authenticator works or how to add one to a World of Warcraft account, please visit the Blizzard Authenticator FAQ at http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/24660.
Please be aware that if viruses, Trojans or keyloggers are found again on computer(s) the account is played from, it may lead to the account being disabled again.
Please contact us at wowaccountadmin@blizzard.com if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Regards,
Account Administration
Blizzard Entertainment
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com"
Good thing I play on a Mac, eh?
Some people don't understand this and are up-in-arms about why Blizzard would ban you for something that has nothing to do with them or their game.
If you're too lazy to read the email (you'd be surprised), let me explain this for you. Viruses, keyloggers, and Trojans can access your account without your knowledge. You could go to any number of sites, download something, and get infected without even knowing it. Once a virus is on your computer it can do a number of things. Some can go to straight to work and others can lay there idle until the right "door" is opened. That "door" can be logging into World of Warcraft. Enter your account info and that could wake the previously idle virus. That virus now has your account info and can log-in anytime it or the creator wants to spam Trade Chat or send out in-game whispers; ruining the gaming experience.
You aren't getting punished for having a virus on your computer. Blizzard is protecting you and the gaming experience of others. This just might keep Susan Express down once and for all.
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