Final Fantasy XIV’s development team is set to enhance its blacklist system in response to recent exploits that allowed players to stalk others by accessing account IDs. Director Naoki Yoshida announced during a livestream that Patch 7.2 will introduce countermeasures to prevent such misuse. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to player safety and maintaining a secure gaming environment.
Earlier reports indicated that the response to the exploit was minimal, with only suggestions to cease using the problematic plugins. Now, the development team is taking more substantial steps to address the issue, showing a shift towards proactive security measures.
What triggers the blacklist exploit?
The exploit arises from a plugin that manipulates Dawntrail’s blacklist system to reveal account IDs. This allows users to track a character and all associated alternate accounts, posing significant privacy concerns. Community producer Toshio “Foxclon” Murouchi explained,
“The one thing we want you to feel safe about is, whenever you read that internal ID, you will never reach personal information or billing information, so please do not be concerned about it.”
How will Patch 7.2 address the issue?
Patch 7.2 will introduce additional security measures to restrict access to account IDs and enhance the blacklist functionality. These changes aim to prevent unauthorized tracking and ensure that personal information remains protected. Murouchi added,
“We are taking it seriously because it is not good to read that internal connection … we are not very comfortable with it.”
What is the development team’s stance on plugin use?
The team maintains a firm position against the misuse of plugins and mods. Yoshi-P stated,
“I am very disappointed that this kind of tool exists, but we will be improving the system going forward.”
Both he and Murouchi urged players to refrain from using unauthorized modifications to safeguard the community.
Enhancing the blacklist system demonstrates Final Fantasy XIV’s ongoing efforts to protect its player base from malicious activities. By addressing the exploit comprehensively, the team not only resolves current issues but also sets a precedent for future security enhancements. Players can expect a more secure and trustworthy gaming experience as these measures are implemented.
