Steam’s newest security feature is now being beta tested. I’m sure nearly every PC gamer is familiar with Steam Guard, Valve’s simple but effective authentication protocol. The two-part security solution uses login credentials and email to authorize accounts on unfamiliar devices. Steam has acknowledged that email may not always be the most convenient option and has started letting people try out the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator.
As the name implies, the verification process removes the email aspect and replaces it with the Steam mobile app. This opens up new ways to verify and/or recover Steam accounts from smartphones and tablets. If you’re interested in taking this new feature for a spin, you will have to join the official group here. Also, the Android version of the app is currently the only one sporting the option. iOS devices can partake in the beta when Steam’s application hits the App Store “soon”.
If you’re at all worried about Valve’s security strength, let me remind you that the company’s co-founder (and divine ruler of the PC Master Race) Gabe Newell publicly revealed his password to prove the system’s strength. This isn’t to say that you should do the same and test the verification method for yourself, but rather it should bring you some peace of mind if you plan on being a beta tester for the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator.