For those of you who have serious worries about people stealing your FFXI account and using it for dastardly deeds...and are too lazy to make an extremely strong password, Square Enix has a new solution for you. Of course you’ll have to shell out some cash for it.

The VASCO Data Security International, Inc. DIGIPASS(R) GO6 and VACMAN(R) Controller strong authentication solution will authenticate users attempting to access the content and services of Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) including massively multiplayer online role-playing game FINAL FANTASY XI.

FINAL FANTASY XI will be the first online game in Japan to use one-time password security. On April 7, 2009, Square Enix plans to begin offering user authentication using this technology to users who purchase VASCO’s authentication devices.

Until now, Square Enix security initiatives included the use of user IDs and fixed passwords, and user education on online security regarding user ID and password management. Square Enix decided to enhance unauthorized access countermeasures by adopting VASCO’s DIGIPASS GO6 & VACMAN strong authentication solution to authenticate users of FINAL FANTASY XI in Japan, North America and Europe.

Square Enix will distribute VASCO’s DIGIPASS GO 6 authenticators which will be used by FINAL FANTASY XI game players when logging in to the game. By using the one-time password (OTP) generated by DIGIPASS for logging in to the game, unauthorized access to the account will virtually become non-existent and the security of the account will be enhanced considerably. FINAL FANTASY XI can be accessed from console games PlayStation2 and Xbox 360, and from Windows PCs, and users will be able to use the one-time password for access to the game from any of these devices. On the server side, VACMAN Controller, VASCO’s authentication software which is used by many financial organizations worldwide, was adopted.

As for Europe:

Square Enix Ltd., announced the upcoming launch of the Square Enix Account System and Square Enix Security Token to be implemented in Europe, Japan and North America on 7th April, 2009. Offering additional account safeguards to players of their flagship MMO, FFXI, these new initiatives provide for a higher level of account security. The new system will utilize the Square Enix Security Token, which will be available to purchase for €9.99 and £7.99 via the PlayOnline Viewer.

Creating a Square Enix Account is free and can be done by anyone via the official Square Enix website. With this new system in place beginning on 7th April, 2009, Square Enix Accounts will be compatible with FINAL FANTASY XI and PlayOnline, as well as future online services.

After registering a Square Enix Account and purchasing the Square Enix Security Token, players can then assign the token to their PlayOnline ID(s). The token generates a unique password every time it is activated, ensuring complete security. The implementation of these new features is an extension of Square Enix’s commitment to continuous service for our customers.

Additionally, players who purchase a security token will also receive the brand new in-game bonus, the “Moogle Satchel”. The Moogle Satchel provides additional inventory space and benefits all characters on the PlayOnline account(s). The space provided by the Moogle Satchel is equal to the character’s Gobbie Bag capacity and can also expand along with it. In order to utilise the bonus, it will be necessary for the customer’s PlayOnline ID to be linked to a Square Enix Account.

1．Square Enix Account
Registration Launch:　 - 7th April, 2009 (Tue)
Registration Location:　 - Square Enix website
Compatible Services (Initial):　 - FINAL FANTASY XI, PlayOnline.
*1 Initially players can register via the FINAL FANTASY XI official website.

2．Square Enix Security Token
Release Date: - 7th April, 2009 (Tue).
Price: - €9.99 and £7.99 (Includes tax and shipping).
Where to Purchase: - Available for purchase via the PlayOnline Viewer.
Bonus with Purchase: - The “Moogle Satchel” will be included as an in-game bonus for FINAL FANTASY XI players who purchase a security token. The “Moogle Satchel” will provide up to 80 additional inventory slots and can be accessed anywhere regardless of if the player is in their Mog House or out adventuring in Vana’diel.

I’m not quite sure how that will work. I mean if someone gets access to your account, couldn’t they just...change the password and disable the security feature?