Diablo 3 launched with connection problems, presenting users with 3003 errors which didn't allow players to play the game. Despite Blizzard apologizing for the downtime, and actively performing maintenance, reports are now surfacing that accounts have been hacked.

Eurogamer published a first-hand report that a writer for the Web site - Chris Donlan - had his account hacked and transferred over to a person called "Anna." He or she talked with Eurogamer's Reviews Editor Oli Welsh, claiming the account was "bought."

Donlan isn't the only person to be hacked, though, as multiple claims appeared online. Some players reported lost items and gold. Blizzard has responded by rolling characters back to a pre-hack state, though in-game progress may be lost.

Regarding the 3003 errors which happened around launch, unconfirmed reports suggested an SQL Injection Attack caused the downtime. Blizzard offers an Authenticator app which provides an extra layer of security for accounts, but some reports suggested accounts have been hacked regardless of whether the service was used. Eurogamer said Donlan was not using the Authenticator.

"The Battle.net Mobile Authenticator is an optional tool that offers Battle.net account users an additional layer of security to help prevent unauthorized access. This includes World of Warcraft players who log into the game using a Battle.net account. The authenticator application is a small program that you install and access on your cell phone or mobile phone," the FAQ covering the service explained. A code is required to be entered once a week on the Battle.net service or a supported game, so consistently logging in doesn't mean codes are entered every time.

Blizzard is planning to launch the Diablo 3 auction house this month, so reports of gold stealing might not be the most reassuring news for users.

"We've been taking the situation extremely seriously from the start, and have done everything possible to verify how and in what circumstances these compromises are occurring. Despite the claims and theories being made, we have yet to find situations in which a person's account was not compromised through traditional means of someone else logging into their account through the use of their password," Blizzard Community Manager Bashiok said on the game's forum.

Users who think they've been hacked are advised to select the "Help! I've Been Hacked!" tool on the Battle.net help page. Lylirra, another Community Manager at Blizzard, made a post covering security measures that can be taken.