comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

Issuing commands to a smartgun through a smartlink is a
Free Action that requires no test; issuing commands to a smartgun
through a commlink or any other wireless device is a Simple
Action and requires a successful Computer + Command (1) Test.
If two characters are attempting to command the same smartgun,
make an Opposed Computer + Command Test, with the winner
determining what the smartgun does that round. Some street
samurai store a copy of the Command program in their smartlinks
specifically for these tests.
false diagnostics
By default, cyberware (and other electronic devices configured
for open access) provide information on the current state of the
device, including the official designation and serial number for the
device, the owner, the license number, the version of the operating
system it is running, fuel or power remaining (if applicable), critical
temperatures, malfunctions, and the date of the last maintenance,
upgrade, or modification. A hacker can change some of the personal
data (owner, license number) with a successful Software + Edit Test;
changing any of the other information requires a Hacking + Edit
Test (difficulty threshold determined by the gamemaster). In low-security
settings where the guards cannot tell exactly what an implant
is, a false diagnostic reading with a valid license can be enough to
get the character through
without too much
scrutiny.
Hacking
electronics
A character
can identify an
unfamiliar electronic
device and
figure out how
to turn it on
with a successful
Computer + Logic
Test. Once the device
is powered
up, characters can
access it. Most
devices only have
a single account with
admin privileges and are
configured for open access—
anybody can come by and use
them. More complicated and
expensive devices may have
multiple accounts and more
limited public access.
Devices generally feature
wired access (requiring
the hacker to physically
jack in), wireless access,
or both. Because most
hardware devices are
configured for open access,
limitations are gener-
Unwired
cYBerware defenSeS
How can a character protect his cyberware
from hacking?
1.) Turn off or remove any wireless links (see p. 31,
Augmentation).
2.) Use a direct physical connection rather than
wireless (externally-accessible implants only).
3.) Keep the Signal rating low so a hacker would
have to be within close range.
4.) Use a good Firewall program.
5.) Use a good Encryption program.
6.) Stay in hidden mode.
7.) Slave the implant to your secure commlink (see
Slaving, p. 55).
8) Install Data Bomb, ECCM, or IC programs.
ally hardwired or preprogrammed in. Bypassing or modifying
hardware limitations on a device requires a Hardware + Logic
Extended Test. Refer to the Build/Repair Table on p. 125 of SR4
for the Threshold and modifiers, the Interval is usually 10 minutes
(longer for larger or more complex devices, at the gamemaster’s
discretion). A microtronics tool kit (see Tools, p.323, SR4) or better
is typically required.
Generally, electronics only have a single rating, the Device
rating (p. 212, SR4), which is used in place of all of its Matrix attributes.
Gamemasters may choose to specify the Matrix attributes
for particularly important device rather than rely on this catch-all.
When a player character is attempting to manipulate the device
within the bounds of legitimate use, they use Computer + Logic
(for the general function of the device), or Computer + Program
rating (if within the normal parameters but an unusual task); if the
player wants to get the device to act outside of legitimate parameters,
roll Hacking + Program rating.
Hacking nanites
Individual nanites are too small and simple to be hacked
individually—or for there to be much use if you managed it—
and entire nanite colonies are too complex, even for the most
sophisticated swarm-rigging programs. Instead, hackers focus on
accessing and reprogramming nanohives, nanofaxes, and desktop
forges, or triggering and shutting down nanoware (see Triggered
and Shutting Down Nanoware, p. 108, Augmentation).
Nanites cannot normally be controlled to a great extent, but
hard nanite systems can be reprogrammed from their supporting
nanohive. Individual nanohives can be accessed wirelessly (Signal
0) and hacked or spoofed using the standard rules (see Hacking
Cyberware, p. 102); the hacker can then get cracking reprogramming
the nanites (see Reprogramming Hard Nanites, p. 107,
Augmentation). To save time, if the hacker has a sample of the
nanite system and a microtronics shop, she can write the program
in advance and simply upload it using Spoof.
Nanofaxes and desktop forges have extensive protections against
hacking. Typically, neither sort of nanomanufacturing device connects
to the Matrix unless they are expecting a software upgrade or
new nanoschematics. Unlike other devices, nanofaxes and desktop
nanoforges are usually as well-protected as high-security nodes with
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9
103
hacker’s handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .