comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
112
with a Disinfect Test (see p. 112). Purging software in this manner restores
the program completely to its normal use and present rating.
new Matrix actionS
Matrix actions are sets of commands or instructions a Matrix
user issues to a node via a certain program to perform a specific
task. Note that a character logged onto a node using an account
with certain account privileges (see p. 216, SR4) may automatically
succeed at specific system operations, according to the limits
of their account. The following system actions follow the same
guidelines and rules as described in Shadowrun, Fourth Edition.
corrupt data
The Corrupt Data action unleashes a Corrupt program on
a particular node or device. Similar to Browse, the program is set
to seek out and destroy a particular piece of information with an
Extended Hacking + Corrupt Test with an interval of 1 Combat
Turn. The gamemaster sets the threshold based on the complexity
of the data, the size of the node, and the abundance of the data,
as suggested on the Corruption Table (p. 112). The gamemaster
may also modify the dice pool or threshold to account for addition
factors, like encryption and protection of data.
The OS or the integrity of a node cannot be comprised by the
use of the Corrupt program.
disarm program
To disarm a program, the hacker must make a Hacking +
Disarm (Firewall + System, 1 Initiative Pass) Extended Test. When
the threshold is reached, the targeted software can no longer be
used against the hacker (i.e., Analyze will not detect the hacker,
Attack will not target the hacker, and so on). The disarmed software
still functions normally against others. Likewise, the hacker
is still vulnerable to similar software wielded by others. Disarmed
software will remain neutralized until it has been reloaded or until
the hacker logs off the node.
Firewalls may also be disarmed, but they feature coded countermeasures
that make such attempts likely to trigger an alert. The
node makes an Analyze + Firewall (Stealth) Extended Test each
time a Disarm Test is made. If it meets its threshold before the
Disarm Extended Test succeeds, an alert is triggered, and the
Firewall immediately reconfigures itself so that the Disarm attempt
must be restarted.
Note that Disarm may not be used against Data Bombs—
Defuse is required for that.
corrUption taBLe
Threshold Corrupted Data Task
2 Corrupt some specific information on a basic commlink
4 Compromise a criminal dossier in a police database
8 Impair all copies of a file in a corporate nexus
15 Corrupt every mention of Aztechnology’s secretive board
of directors from Jackpoint
20+ Scramble all SINs with the same biometric data in the
Global SIN Registry nexus
tHe cUtting edge:
Military Grade Software
Although normal programs are only commercially
available to a maximum rating of 6, cutting edge
software with a rating of 7 or higher does exist. Socalled
military-grade or prototype software is usually
used and distributed only among governmental and
military spiders, special unit hackers (like GOD or ARM
agents), or the operatives of the megacorporations
that develop these programs.
To prevent military programs from leaking into the
shadows and black markets, copies of these programs
are closely monitored. Use or loading of these programs
is often restricted by biometric identification
or the use of Limitation or Timer program options.
It is rumored that some agencies and corporations
purposely infect these programs with special viruses
that leave dormancy as soon as the software is transferred
to a different commlink or computer system
in order to wreak havoc on those systems, delete the
software, and/or report its location to its originators.
The gamemaster designs exactly when and where
to include such potent programs in his campaign. They
should be rare at best, and finding, stealing, or otherwise
acquiring such software could be an adventure
unto itself—not to mention keeping it.
disinfect
In order to disinfect a virus, you must first have detected
the virus (see Viruses, p. 120). Once detected, the virus can be
purged with a Complex Action and an Opposed Test pitting
Computer + Purge vs. the Virus Rating x 2. If successful, the
virus and all copies of it residing in different programs in that
node are removed.
If a node is infected by more than one virus, a test must be
made for each separate virus (this is considered part of the same
Complex Action, however).
new aUtoSoftS
Autosofts are specialized programs that expand the options
and capabilities of Pilot programs. Autosofts provide a specific
skill or new ability that goes beyond the normal programming
of either the drone’s dog brain or an agent’s
frame programming.
Unwired
agent aUtoSoftS
Agent autosofts are expert programs
designed to augment Matrix agents and IC;
they are not compatible with drone Pilots.
Programmed mainly by Matrix security
companies (because of the complexity of an
autosoft’s programming), these subroutines
are adaptive add-ons designed to put IC on par
with intruding hackers or malware agents (like
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9