comStar Firewall alert - PhaseThrough

systeM security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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pool. Additionally, a spider (or any user with an admin account)
may spend a Complex Action to have the node make an attempt
to terminate a connection; this may be done without an alert, but
also without the bonus.
System Reset/Shutdown: The node may be configured to
either shut down and stay that way, or to reboot.
DangerSensei is consulting on a high-security node.
He has arranged for patrolling IC to Analyze visiting
icons, but he knows that any real security problem would
best be handled personally. He sets the ARC to Scramble
Security Hacker, specifying himself as the one to be contacted
and connected. He then logs off and goes about
his business.
One day, while DangerSensei is enjoying an actual
stroll through an actual park, a hacker successfully intrudes
into the node, but one of the patrolling IC programs spots
him. An active alert is triggered, and the node immediately
logs him on. He spends a Free Action to flip into VR,
and quickly deals with the intruder.
SpiderS
A spider is a Matrix specialist that helps guard systems against
intrusion. Their job description includes system administration,
system monitoring, and managing agents and IC. The duties of
the spider also overlap with those of physical security, and they
handle security drones and facility devices such as cameras, locks,
sensors, and even weapon emplacements. The spider coordinates
responses to physical or electronic intrusion, usually in the
capacity of communications officer or tactical commander.
An effective spider is built much the same way that a good
shadowrunning Matrix specialist is constructed (see The Matrix
User, p. 32). Spiders use the same skills and abilities to perform
their duties as hackers and riggers use in theirs. The main difference
is in program loadout.
While still seen as untrustworthy, those technomancers who
put their mysterious talents to good use professionally and within
the community are helping to improve their reputation. Most
technomancers are at a disadvantage in the security field, since
spiders that rely on technology have had more time to hone their
talents, but more and more experienced security technomancers
are appearing on corporate ladders. Evo and Horizon seem to
believe that the untapped potential of technomancers is worth an
investment, and have hired a number of them to act as spiders at
some of their facilities around the world.
SaMpLe SpiderS
Below are some sample spiders that a shadowrunning team
may encounter directly or indirectly during a run. Each entry
includes a short description and a block of game statistics. These
examples, along with the Spider contact (p. 12, Contacts and
Adventures) can be used “as is,” or modified to fit a particular node
or setting. The statistics given are only those related to the Matrix;
gamemasters should feel free to flesh out these examples with appropriate
skills and gear. These examples give stats for humans;
spiders of other metatypes should have their attributes adjusted
accordingly (p. 4, Contacts and Adventures).
casual Hacker (professional rating 0)
Casual hackers have read some Matrix sites, done a bit of programming,
maybe even jumped into a drone at one point. They are
hobbyists or just the unlucky person at the office who was tagged
for the job.
B A R S C I L W ESS
3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 6.0
Skills: Computer 2, Data Search 2, Software 1, Cracking Skill
Group 1, Etiquette 3, Pilot Ground Craft 2, Current Events
Knowledge 3
Gear: Contact lenses (w/ image link), AR gloves, sim module,
trodes
Commlink: System 2, Response 2, Firewall 2, Signal 3
Programs: Analyze 2, Browse 1, Command 1, Edit 1, Encrypt 1
Matrix Initiative: 5
Matrix IP: 2
Matrix Condition Monitor: 9
novice (professional rating 1)
These spiders are usually either in or just out of college or an
apprenticeship program, or are gifted self-starters. They occasionally
make mistakes, either in their configuration or their responses,
but they try their best to keep their systems secure.
B A R S C I L W ESS
3 2 3 2 3 3 4 3 5.7
Skills: Computer 3, Data Search 3, Hardware 2, Software 2, Cracking
2, Etiquette 2, Perception 1, Pilot Ground Craft 3, Pilot Aircraft 1
Gear: Goggles (w/ image link, smartlink), AR gloves
Cyberware: datajack, sim module
Commlink: System 3, Response 3, Firewall 3, Signal 4
Programs: Analyze 3, Armor 3, Attack 3, Bio-Feedback Filter 2,
Browse 3, Command 3, ECCM 2, Edit 3, Encrypt 3, Medic 2,
Track 2
Matrix Initiative: 6
Matrix IP: 2
Matrix Condition Monitor: 10
Security technomancer (professional rating 2)
Technomancers are the newest entry on the security scene.
Those that specialize in security face prejudice and distrust in addition
to hackers and other digital attackers in the course of their
duties.
B A R S C I L W ESS RES
3 3 3 2 4 4 3 4 6.0 3
Skills: Electronics Skill Group 3, Cracking Skill Group 3,
Compiling 3, Decompiling 2, Registering 2, Etiquette 3,
Perception 1, Pilot Ground Craft 3, Pilot Aircraft 2, Gunnery 2
Living Persona: System 3, Response 3, Firewall 3, Signal 2
Complex Forms: Analyze 3, Armor 1, Attack 3, Bio-Feedback
Filter 3, Command 2, Track 3
Matrix Initiative: 9
Matrix IP: 3
Condition Monitor: 10
professional Spider (professional rating 3)
These spiders have been professionals for several years. Most
of them like the job, and have settled into a confidence that ranges
from informality to cockiness.
Unwired
Simon Wentworth (order #1132857) 9