What good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase that can boost hacking skills? I know about the software but wat are good hardware to get?
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Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Tue, 2011-10-11 06:24
#1
technoshaman
Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Tue, 2011-10-11 08:34
#2
Xagroth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Quality rules for hardware so you get +10 or so while using those ectos / quantum computer
That insteresting implant whose name I cannot remember that gives you up to 3 extra mental actions per turn by making beta forks that last less than 4 hours, then you can change the extra actions for +30 to your rolls using the rules for teamwork (or having two actions at +20, or...)
The muse can give you a +10 to infosec without any effort, again by teamwork rules.
Ghostrider modules with infomorph forks: 4 actions/turn (of course, mental XD) each, and teamwork options...
Of course, remember you cannot exceed a +60 bonus to any roll. But my favourite and best "equipment":
Social engineering: being able to get the passwords from someone who knows them is, by far, much more interesting and funny that running around inside a virtual reality. Seducing the target, getting the data from the bin/laptop/whatever... and there was a spy scene instead of a Tron one ^^
Tue, 2011-10-11 15:24
#3
Rada Ion
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Page 247 EP gives a bonus chart for Mesh Gear Quality, I am assuming this would apply to software, hardware and or elite black market hacking gear. Looks like the standard -30 to + 30 mods. I think it just comes down to better ectos with faster or more varied capabilities to safe guard the hacker (using a ecto for layering to begin with I suppose is what I mean with this) or make his job easier.
Tue, 2011-10-11 20:20
#4
CodeBreaker
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
*ninjasmoke CB* Just a note. I imagine you are talking about the Multitasking implant, which lets you take 2 extra mental actions per turn. This has come up in the past, to the point where Jsnead (The writer of the gear section) chipped in. The Multitasking implant cannot be used for anything other than getting the 2 extra mental actions per turn. It is not generating beta forks, the forks created are intended to be specialist forks that have no other use. As such these forks cannot be used to grant teamwork bonuses.
This is important because it prevents other abuses of implants that give you forks from providing you with extra actions on your turns. Forks do not grant you extra actions, they act on their own initiative with their own skills/aptitudes/bonuses. They can however grant teamwork bonuses.
CB, AWAY! *ninjasmoke*
EDIT: As always, your GM has final say, ask them. Forgot that disclaimer :D
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Wed, 2011-10-12 05:17
#5
Xagroth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Cool! Now the multitasking implant is not so overpowered. Anyway, while it won't give teamwork, it will give 2 extra actions for hacking (greatly reducing the gap between an infomorph and any other morph for that task). Now for teamwork then you need the muse, ghostrider modules... and ectos containing an infomorph, which could be the cheapest option of all (just to clarify, you don't need wear them, just to carry them connected to the mesh with the residing infomorphs in command...); of course, an infomorph trying to hack while inside an ecto won't get any equipment bonus... and unless it's a latest generation ecto and he has the very best software, I foresee up to -30 to the rolls...
Wed, 2011-10-12 05:55
#6
technoshaman
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
If you read some of my other post here that I am playing a pilot/smuggler with some gearhead (or mechanic) thrown to fix the and modify the the vehicles I pilot. :) We have a hacker in the group already but I wanted to add some gear just to help him out if needed. Think of my character as support for the group.
Tue, 2011-12-13 00:08
#7
technoshaman
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Which implants can do data storage for holding certain data to smuggle, something similar to Johnny Mnemonic?
Tue, 2011-12-13 10:36
#8
nezumi.hebereke
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Stick it in your ecto. Memory is so cheap, it's basically ubiquitous. If you really want another piece of hardware, I'd say it's Trivial cost. The tough part is the encryption, since it needs to be quantum computer-quality (you don't need a quantum computer installed, but you need one on either side to encrypt and decrypt it, and the memory has to be appropriate grade to support it).
Tue, 2011-12-13 12:09
#9
Decivre
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Quantum encryption isn't necessary; you're blowing the weaknesses of public-key encryption out of proportion. The only thing that can break public-key encryption in 10 AF is a quantum computer, and they aren't exactly lying all over the place. They're very expensive devices, and relatively rare. Other than when those are present, public-key encryption is very secure. Even when they [i]are[/i] present, the security risk is minimal at best. Short-range communication, file transfers when privacy isn't an absolute necessity, mesh surfing, playing games, any hacking, and other such things are just fine with public-key encryption. They are probably your only option anyways, because quantum encryption can only work between paired computers.
Quantum encryption is recommended for secure file and secret transmissions... but only if the secret must be maintained for a period of time (if you're calling in a drug deal that day, it's a non-issue because when that transmission is broken a week from now, the deal will be long over). But quantum encryption isn't an option for file storage, just transmission. For storage of very secure files, I'd recommend cryptographic file-splitting, and storing the separate files in places only you know.
But yes, ectos are recommended. In fact, I'd recommend buying several ectos, and using them like a criminal uses burner phones. When hacking makes it hot, throw that sucka in the trash and take out a new one.
—
Transhumans will one day be the Luddites of the posthuman age.
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Tue, 2011-12-13 13:16
#10
nezumi.hebereke
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
If the data is worth enough to hire a courier, I have to imagine it's worth enough for your enemies to bring a quantum computer to bear to crack it. Of course, if your data isn't worth that much then yeah, do whatever is appropriate.
And to be clear, I'm not encouraging quantum encryption. I agree with your summary of quantum encryption, and it only applies to data in transmission. What I'm saying is, if they have quantum computers (which really is not related to quantum encryption at all), that can break conventional encryption, they must have made up some forms of new encryption by now. Otherwise how do you protect your data stored on your quantum computer? Whatever that is, you need it.
Tue, 2011-12-13 14:06
#11
Decivre
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Quantum encryption is, at its most basic, an implementation of quantum mechanics to produce OTP-encrypted data, with the key being produced by the motions of two quantum-entangled particles. As both particles move in identical manner, they produce the same key on both sides, making it crackable by the receiving party. All OTP-encrypted data is unbreakable, and you can produce an OTP key without a quantum farcaster... OTP encryption has existed since 1882.
However, there are limitations to OTP encryption. The cypher key has to be of equal size to the cypher text. If you are trying to encrypt a 2 kb file, it requires a 2 kb key. Furthermore, like with any encryption, having both the key and the file makes encryption completely moot. Such is the nature with encryption that it is, by nature, always breakable in some way.
However, this does not make it impossible. By splitting the key and the cyphertext and placing them in two storage locations, you can effectively reduce the chances that someone can break your encryption... for as long as they don't find your key, it's impossible, and the file is essentially garbage data.
My favorite form of OTP encryption today is cryptographic file-splitting. This is the process by which a file is split into multiple smaller files, which each act as a portion of the cyphertext AND a portion of the key. So long as all files aren't found by the same party, complete decryption is completely impossible... though finding more than half of the total file does open the possibility of being partially decrypted... and partial decryption may be all they need.
—
Transhumans will one day be the Luddites of the posthuman age.
[url=http://bit.ly/2p3wk7c]Help me get my gaming fix, if you want.[/url]
Tue, 2011-12-13 18:56
#12
Azathoth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
I felt like someone mentioned this somewhere, but does multitasking with a mental speed implant or similar really help that much with hacking? I mean, it doesn't speed up the 10 minute (or less for brute force) intrusion test (and that's a damn shame if you ask me!), and once your in a system there doesn't seem like there's a lot to do (just issue a few commands, and sit back and watch!). From the description, you'd think all that mental speed would have more of an in-game bonus.
Tue, 2011-12-13 19:54
#13
Decivre
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Multitasking does exactly what it says: it improves the characters ability to do multiple tasks simultaneously. This has plenty of potential benefits for the hacker character. For instance, one could jam two drones simultaneously while still consciously fighting with your actual body. Multitasking could be used while on security duty to pay attention through multiple sensor feeds far easier than could normally be done by a single person. My character uses it so that he can be coding and improving his software 24/7 while still contributing to the group inactive ways. If the team ever has to venture into simulspace, you have the advantage of being able to be present with three different simulmorphs... and can be in three places at the same time.
As for actual hacking, there's still plenty of use. A combat hacker can be fighting with guns while the forks on his multitasking implant do the actual hacking... and each fork can hack a separate computer system. It turns your meager hacker with a multitasking implant into two hackers and a soldier.
Not bad, hmm?
—
Transhumans will one day be the Luddites of the posthuman age.
[url=http://bit.ly/2p3wk7c]Help me get my gaming fix, if you want.[/url]
Tue, 2011-12-13 20:30
#14
Azathoth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Issuing commands to several drones is already so easy, I didn't think of jamming. Nor did I realize it let you hack more than one system at a time! Good examples! :)
Tue, 2011-12-13 20:32
#15
Azathoth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
(Oops, double post!)
Wed, 2011-12-14 07:16
#16
Xagroth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
For the sake of completion, I'll add that you can also use the multitasking implant to "posess" a morph or drone with a puppet sock implant (that is, direct control using the Interface skill).
Going back into the topic of data smuggling, I'd go with steganographical approaches evolved to AF10: In short, hide the files inside games or XP feeds that cannot be checked by the authorities for size discrepancies. In the last number of The Eye, by the way, something similar was described with the collectible card game that allows you to assemble a small robot... or in the case of certain cards used by Firewall agents, to assemble gear and/or weapons!
If you want a dedicated example, let's use the somewhate related game Deus Ex: Human Revolution (assume it's a freeware game that Planetary Consortium authorities have no reason or capacity to check for size discrepancies). You have that game instaled in your personal mesh system, with your savegames. However, the game also hides the required data for a Cornucopia Machine to assemble (and both to not give any warning and delete the assembling record after finishing) a sniper rifle with AP ammo. The data can only be extracted for a one use program by using a trainer that allows you, among other things, to fly (kinda useless option in the game, but for fun). Using the trainer, while playing in the tutorial, you enter a special code sequence on one elevator that allows you to exit the building to a transition zone, where you solve a small puzzle (that has multiple solutions, but only one will produce the desired effect of generating the CM file) after which you see an animation with the game engine (so it would be considered an "eastern egg", but for the file...) and then you are teleported back into the tutorial.
When you exit the game, in the game folder you will find a new executable file that can only be used once, on a Cornucopia Machine, to produce the Sniper Rifle and the AP ammo.
So, in this example, for the authorities to get hold of the data, they need to grab a copy of your game, use the trainer and the code, then solve the puzzle... and then look for the new file. A Quantum Computer might be able to do calculations, but I doubt it will be able to solve that (and for the option of involving agents into the work, well, when you don't know where to start looking the amount of man-hours will simply not be as time efficient as ego torture/psychosurgery).
Wed, 2011-12-14 10:55
#17
Decivre
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Steganography isn't really necessary for the purpose of hiding files. Honestly, it's a pretty terrible way to do so anyways, as it is less reliable than encryption for keeping files secure. Rather, Steganography is best used by people wishing to mask public transactions as harmless material. In the case of the NanoFrame CCG, steganography wasn't used so much as camouflage... an illegal fabber was hidden in the form of a children's card game. A good example of what you might see steganography used for is mass mailing systems that need to run under the radar; such as a freeware game that uses steganographic data in patches to keep those who know about it up to date on various events occurring within the organization, which get deleted when the next patch comes out.
File security doesn't really require the steganographic hiding of files anymore. I suppose you can use it as an extra layer, but it's probably an unnecessary one. Encryption is your last defense, and your first defense is the simple act of hiding the file medium. With the density of data storage in 10 AF, it shouldn't be hard to keep a large cache of data in something like a mole on your skin (which actually contains memory-storing nanobots), or a nanotat, or even your clothing. Hell, in the story of the core book, an important file was encrypted and nanoscopically etched into some guy's femur bone. The best way to keep a file secure, and make sure it's never decrypted, is to simply make sure it's never found to begin with.
—
Transhumans will one day be the Luddites of the posthuman age.
[url=http://bit.ly/2p3wk7c]Help me get my gaming fix, if you want.[/url]
Thu, 2011-12-15 08:39
#18
Xagroth
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Yeah, Dec, you are right there (save for the possibility of a deep scan being able to find the physical support of those data, unless you are using a synthmorph XD). I was thinking more in terms of egocasting, however, so hiding the physical support of the data would be impossible. My bad for not clarifying that beforehand ^^
Sun, 2011-12-25 06:21
#19
Arenamontanus
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Another nice trick is to get hardware access. A PC recently took over a spaceship by infiltrating it with saboteur nanites that blocked external communications, and then another set that gave her direct physical access to its AI brain. It took a while to figure out how to evade the internal nanodetectors and guardians, but it was worth it - no heavy firewalls to get through.
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Sun, 2011-12-25 09:18
#20
technoshaman
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Ok so the best way for this setting do the data smuggling is software than hardware cause of egocasting and sense the character's mind is now digital and the morph have to the same implants to store the data or it's lost during egocasting and resleeving, correct?
Sun, 2011-12-25 11:37
#21
Madwand
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
Your data is probably not lost under normal circumstances when egocasting. It won't cost any extra to send along as much data as you like when you 'cast, including your muse, skillsofts, and any programs and blueprints you want. This data is probably encrypted twice: once by you, and once by the egocasting protocol.
Sun, 2011-12-25 12:35
#22
Decivre
Re: Good hacking gear in Eclipse Phase
In that case, I might recommend darkcasting. Not necessarily for your mind, but transferring your files through confidential channels can help to get them through without being found or caught. The other possibility is to pick an egocasting service that has privacy guarantees. This would probably be surprisingly common when memories can be digitally stored.
So long as the morph you are sleeving into has mesh inserts, you will have the space necessary for whatever data you might be trying to store.
—
Transhumans will one day be the Luddites of the posthuman age.
[url=http://bit.ly/2p3wk7c]Help me get my gaming fix, if you want.[/url]