Backdoors

T-SM p. 90

About Backdoors

A "backdoor" is a way of referring to a means of accessing vulnerable aspects of a computer system without going through the usual security measures. Slicers sometimes find permanent backdoors in flawed security setups, but they may also be able to create new ones via forged credentials or other tricks of the trade.

As described in spending , , , and in Slicing Encounters, a slicer might find a permanent backdoor into a system that allows the character to perform the Access System slicing action without a check and as a Maneuver, so long as the slicer can connect to the system.

Backdoor Access Length

On some systems, a backdoor might last forever — on others, however, the GM might rule that the backdoor is lost after a set number of months, or as a result of or similar results on checks within the system.

NPC Defensive Slicers

If there are dedicated Defensive slicers who work on a system with installed backdoors, then the expected lifespan of the vulnerability decreases drastically. The GM can set a time at which a Defending slicer finds a backdoor based upon skill and familiarity with the system, or the character might have to make Hard () Computers check at set intervals to find it. A skilled Defensive slicer might be able to find a backdoor in a matter of days, rather than weeks or months.

Player Character's Systems

If a backdoor has been placed into a system that the PCs use, they must uncover it as described above. A PC might also be able to find a backdoor with a on a check to use the relevant system, or the GM might allow a system maintenance check to find and close the back door after an appropriate interval of in-game time.

Alternately, if the PCs have an in-character reason to suspect a vulnerability within their system but lack the expertise to close it, they might pay a freelance slicer to address the issue.