Detecting Matrix Tracking, Unable to find rules on it Options

[Azralon]

This may be another case of RTFM, but I'm not finding the rules I'm looking for.

When a hacker is trying to trace the physical location of another hacker, does the target have any way to notice the incoming trace?

Redirect actions help defend you against getting tracked, yeah, but this weekend we couldn't find the rules that explain how to give the quarry a chance to notice when to start redirecting.

[Valentinew]

I believe the target would be allowed a matrix perception test vs the player's stealth to notice the tracking actions. (p.217)

I didn't see anything specific for noticing tracking, either. On pg 221, where it talks about breaking in to a node, it mentions how the node gets a chance to notice you.

Just my 2 :nuyen:

[Azralon]

I know you get a Matrix Perception test to notice something in the same node as you; so if they're trying to Track you are they considered to have a presence in your commlink's node and that's where the test comes in?

[mfb]

hm. isn't there a perception test for icons in or around the same AR/VR space as you, whether you're in the same node or not?

[Azralon]

What's the difference between being in the same Matrix space and being in the same node?

I don't mean that as a loaded question, either. I'm genuinely unsure of the distinction.

[stevebugge]

I think its an AR - VR distinction. AR objects appear overlaid over physical space, but don't necessarily occupy the same matrix node. In VR the virtual depictions still are arranged in nodes and you can percieve things in the same node even if they are physically far flung.

[mfb]

that's a good question, Azralon. in SR3, whatever else its faults, at least it was clear when you could and could not detect an icon, since everything was basically a series of nested hosts. with SR4, i dunno. if you switch to VR mode in the middle of the sidewalk, where do you end up? i'd assume there'd be some sort of location-based public wireless host that you'd, by default, log into. or maybe you log into your own comm, which in turn displays the icons of physically nearby hosts, and maybe the icons of users who are interacting with physically nearby hosts. that's pure speculation on my part, though.

[Shrike30]

The same matrix "node" means you're logged into the same system. If you're both in a corporate datastore, if you're trying to sneak through the security gateway without the security decker noticing, or anything that involves being on the same system, then IIRC you're in the same node.

[PlatonicPimp]

MFB: I'd have to say that in AR you are fed whatever Data is relevant, but whatever functions you are using. Local nodes are displayed, as are physically far flung ones if you have opened them. Think of it as your desktop, with the possibility to open windows, overlaying your real world view, which might have tags associated with them. I think local nodes aren't themselves displayed, but their access point is. So when you look at another person's commlink you don't see what's going on, but you can "Click" it or wahtever in order to open a window that accesses that node.

When you go VR in the middle of the street, or at home, or anywhere, you begin your trip in the node you are currently using. By default this would be your commlink, but if you were already accessing another node via AR, you could "Jump into" that window to get to that node.

[Azralon]

So a hacker running a Track on another hacker would not be in the same node, and therefore not noticeable?

[Azralon]

*sniff* :(

[TheHappyAnarchis...]

Wow, are the decking rules really as complex as all that.

I had high hopes for non craziness. Can someone please clarify?

[Shrike30]

The rules themselves are fairly simple... it's some of the conceptual stuff (what is a node, what does it mean to subscribe to one, and the like) that takes a bit of wrapping your head around.

I'm getting the gist of it, which makes me happy, because things become *much* faster once you start to grasp the concepts. The rules are pretty smooth (except, obviously, in the cases where they aren't specific :P ).

I would rule that the Tracking hacker would, when he caught up to the Trackee hacker, be in the same node... someone following his datatrail through previous nodes would obviously not be something the Trackee could see, but once he was found (which happens when the Tracking hacker subscribes to the node the Trackee hacker is in, and realizes the datatrail ends there), Trackee would get a shot at spotting Tracking. If Tracking sticks around to surveil Trackee, this turns into the Matrix equivalent of shadowing someone.

Of course, if you're paranoid, you could keep an Agent on your commlink that seeds your datatrail with various bits of nastiness as you go. Not something you'd want to have running all the time, obviously (the Agent screws up, and suddenly you're setting off security alarms at the Bank), but if you happen to pass through a really low-security AR area, this would be an option.

And then there's the other option: turn off your commlink, and walk into a different node's area of coverage. Preferably through several different nodes. As long as local security doesn't pick up on this/get offended by this, you're golden (since your datatrail ends) until the Tracking hacker manages to find your trail again.

[Azralon]

When does a hacker know to start tossing out Redirect actions? That's really the core of my question.

[Hasaku]

When his paranoia tells him he should be disguising his trail more?

[Valentinew]

[PlatonicPimp]