Hacking proof Metalinks?, The advantages of subscription limits. Options

[Falconer]

Last session i had an idea which might provide an absolute hacksafe link.
Setup would be the following:
Set up a favoured number of proxies.
Let one of them be a Meta Link or any other Standard Node with System 1.
A Sys1 Node can only support 2 subscriptions one would be your own, the other could be filled with a drone idling in the node a another link you have so that the subscription limit is reached.
Any attempt to access the node without above data request level requires a subscription, hacking attempts require a subscription.
So any attempt to hack this node would incredibly slow down any matrix traffic or completely crash it by RAW so there would be no way to slip into it unnoticed.
Any hooks or flaw i might have overseen?

It wouldn't work. Prior to the SR4a re-write... subscription limit was like program limit... you could go over it... going over it would reduce your system response. So too many connections would slow your link to a crawl.

In SR4a, I've always read the new subscription limit as a limit on OUTGOING connections originating from your commlink. You connecting your icon to remote locations in the matrix.


IE: your persona's icon is present in your node, and is being projected through the subscription(logon) to the remote node. The remote node is not using a subscription as it's not present in your home node.

Bit late for a reply... and probably too late for the answer... but enjoy.

[KarmaInferno]

I for one think it was a huge mistake to disconnect uber hacking abilities from VR.

Used to be, system security was very effective agaist 99.99% of intruders.

That other .01% were the relatively rare VR jockies, folks who were insane enough to get bits of their brains scooped out and replaced with electronics. VR was the magic spell that let these folks hack the system effortlessly. It didn't need a deep technical explaination. You plug your brain in and you magically can run rings around anyone that didn't use VR. It had just enough pseudo-technical believability for most people to buy into the idea without questioning it.

It worked because it didn't call into question the stability of the entire game world. The networks were safe and secure for day to day use. VR hackers were rare.

In the current edition that all changed. Uber-Hacking is no longer rare. Anyone with a few nuyen for the right programs can do it, even without VR. Unfortunately this means the entire system is inherantly insecure, which can greatly break suspention of disbelief. If everyone can do it, it's no longer special. So you have to start coming up with increasingly bizzare excuses as to why the system hasen't collapsed if it's that easy for anyone to hack.



-k

[kzt]

Interesting point. From a game perspective that seems reasonable. However mapping to reality, the vast percentage of people will never threaten a given site. The issue is stopping those few people who really are motivated and skilled. For example, this guy who broke Chrome. So if your computer network is open to essentially anyone who buys a ticket to hack you can't survive. Now modeling that in a game is "complex". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Aerospider]

In SR4a, I've always read the new subscription limit as a limit on OUTGOING connections originating from your commlink. You connecting your icon to remote locations in the matrix.


IE: your persona's icon is present in your node, and is being projected through the subscription(logon) to the remote node. The remote node is not using a subscription as it's not present in your home node.

Bit late for a reply... and probably too late for the answer... but enjoy.

SR4a doesn't directly contradict this, but it does specify that a subscription is a two-way communication. Your commlink is sending a stream of data that conveys your commands and the other node is replying with its own stream of data that conveys everything you learn about and experience in it. I don't think it makes much sense for a node to be limited one way and infinately capable the other.

[phlapjack77]

For example, this guy who broke Chrome.

Crazy, how life imitates art

It was hot, the night we burned Chrome...