Decking Question from a GM, Limited knowledge of the Matrix rules Options

[Velocity]

So a PC decker is in a node. He can see another decker in there. How can he tell where that decker is jacking in from without alerting her? Can one stealthily run a "track" utility?

[hobgoblin]

not realy as using the track utility is a attack from what i can tell. alltho as a gm you could rule that if its done after doing a evade detection manouver that the target decker must roll sensor to see if he notice the attack.

atleast thats my view of things...

[Velocity]

Can the decker do anything to the node to see where it was accessed from?

[Zeel De Mort]

Perhaps you could read the log file (Dump Log operation). If the opposing decker generated some security tally, you could say that his Sleaze/Deception didn't work perfectly, and there are traces of his activities in there. Dump Log operation (p98 Matrix) details what you can expect to find there.

Likewise you could use the same argument to say that it's possible to find the opposing decker's MXP address in his local Grid's log, and then use that to run a Trace MXP Address operation (p101 Matrix). It's non-obtrusive, so the opponent wouldn't know you were doing it from what I can tell.

[hahnsoo]

You are required to use the Track utility, as far as I can see. I suppose you can try to stealthily follow the decker (but he's not likely to go back "home", as it were) or check the system logs to determine the node the decker claims to be from (but most deckers do at least a few redirects before hacking a node, and a Graceful Logoff removes this).

[hobgoblin]

arr, had forgotten about those mpx addresses in matrix.
but then i dont open that book much as its basicly a stack of loose papers...

[Fox1]

It's my understanding that you'd have to make an Index test (hopefully with a Scanner Utility) to even detect another decker. That of course means he may well be able to make a detection roll against you. Once detect you could of couse follow his icon, but if he can see him- he may be able to see you. Basically skill vs. skill using masking, sleaze and sensor and scanner ratings.

And the second he logs out, he's gone with the method.

Tracing them back to their jack point could in theory be done with a Dump Log action to get a MXP address followed by a Trace MXP Address *if* the Decker logged a valid MXP address with that Host, but the why in the world would the Decker do that?

The best bet for locating the jack point would be to launch trace ICE at him. He'd likely notice, but nothing's perfect.

Remember, if you can do this easy- so can the Hosts and System Admins. That's why it should be hard. Unless you want Corp police at the door of all the Decker characters.

[Zeel De Mort]

Well, even an illegal matrix tap has a Jackpoint ID, which you could still use to find the physical location of the decker. Sleaze/Masking just cover this up, but you still have to have one. Likewise with an MXP address as far as I can see. It's the host that assigns you this, and then Sleaze/Masking/Camo try to mess with things so you're not noticed.

You're right though, running a trace this way shouldn't be easy - but it is possible.

Of course, maybe the opposing decker is at least mildly clever and is using a satellite uplink. For me, that's easily worth the downsides, in exchange for an untraceable connection.

[Fox1]