Why Go Wireless?, Help with reasons why. Options Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic Download this topic Subscribe to this forum Display Modes Outline Switch to: Standard Switch to: Linear+

[Shayd]

I'm discussing the rules with a few friends and while we've determined that hacking an individual PAN is not going to be a common practice used against the 'runners (it's difficult, and, it's not that useful compared to other things a security guy could do), the problem that comes up is this:

Even though the risk is minimal, if you're Joe Samurai or any non-rigger/hacker character, why on Earth would you take the risk *at all* of linking your devices (and especially your cyberware) up to a commlink and thus rendering it hackable?

Setting aside for the nonce the social reasons (everybody's doing it), to some, there would appear to be precious little reason to link *ANY* devices to a PAN, even if they had max firewall and IC and such out the wazoo. Smartlinks can be done with contact lenses and a skinlink, most other devices can be done with a skinlink, your cyberware all appears to work just fine without a commlink and with regards to each other, etcetera.

Off the top of my head there are only a VERY few situations you'd absolutely need something wireless despite the risks involved (and I am researching this but soliciting help here):

* You could possibly have set up with your commlink, if you wanted, to trigger stuff via an agent/frame to operate your 'ware/devices on autopilot if you went unconscious. (but you could just load the frame into the device itself), like a medkit in a cyberleg that automatically tried to first aid you if you went down.

* You need a wireless link if you have an Ocular Drone.

* The AR rules on page 208 say that the GM might grant a bonus of +1 to +3 (or penalty of -1 to -3) for actions where AR was appropriate and one presumes you had the correct tool. This might apply to certain pieces of cyberware.

However, none of this stuff seems to be all that big of a deal compared to the risks. There seems to be no /drawback/ to not being wireless, only some slight benefits, and lots of risks. So: Why?