Shadowrun 24 - Steel Rain by Nyx Smith

Author:Nyx Smith [Smith, Nyx]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, General, Fantasy, Fiction, Hard Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780451455932
Google: BnYAAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0451455932
Publisher: RoC
Published: 1997-02-02T07:00:00+00:00

"What is this 'phantom host?' "

Maeda-san frowns, and says, "In a sense, it is a virtual computer. A simulation. To discourage illegal intrusions, many computer systems have installed software systems that put up a false front or a mask that simulate all the functions of the native host, or actual computer operating systems. Like the native host, the simulation has access nodes and datastores, but nothing done to the simulation can affect the native host. And usually all the data in the stores of the simulation are watered down or filtered in certain critical respects so as to be of no use to illegal intruders."

"And such a simulation has been found in the node for the Chairman's estate?"

Maeda-san hesitates, glancing at Machiko, then bows and says, "Excuse me, Machiko-san. I would say yes, but there is no single 'node' for the Chairman's estate. Network resources at that site include such things as the Chairman's personal mininet, terminal nodes for the Senior Executive Information System, access nodes into the local telecommunications grid and various portions of the Nagato private grid. This phantom we have found is running on the Chairman's personal mininet, and at this early stage I can only guess at what it is intended to do."

"How could this phantom have been installed without your knowledge?"

"It is partly a result of the network design, Machiko-san. You must bear in mind that Intrusion Countermeasures utilize system and network resources. If we use the most powerful IC available to us in every node and in such quantities as to yield us an impregnable fortress, our systems will never be comprised, but we will get no work done because no resources will be available. The Chairman's mininet is not itself heavily defended or routinely monitored by Network Administration. It is, however, defended by the mainframe responsible for the Senior Executive Information System. A decker of sufficient expertise to slip through this mainframe undetected could, once into the Chairman's mininet, do practically anything he or she might want. That at least is my guess. To make sure we are not compromised any worse than we already have, I have initiated measures to enhance our total network security posture."

Indeed, even as the two of them converse, more people are coming in, conferring with others and moving to various cubicles. The urgency on their faces is plain. Those passing near Machiko walk briskly and keep their eyes averted.

Machiko asks, "Would it be correct to say that the purpose of this phantom host would be to deceive anyone who might be watching as to how the Chairman's mininet is being utilized?"

Maeda-san frowns, looking very grave. "I can imagine no other purpose, Machiko-.vaw. Certainly, if there had been any legitimate purpose for creating the phantom I would have been informed long before now. This should not have been done without my personal authorization."

"Could it have been done by someone from outside Nagato Corporation?"

"It is certainly within the realm of possibility. It would require expert knowledge and support, but it could be done.

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