Electronics - Hardware & Security allows those who possess it to navigate and manipulate the physical security systems and networks that protect valuable information and assets. Whether it's bypassing locks and security doors manually or rewiring electronics to gain access, those skilled in Hardware & Security can physically breach even the most complex security measures.
Electronics - Hardware & Security are used to access and jack in with systems wirelessly or directly. Its about knowing what wires and frequencies are safe to tap or cut while avoiding detection.
In addition to bypassing physical security, Hardware & Security also covers installing and maintaining automated fixed-in-place security systems, allowing individuals to create a defensive perimeter to protect valuable assets from outside threats.
This skill is often used in conjunction with Electronics - Hacking, providing the means to survey and analyze the security measures in place in order to find weak points and vulnerabilities. This allows you to connect and disable security systems, gain access, and analyze a system for weaknesses before beginning a hack, and subverting the running code that lies within.
With the increasing reliance on technology and the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, the ability to navigate and manipulate security systems has become a valuable skill for those looking to make their way in the world. Whether working as a mercenary or a thief, the ability to bypass physical security and gain access to restricted areas can mean the difference between success and failure.
Breaking into or 'Analyzing' Security often requires special tools, it's the GM's call whether or not you can use this skill in any given instance without a Hardware and Security Kit.\
This skill can complement investigation when trying to survey the security of a building. If the Hacker can't sort it remotely, there not much you can't open or disable with a pair of side cutters and finding the right wire.
Each security system you attempt to bypass will have a difficulty rating based on its complexity and quality. The more advanced the lock, alarm, or security measure, the higher the difficulty.
When you attempt to bypass physical security, you will make an Electronics - Hardware & Security skill check against the system's difficulty rating. The GM may apply Boons or Banes based on various factors, such as the quality of your tools, time pressure, environmental conditions, or whether you have blueprints or insider knowledge.
| Electronic Locks | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| No special protection | 4 |
| Regular security system | 8 |
| High-quality system | 14 |
| Bank | 20 |
| High-security complex | 25 |
| Cutting-edge security measures | 30 |
| Picking Mechanical Locks | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Simple key lock | 6 |
| Complex key lock | 12 |
| Combination lock | 18 |
You may use Engineering – Rigging for picking Mechanical Locks.
| Lock Condition | DC Modifier |
|---|---|
| Poorly constructed | -4 |
| Well constructed | +4 |
| Military or security style | +6 |
| High-security style | +9 |
| Lock blueprints and diagrams | -4 |
Rather than spending skill points to move up skill levels, You may instead spend skill points to purchase any of the following tricks.
Cost: 2 Skill points
Requires: Tactical Training
Frequency: Once per Lockdown
Effect: You can quickly crack standard magnetic locks with minimal sound and no visible damage. Make your Hardware & Security check with a +1d4 Boon, and the bypass takes half the normal time.
Cost: 2 Skill points
Requires: Tactical Training
Frequency: Once per Lockdown
Effect: You carry magnesium cutting strips. You may spend an action to burn through a door lock or security panel, automatically bypassing it. This creates bright light, heat, and obvious damage, but always succeeds.
Cost: 2 Skill points
Requires: Tactical Training
Frequency: Once per Lockdown
Effect: You can deploy a portable jammer that disables wireless security devices (cameras, alarms, motion sensors) in a 50-foot radius for up to 10 minutes. Takes one action to activate.
Cost: 6 Skill points
Requires: Expert Training
Frequency: Once per Op
Effect: You can repair, modify, or jury-rig any electronic device or security system in the field. Spend 15 minutes working - you can restore functionality to damaged electronics, disable security permanently, or even improve device performance for a +1d6 Boon to its next use.
Cost: 6 Skill points
Requires: Expert Training
Frequency: Once per Op
Effect: You can rapidly install a complete covert surveillance system (cameras, audio, network tap) in a target location. The system is extremely difficult to detect (opposed check at Disadvantage for security sweeps) and transmits data to you remotely.
Cost: 6 Skill points
Requires: Expert Training
Frequency: Once per Op
Effect: You have developed a sophisticated bypass protocol that works on most security systems. When attempting to bypass alarms, access controls, or security doors, you may treat the difficulty as one category easier (High-security becomes Bank-level, Bank becomes High-quality, etc.).
Cost: 10 Skill points
Requires: Master Training
Frequency: Once per Mission
Effect: You can take complete control of an entire facility's access control system. Spend 10 minutes at a security terminal - you can lock or unlock any door, grant or revoke access permissions, and monitor all entry/exit throughout the facility for the remainder of the mission.
Cost: 10 Skill points
Requires: Master Training
Frequency: Once per Mission
Effect: You can rapidly deploy a military-grade defensive perimeter around your position. Spend 30 minutes installing - the system includes motion sensors, automated defenses, alarms, and even shield generators if available. The perimeter alerts you to any intrusion and provides a +1d8 Boon to defend against attackers.
Cost: 10 Skill points
Requires: Master Training
Frequency: Once per Mission
Effect: You can bypass any security system without leaving any trace whatsoever. For the duration of one operation, your tampering is completely undetectable - logs show no anomalies, physical evidence disappears, and even AI security analysis finds nothing suspicious. The perfect crime.
Each custom security device grants a stacking Boon when used for its intended purpose:
Boons apply when:
Bypass Tools:
Detection & Jamming:
Installation Tools:
Security devices require ongoing upkeep:
"Phantom" assembles a comprehensive security bypass toolkit:
Security Chief "Ironwall" designs facility protection:
"Sparky" builds improvised bypass tools: