|
The ships and bases of Starfleet are fitted with very advanced computer systems which can store masses of information and perform many tasks. Access to these computers, and to the data they contain is strictly regulated, so that only authorised personnel can perform certain tasks, or access certain data files.
This article was supplied by Starwind RPG.
Security Codes for use in Communications
The simplest means of keeping a communication secret is by using some sort of pre-agreed code essentially an artificial language that conceals the true information of the message. Starfleet encodes high-priority messages and has coded communications channels for (relatively) secure communications through subspace. Species like the Ferengi routinely encode all their communications. In the age of isolinear computer processors, codes can be very complex. Fortunately, with the help of the same computers (and universal translation software) it is still possible to break most codes, given time.
Security Codes
- Starfleet maintains a variety of security codes for use during both peacetime and wartime. These codes are arranged by priority from 1 to 50. The function of the individual codes is summarised below.
- SSC's 1-10 are for normal peacetime transmissions of varying priorities, with routine transmissions between commercial planetary centres recieving a priority dispatch of 1 through 5, and levels 6 through 10 being used for Starfleet communications.
- SSC's 11-20 are used in conditions of hostilities between the Federation and a foreign power. These priorities are used to transmit orders regarding the disposition of vessels and ground troops, the relocation of civilian personnel, the assigning of Starfleet resources to different commands, operations orders for these commands and specific operations orders.
- SSC's 21-29 are for use by the Fedration Diplomatic Corps.
- Starfleet Codes 30-39 specify conditions of emergency, with variable priority levels given to specific problems or crisis conditions during peacetime operations.
- SSC 30 Transmission of a communication using SSC 30 indicates an emergency condition involving a planetary disasteror other unspecified emergency. Use of this code means that the sending station is not able to adequately respond to the emergency and requires immediate help at the scene.
- SSC 31 is used for a medical emergency.
- SSC 32 indicates a planetary crisis of natural origin.
- SSC 33 is used for a bio-medical crisis requiring immediate evacuation of personnel.
- SSC 34 indicates a bio-medical crisis requiring immediate quarantine.
- SSC 35 signals an ecological disaster or similar planetary crisis.
- SSC's 36 through 38 are used for crises of unknown origin that require the immediate evacuation of a large segment of a planet's population.
- SSC 39 indicates an attack by unknown agents on Federation personnel or on civilian installations or residences.
- Starfleet codes 40-47 indicate classified material and restrict disemination of that material.
- SSC 40 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Science Officer, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
- SSC 41 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Science Officer, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
- SSC 42 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Medical Officer, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
- SSC 43 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief Medical Officer, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
- SSC 44 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief of Security, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
- SSC 45 communications are directed at a specific starship or starbase Chief of Security, for disclosure to the senior officer present only.
- SSC 46 communications are directed to the Commanding Officer of a starship or starbase, for disclosure to ship or base command staff only.
- SSC 47 communications are directed to the Commanding Officer of a starship or starbase. They are not to be disclosed to ship or base command staff, and no acknowledgement or log entry of the communication is to be made.
- Starfleet codes 48-50 indicate high-level orgiins of the communication, and are restricted to specific individuals.
- SSC 48 communications are reserved for the CinC Starfleet.
- SSC 49 communications are reserved for members of the Federation Council or their designated representatives.
- SSC 50 communications are reserved for the President of the Federation.
Access Codes
Departmental Access Codes
Departmental Access Codes are general codes for use by members of a ship's department. Such a code might be used to access log entries or other routine files and programmes, or to issue orders to the computer. These codes consist of the ship's department, a Greek letter, and a numerical code. The higher the Greek letter in the alphabet, the greater the access. High-level access may require voiceprint confirmation, a Personal Access Code or authorisation from a superior officer. An example of a Departmental Access Code might be: Engineering Access Code: Gamma three one four two.
Personal Access Codes
Personal Access Codes identify the person accessing a particular file or programme, or issuing an order. They are given in a similar format to Departmental Access Codes, substituting the person's surname for the department name. All Personal Access Codes are voiceprint confirmed, and higher level access may require handprint or retinal scans for confirmation. An example of a Personal Access Code might be: Access Code: Perrini Delta five one two seven.
Security Clearance Ratings
Access to all Starfleet computer systems is highly regulated and divided into the following ratings:
- Alpha-Two: Unlimited access to all ship's records, systems, commands and computers.
- Alpha-One: Unlimited access to all ship's records, systems and computers. No access to ship localized command functions.
- Beta-Two: Unlimited access to all ship's records, systems and computers. Limited access to command functions (except if stated otherwise by Commanding Officer).
- Beta-One: Unlimited access to all ship's records, and computers. Limited access to command functions (except if stated otherwise by Commanding Officer). Access to ship systems is limited to duty related functions.
- Delta-Two: Limited access to all ship's records, systems, commands and computers. Access Limited to duty related functions.
- Delta-One: Limited access to all ship's records, and computers. Access limited to job related functions.
Different officers on a starfleet vessel, have varying levels of security access, depending on their level of authority or their duties. The following common positions, have been assigned standard ratings of security access. The final decision on an officer's rating of security access, however, is decided by that officer's Commanding Officer.
The Commanding Officer reserves the privilege of permitting limited access to any unspecified section of the ship to any personnel whose functions, in the eyes of the CO, require it.
Standard Security Clearance Ratings by Position
- Commanding Officer: Alpha-Two
- Executive Officer: Alpha-Two
- Chief Operations Officer: Alpha-One
- Intelligence Officer: Beta-Two
- Chief Engineering Officer: Beta-Two
- Chief Medical Officer: Beta-One
- Mission Operations Officer: Beta-One
- Tactical Officer: Beta-One
- Flight Control Officer: Beta-One
Data Access Levels
Access to all Starfleet data is highly regulated. A standard set of access levels have been programmed into the starboard and engineering computer cores of all ships in order to stop any undesired access to confidential data.
The access levels are as follows:
- Level 5: Unlimited access to all classified, secret, top-secret, ultra-secret Starfleet or Federation documents and records.
- Level 4: Limited access to all classified, secret, top-secret Starfleet or Federation documents and records. Access is limited on a 'need to know' basis.
- Level 3: Limited access to all classified and secret Starfleet or Federation documents and records. Access is limited on a 'need to know' basis.
- Level 2: Limited access to all Starfleet or Federation documents and records. Access is limited on a 'need to know' basis.
- Level 1: Limited access to Starfleet or Federation documents and records. Access is limited to job related elements.
The following guidelines have been set as standard, by Starfleet Command:
Starfleet Rank Access Level
- Admirals and Commodores: Level 5
- Captains, Commanders and certain specific personnel (duty related): Level 4
- Lieutenants, Lieutenants (j.g.) and certain specific personnel (duty related): Level 3
- All personnel in operational duties: Level 2
- All personnel and Civilians in Starfleet service: Level 1
|
