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Code cylinder

<Code cylinder

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Code cylinder

Production information

Type

Security device

Usage and history

Affiliation

Acode cylinder,data cylinder,rank cylinder,^[3]rank code cylinder,^[4]command cylinder^[3] ordata probe^[5] was a common security device used by militaryofficers, corporate executives, andpoliticians. It acted as a sophisticatedkeycard for secure areas. Each cylinder contained its user's personal security clearance codes and data. It was not uncommon for high-ranking personnel to own multiple code cylinders, each with their own encrypted access codes. They were used extensively in theGalactic Republic,Galactic Empire, andNew Republic, particularly to facilitate security measures. The devices, usually carried within a pocket or on one's belt, used the same interface as adroid's scomp link.

Additionally, code cylinders could be reprogrammed. In situations where it was impossible for aslicer to be physically present and hack a security door, they sometimes elected to reprogram the cylinder instead. Cylinders were programmed with countermeasures such that a failed reprogramming caused the data to become irretrievably corrupted.

Description[]

Code cylinders were small, cylindrical devices that were a combination ofscomp link anddata terminal. The code cylinder allowed an individual to interface withcomputers,droids, andsecurity locks. Militaryofficers had their identity and security clearances encoded onto the device using custom-programmed coding andidentification chips. Voice, retinal, anddermatoglyphic records were also stored on the code cylinder, and could be read and verified by specialized scanners.^[3]

The code cylinders were inserted into a security terminal ordataport, following by the owner inputting a personal access code. A cylinder being used to access computers or facilities that it was unauthorized for automatically triggered an alarm. An alarm would also be sounded if the pass code was incorrectly entered. Upon a correct input, the clearances would be confirmed by the computer network attempting to be accessed before clearance was granted. The automated system allowed for secure and limited access to a facility, while also decreasing the number ofsecurity guards needed on duty at any time.^[3]

History[]

During theJedi Civil War, theSith officer Commander Doel Scherp was entrusted with a code cylinder that contained the command codes for thesensor systems ofDarth Revan's flagship. In approximately3957 BBY, a team of Republicagents stole the code cylinder fromScherp's Estate on theplanet Sernpidal, and took the device to a rendezvous point with theRepublic Fleet, on the Republic's border with theSith Empire. The Fleet subsequently used the information contained within the cylinder toattack theflagship, and captureDarth Revan.^[2]

In the city ofDepatar, code cylinders were used to carry thepermits citizens were required to have.^[6]

In theImperial Military, the number of code cylinders issued to personnel reflected their rank and importance within the Empire. Higher-ranking officers with access to multiple commands and facilities were issued with several code cylinders while lower-ranking officers generally only had one. Regulations stipulated officers displayed their code cylinders in their frontuniform pocket next to theirrank plaque.Technicians andengineers carried their single code cylinders in pockets, on theircelts, or affixed to a chain hung around their neck.^[3]

During theGalactic Civil War, the Empire instituted a policy of issuing updated code cylinders at least once amonth. This was an effort to prevent stolen cylinders that had fallen intoRebel hands from being used to infiltrate Imperial facilities. Electronic records were kept of a code cylinder's activity, including access to facilities and any computer file that was accessed by it. The records were routinely monitored byImperial Intelligence andImperial Security Bureau agents to attempt to expose Rebel agents that had infiltrated the Empire.^[3]

Code cylinders were used by thestar systems allied to theImperial Remnant. SomeNew Republic member states used similar technologies to achieve the same result, including codedidentification cards andelectronic keys.^[3]