Starfleet security codes and data access

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.

## Security codes for use in transmission

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 1-29

 SSC 11-20
 SSC 21-29

#### SSC's 30-39

Starfleet codes 30-39 specify conditions of emergency, with variable priority levels given to specific problems or crisis conditions during peacetime operations.

 SSC 31
 SSC 32
 SSC 33
 SSC 34
 SSC 35
 SSC's 36-38
 SSC 39

#### SSC's 40-47

Starfleet codes 40-47 indicate classified material and restrict dissemination of that material.

 SSC 41
 SSC 42
 SSC 43
 SSC 44
 SSC 45
 SSC 46
 SSC 47

### SSC's 48-50

Starfleet codes 48-50 indicate high-level orgiins of the communication, and are restricted to specific individuals.

 SSC 49
 SSC 50

## 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 code

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-One
 Beta-Two
 Beta-One
 Delta-Two
 Delta-One

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.

## 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.