7.6 Security Considerations

All communication devices and organizational systems related to Deep Space 9, especially those dedicated to Starfleet operations, must be maintained under strict security protocols. The smallest combadge can become a danger to Federation policy and the continued survival of the Bajor Sector. The Deep Space 9 internal communications systems are configured for secure operations by the use of rotating access codes for combadges, padds, tricorders, consoles, or other datastream devices. As previously discussed, the Starfleet and commercial system codes are separate and can be independently set. All hardware tied into the Starfleet side can be sent code updates remotely or through their respective induction charging bases. Other commercial com gear may be restricted using similar methods, depending on the specific trade agreements and hardware leases involved.

Starfleet and Bajoran communications off-station are secured by way of a series of deeper-level encryption codes and nonradiative hardware protection devices. These codes are routinely, though randomly, changed to confound and confuse threat forces hoping to glean something from the subspace traffic. Distant threat antenna arrays have monitored com energy and starship movements, but for the most part, highly encrypted data has proven extremely difficult to decode. Starfleet private-private encryption keys typically present 2.38 x 10¹⁴ digit numerical operators for all FTL and sublight speed decryptions, with interlaced changes in the exact numerical arguments to be performed folded into the sequence. Starfleet Command issues all new encryption sequences in the form of subspace transmissions or isolinear stacks carried by courier. In the case of the transmitted codes, the new sequences are automatically encrypted by the previous set of codes. The isolinear stacks are protected from usefulness by theft by splitting the shipments into six or more parts. More often than not, a complete set of codes will be shipped partly as subspace transmissions and partly as physical stacks. Bio-neural gel packs are currently undergoing experimental trials in memory reliability for nonfuzzy logic retention of code data.

It has long been understood that even the best security can be defeated by a determined force. Computer analysis of com system usage, code type usage, and access frequency can be used to track suspicious voice and data activity in and around Deep Space 9. Following any penetration of the communications and computer system, all user files are scanned, and the system firewalls are tested and reinforced if necessary with additional layers of encryption. All current codes are replaced with either the next set of codes or a temporary backup code series generated by the Starfleet CPG.

Personnel may be randomly selected for com device purges and reconfiguration. This applies to both Starfleet and Bajoran officers and technical staff and resident and commercial vendors. Internal scans for intelligence-gathering devices and optronic fiber taps occur on a random basis. Scans for numerous other threat devices and sabotage vectors are handled in similar fashion (see 12.3). External scans of station structures and docked vessels are also conducted on a random schedule. For both environments, all found devices are neutralized and traced, if possible, back to their sources by security personnel.