Difference between revisions of "Prefix code"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:Prefixcode.jpg|thumb|right|Just a five digit code to cripple a 23rd-century starship.]]The '''prefix code''' is a five-digit code unique to each [[Federation]] [[starship]]. It is | [[Image:Prefixcode.jpg|thumb|right|Just a five digit code to cripple a 23rd-century starship.]]The '''prefix code''' is a five-digit code unique to each [[Federation]] [[starship]]. It is apparently part of the coded message sent from a console through the ship's computer network to accomplish a task. If the code is attached to a command transmitted from one starship's console to the computer system on another starship, it allows remote operation of the second ship. Federation starships keep records of prefix codes for other Starfleet ships in their databases. | ||
==Usage examples== | |||
[[image:spockconsole.jpg|thumb|Spock transmitting prefix code]]The prefix code was used by Captain Kirk in [[Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|''The Wrath of Khan'']] as a desperate attempt to gain a temporary tactical advantage against [[Khan Noonien Singh|Khan]]. Khan, lacking formal training in starship command, was unfamiliar with the prefix code. The code allowed the ''Enterprise'' to remotely lower ''Reliant's'' shields, providing an opportunity to disable the ''Reliant's'' weapons with phaser fire. | |||
In [[TNG]] "The Wounded", Picard reveals the prefix code of the ''[[USS Phoenix]]'' to the [[Cardassian]]s to help them prevent an attack on a Cardassian cargo ship. [[Worf]] claimed that the prefix code would allow a Cardassian warship to disable the shields of the ''[[USS Phoenix]]''. This apparently did not occur, as the ''Phoenix'' sustained negligible damage and subsequently returned fire, destroying the [[Cardassian]] vessel. Presumably, either the ''Phoenix's'' crew altered the prefix code; the ''Phoenix's'' crew overrode the Cardassian remote command; or the Cardassians failed to use the prefix code correctly. | |||
==Potential security concerns== | ==Potential security concerns== | ||
If prefix codes still use a five-digit format in the [[TNG]] era and beyond, a [[brute force attack]] may allow an attacker to lower a Federation starship's [[shields]], depending on computer security measures. However, the prefix code can be disabled by bridge crew with a manual override or altered when the code is suspected of being compromised. | If prefix codes still use a five-digit format in the [[TNG]] era and beyond, a [[brute force attack]] may allow an attacker to lower a Federation starship's [[shields]], depending on computer security measures. However, the prefix code can be disabled by bridge crew with a manual override or altered when the code is suspected of being compromised. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 20:02, 25 January 2011
The prefix code is a five-digit code unique to each Federation starship. It is apparently part of the coded message sent from a console through the ship's computer network to accomplish a task. If the code is attached to a command transmitted from one starship's console to the computer system on another starship, it allows remote operation of the second ship. Federation starships keep records of prefix codes for other Starfleet ships in their databases.
Usage examples
The prefix code was used by Captain Kirk in The Wrath of Khan as a desperate attempt to gain a temporary tactical advantage against Khan. Khan, lacking formal training in starship command, was unfamiliar with the prefix code. The code allowed the Enterprise to remotely lower Reliant's shields, providing an opportunity to disable the Reliant's weapons with phaser fire.
In TNG "The Wounded", Picard reveals the prefix code of the USS Phoenix to the Cardassians to help them prevent an attack on a Cardassian cargo ship. Worf claimed that the prefix code would allow a Cardassian warship to disable the shields of the USS Phoenix. This apparently did not occur, as the Phoenix sustained negligible damage and subsequently returned fire, destroying the Cardassian vessel. Presumably, either the Phoenix's crew altered the prefix code; the Phoenix's crew overrode the Cardassian remote command; or the Cardassians failed to use the prefix code correctly.
Potential security concerns
If prefix codes still use a five-digit format in the TNG era and beyond, a brute force attack may allow an attacker to lower a Federation starship's shields, depending on computer security measures. However, the prefix code can be disabled by bridge crew with a manual override or altered when the code is suspected of being compromised.