The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer with the same capacities as a laptop or desktop, but with less power. These micro-systems are used to embed web-technology and help create the Internet of Things (IoT). I have used them to create a micro-webserver and a cloud-based file sharing. So let’s have a look at how these cheap little bad boys can be used in a cyberpunk setting.
Updating the tech to Red, we have an object the size of a credit card that can connect to a local Net or any store you walk into. They’d be dirt cheap and embedded into every credit stick, electronic device, urban flash clothing, or just a common piece of junk.
Ubiquitous micro-computers provide a way to control a piece of technology (For example; Clothing with built-in LEDs, a radio scanner, or a wifi detector). The places they get embedded does make sense most of the time. Wifi-enabled toaster, anyone? That is until, you realize that a single mass-produced chip can be run out in the millions for pennies and have a simple program installed They usually have no security, because that would cost extra and who’d want to hack your car headlight anyway?
But just think of the fun you could have, with net-kids sending abuse at each other, or a Corporate assassin using the headlights to trigger another device or programming the vehicle to shut down when it passes a certain street.
All mobile phones have GPS tracking, but what if you CredChip passes on your movements every time you enter a store affiliated with the Chipmakers? Or any piece of electronics a PC is carrying. For some examples look at these GPS Trackers from the Spy Store. Cyberpunk2020 has the equivalent device with the Tracer Button and Tracking Device. Want to know your enemy’s movements, hack their phone, or their sneakers.
So, these systems are small without the ability to run most programs, but you can be certain that some enterprising young hacker has rewritten a program to work on a particular device. And maybe the team needs to collect the software so they can then trigger the vid-jacket to hack the garage automatic door opener to provide access to the Solo’s favorite ride.
Just remember, In a world where everything is connected nothing is safe!
