Insecuring Security

CALMIRÍË, ELIÉRA - Addressing current extranet rumors in a press conference given outside the Fortress today, a Daríë Qanlídár, speaking for the Imperial Security Executive, was unable to confirm or deny whether the JADE NEEDLE program - in any form described by the rumors - or indeed any usage of that cryptonym exists, has existed, or is planned to exist in the future.

For those who have not encountered this particular rumor, JADE NEEDLE is supposedly a sophisticated artificially intelligent worm developed by the Counterespionage and Counterasymmetrism Directorate and licensed to developers of slates, dataplaques, and other portable terminals. The JADE NEEDLE remains dormant within the security subsystem of such devices until an attempt to make use of data extraction software or perform a hardware security bypass is detected, at which point JADE NEEDLE activates. Once activated, it counterpenetrates the attacking host, both preventing successful data access by the hostile device and infecting-converting it into a zombie device accessible and controllable at will by ISS External Security Directorate.

It is unusual for the Imperial Security Executive to issue any statement regarding such rumors. From this, you must draw your own conclusions.

- Eye on Infosec, 7248 Calencail 4 ed.