Computer spikes are single-use programs built into a basic piece of computer hardware that plugs directly into another computer system. Designed to bypass computer security and help improve access to protected systems, a computer spike interfaces with another computer system and uses untraceable programs to chip away at the target system’s defenses. A computer spike can be activated as a swift action, after which it makes a single Use Computer check (with a bonus of +2 or higher, determined by its cost and quality) that can be used only to improve access. All computer spikes are considered Illegal.

Source Threats of the Galaxy, p. 87.