Cybernetic Computer

A cybernetic computer (often nicknamed cybercom, or cybercom chip) is an augmentation for cyborg organics that is embedded, via a brain-computer interface, into the central nervous system. This is roughly equivalent to the general-purpose compute chip within a synthetic's SI core. Cybernetic computers allow for a wide variety of tasks; however, they are designed to offload many interactions to a PDA for security reasons. As they are designed to operate on the user’s own metabolism, they are engineered to prioritise energy efficiency.

Security

The widespread availability and approval of cybercom systems as implants by world governments came only with a robust, formally validated implementation. For example, as a computer system, cybercoms are evaluated to Common Criteria EAL7 or higher in the European Union. This is only possible due to the strict isolation enforced between a cybercom and external peripherals. A cybercom’s firmware cannot be updated wirelessly; only via direct wired connection. Additionally, cybercom systems do not directly communicate with radio networks and rely on a paired PDA to handle all external communication, reducing the attack surface significantly. The radio protocol between the PDA and the cybercom is rigorously tested, and again, formally validated.

Examples

Examples of applications for a cybercom:

• Generating a personal HUD that allows overlaying vital signs, directions, communications, weapon reticles and other information onto one’s vision
• Making and receiving encrypted voice calls; some models allow complete thought-based speech without the requirement of speaking aloud
• Augmenting memory with encrypted notes; some advanced models allow recording and replaying sensory data
• Performing complex arithmetic operations too elaborate for the brain itself; especially useful for physicists, mathematicians, and researchers
• Providing black-box capabilities in the event of death, especially useful for workers in high-risk industries

Examples of what a cybercom is not designed to do:

• Storing massive amounts of data
• Performing long-running intensive operations
• Running general-purpose computer software
• Interfacing directly with networks or the Internet
• Hacking