Code cylinder

A code cylinder, data cylinder, rank cylinder, rank code cylinder, command cylinder or data probe was a common security device used by military officers, corporate executives, and politicians. It acted as a sophisticated keycard for secure areas. Each cylinder contained its user's personal security clearance codes and data. It was not uncommon for high-ranking personnel to own multiple code cylinders, each with their own encrypted access codes. They were used extensively in the Galactic Republic, Galactic Empire, and New Republic, particularly to facilitate security measures. The devices, usually carried within a pocket or on one's belt, used the same interface as a droid's scomp link.

Additionally, code cylinders could be reprogrammed. In situations where it was impossible for a slicer to be physically present and hack a security door, they sometimes elected to reprogram the cylinder instead. Cylinders were programmed with countermeasures such that a failed reprogramming caused the data to become irretrievably corrupted.

Text and facts from the “Code cylinder/Legends” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.