A computer spike or data spike was an electronic device that, when connected to a computer, allowed a user to slice into secure computer programs to access data. The spike would assault systems with garbage data to overwhelm security measures. Most computer spikes could only be used once. They cost 1,500 credits and weighed 1 kilogram. They were usually single-use devices that contained specialized programs designed to bypass security systems and improve user access to protected systems. The spikes would interface with another computer system and chip away at the defenses in an attempt to crack the system.