On Corpus terminals, I'm not exactly sure what triggers it, but about a few seconds into hacking a red message displaying the words "INTRUSION DETECTED" flares up.
To date, I haven't seen any sort of change happen whether or not the hack was completed before the message pops up. The stats don't suggest there are two categories of hacks which is what some players have been saying. The affinity gain from hacking is still the same. The timer just keeps on ticking down as normal, and doesn't drain any faster.
What exactly happens when I get an INTRUSION DETECTED message? How do I get the message? Is it a timer based system? Are there any hidden penalties I might get if I see the message before I finish hacking?
Best Answer
There is a practical effect of avoiding that message. If you're unsafe about a hacking puzzle, you can quickly press the use button again to exit the interaction (maybe ESC works as well, or that's the button you should use) and you'll not be penalized for not correctly solving.
If you can't solve the puzzle after the red message appears, or if you exit the interaction as mentioned, you'll raise an alert.
This possibility may not exist in Sortie missions, since they are like "hard+" missions concerning hacking where cyphers can't be used for Spy missions and you get shocked if you fail.