The Smiling Bandit is a well-known decker who has a special interest in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, and Chemistry. He is well-versed in all aspects of current scientific research, and he is able to debate the world's top scientists as a peer and equal. He is known to play "pranks" on certain biotechnology companies, usually to uncover or undermine some unethical research. His signature is noteworthy in that he somehow manages to replace his time/date stamp with the words "Strikes Again! Ha! Ha! Ha!" or some variation thereof.