Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Objective: Secure Data

Learn how to succeed in Call of Duty: Black Ops III's 'Secure Data' objective. This guide covers enemy tactics, loadouts, and effective Cyber Core usage like Fi.

·Multi-source verified (81/81)

Objective: Secure Data

The "Secure Data" objective in Call of Duty: Black Ops III often marks a critical juncture in a mission, demanding tactical prowess and efficient resource management. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough, detailing enemy encounters, strategic positioning, and recommended loadouts to ensure a smooth and successful data retrieval.

Phase 1: Initial Approach and Reconnaissance

As you approach the designated data location, typically marked on your HUD with a yellow objective marker, anticipate initial resistance. These areas are frequently guarded by a mix of standard infantry (e.g., CDP Troopers, Warlords) and occasionally heavier units like P.A.W.N.s or R.A.P.S. units. Before engaging, take a moment to survey the environment. Look for:

  • High Ground: Elevated positions offer a tactical advantage for suppressing enemies and spotting flanking maneuvers.
  • Cover Points: Identify durable cover (e.g., concrete barriers, overturned vehicles) that can withstand sustained enemy fire.
  • Chokepoints: Areas where enemy movement is restricted, ideal for deploying lethal equipment or area-of-effect Cyber Cores.
  • Ammo Caches: Note the location of any weapon caches for resupply during prolonged engagements.

Phase 2: Securing the Data Location

Upon entering the data zone, a coordinated enemy assault will typically commence. This area is often characterized by multiple entry points, making perimeter defense crucial. Your primary goal is to eliminate all immediate threats to allow for data interaction.

Recommended Strategy:
  1. Establish a Stronghold: Identify a central, defensible position that offers good lines of sight to multiple entry points. Prioritize cover over open ground.
  2. Deploy Defensive Measures:
    • Tactical Equipment: Deploy Trip Mines or Shock Charges at known enemy ingress points to slow their advance and provide early warnings.
    • Lethal Equipment: use Frag Grenades or Concussion Grenades to clear clustered enemies or flush them out of cover.
  3. Prioritize Targets:
    • Snipers/Heavy Weapons: Eliminate these threats first, as they can quickly suppress your position.
    • R.A.P.S. Units: Focus fire on their weak points (often glowing cores or exposed joints) to disable them quickly.
    • Warlords: Target their heads for critical damage. Their shields can be bypassed with grenades or flanking maneuvers.
  4. Cyber Core Utilization:
    • Control Cyber Core:
      • Firefly Swarm: Excellent for clearing large groups of infantry in open areas.
      • Immolation: Devastating against clustered enemies, particularly effective in chokepoints.
    • Chaos Cyber Core:
      • Repulsor: Can disorient and damage multiple enemies, buying you precious time to reload or reposition.
      • Enhanced Overdrive: Provides a temporary speed boost, useful for flanking or escaping overwhelming odds.
  5. Maintain Situational Awareness: Constantly monitor your mini-map for enemy pings and listen for audio cues indicating flanking attempts.
Securing the data terminal under heavy fire in Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Engaging multiple enemy waves while securing the data terminal.

Phase 3: Data Interaction and Extraction

Once the immediate area is clear, proceed to interact with the data terminal. This process often takes a few seconds, during which you remain vulnerable. It is highly recommended to clear all enemies in the vicinity before initiating the data transfer.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them:
  • Initiating Transfer Prematurely: Do not start the data transfer while enemies are still active. You will be a sitting duck.
  • Ignoring Flanks: Even after clearing the initial wave, new enemies may spawn from unexpected directions. Keep an eye on your perimeter.
  • Running Out of Ammo: use weapon caches frequently. Don't wait until you're completely dry.
  • Over-reliance on One Weapon: Adapt your weapon choice to the situation. A shotgun is great for close quarters, but an assault rifle is better for mid-range engagements.

Recommended Loadouts for Data Security Missions

Optimizing your loadout can significantly impact your success in these high-intensity engagements. Consider the following:

Primary Weapons:
  • Assault Rifles (e.g., KN-44, HVK-30): Versatile for mid-range engagements, offering good damage and manageable recoil. Pair with an Extended Mags attachment.
  • Submachine Guns (e.g., VMP, Kuda): Excellent for close-quarters combat, especially when defending tight spaces. Fast reload is a plus.
  • Light Machine Guns (e.g., Dingo, Gorgon): Provide sustained fire for suppressing large groups, but mobility is reduced. Best for static defense.
Secondary Weapons:
  • Pistols (e.g., RK5, L-CAR 9): Reliable backup for when your primary runs dry.
  • Launchers (e.g., XM-53): Essential for quickly dispatching heavy units like P.A.W.N.s or enemy aircraft (if present).
Specialist Weapon/Ability:

Choose a specialist that complements your playstyle and the mission's demands:

  • Seraph (Combat Focus): Accelerates scorestreak earning, allowing for more frequent deployment of defensive scorestreaks like the Sentry Gun or Guardian.
  • Prophet (Tempest/Glitch): Tempest can chain-kill multiple enemies, while Glitch offers a quick escape from dangerous situations or a tactical reposition.
  • Ruin (Gravity Spikes/Overdrive): Gravity Spikes are devastating for clearing entrenched enemies, and Overdrive provides a burst of speed for quick maneuvers.
Perks:

Prioritize perks that enhance survivability and combat efficiency:

  • Tier 1:
    • Blind Eye: Protects you from enemy AI-controlled scorestreaks (e.g., Sentry Guns, R.A.P.S. deployments).
    • Flak Jacket: Reduces explosive damage, crucial when facing grenade-happy enemies.
  • Tier 2:
    • Fast Hands: Speeds up weapon swapping and equipment usage, vital in fast-paced engagements.
    • Hard Wired: Immune to Counter-UAVs, EMPs, and Scramblers, ensuring your mini-map and Cyber Core abilities remain active.
  • Tier 3:
    • Tactical Mask: Reduces the effect of tactical equipment like Flashbangs and Concussion Grenades.
    • Engineer: Highlights enemy equipment and scorestreaks, allowing you to anticipate threats.

Post-Data Retrieval

Once the data transfer is complete, the objective will typically shift to exfiltration or advancing to the next area. Be prepared for a final push from remaining enemy forces as you make your way out. Maintain your defensive posture and use any remaining Cyber Core abilities or scorestreaks to clear your path.

By following these detailed strategies and optimizing your loadout, you will be well-equipped to successfully complete any "Secure Data" objective in Call of Duty: Black Ops III, regardless of the difficulty.