A hatch cracker was a device used to crack the encryption of a security code placed on a hatch. When plugged into a hatch, the possible numbers of a security code would flash along the hatch cracker's surface. If a hatch cracker failed to enter the correct code, a user would press a few buttons to input a different formula.
When attempting to board the Blackstar, a modified YT-2400 light freighter belonging to the criminal Reegas Vance, Khedryn Faal and Marr Idi-Shael used a hatch cracker to enter through one of the starship's external airlocks.