Hackers in Movies vs Reality – What Do Experts Recommend to Watch
Everyone faces cybersecurity threats – both internet users on various platforms, as well as companies and government institutions. The topic of hackers is also one of the most popular in Hollywood movies and TV shows. How does the depiction of hacker activities in films differ from reality?
On this topic, on May 24th, Friday, at 4:00 PM, at the event “Comic Con Baltics 2024 powered by Samsung,” knowledge will be shared by Danielius Vargonas, the head of the Cyber Threats Search Center of the Regional Cyber Defense Center (National Cyber Security Center under the Ministry of National Defense).
While waiting for the public discussion, the expert answers a few questions that interest the participants.
How do hackers depicted in movies differ from reality?
As with other topics, activities in the cyber realm are often romanticized and simplified in cinema. Additionally, filmmakers frequently use hackers as a “deus ex machina” (author’s note: an unexpected solution) to resolve plot issues. In this process, they simply do not delve into the realism or actual capabilities of hacker activities.
What are the main myths about cybersecurity or hacker activities seen in movies? What do you think caused their emergence?
Often, the depiction diverges from reality because the authors lack the specific knowledge to correctly present the topic and the methods hackers use. In truth, no hacker activity or attack is organized as quickly as often shown in films. Usually, it requires years of work, during which necessary knowledge and skills are acquired to use different tools or even create them.
A highly knowledgeable specialist in any field often seems like a wizard to others. The cyber realm is no exception.
Can you share your personal film or series recommendations where hacker activities are depicted quite realistically?
A fairly recent TV series is “Mr. Robot.” In my opinion, it quite well captures the subtleties of the cyber world, although, of course, it sometimes misses the mark. But no series or film is perfect. I would recommend it because, currently, we don’t have better works of this genre.
In the field of science fiction, the choice is much greater. Although such works cannot be closely aligned with reality, often futurism paves the way for the further development of real technologies, so it’s worth paying attention to this as well. Many are familiar with “Enter the Matrix.” It is one of the more enjoyable science fiction films, cleverly using various cybersecurity aspects and terms to describe the elements of our perceived world (or in the film – the matrix).
How can each of us contribute to protecting against hacker threats? What are the basic principles of online security?
First of all, it should start with personal “cyber hygiene.” It’s important to understand that if I shared something online, that information will remain there forever. Such is the nature of the internet, no matter how strictly regulated by our state or European Union institutions.
The same goes for the information we consume. It doesn’t hurt to pay attention to who and why is presenting it, the reliability of the source, its validity, etc. The ability to critically (and logically!) assess is an excellent skill, helping to recognize fraudsters and thieves online, informational attacks against a person or state, and often even hackers, because the first attack will usually be social engineering.
More relevant insights – live
Finally, the expert shares the thought that although films and series often fail to accurately replicate technical details or distort them to fit the screen, they often intrigue the viewer to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
The expert invites you to meet and discuss live at 4:00 PM, Friday, May 24th, at “LITEXPO” in Vilnius. The discussion “Hackers: Hollywood vs. Reality” will take place during the largest popular culture event in the Baltic States, “Comic Con Baltics 2024 powered by Samsung Galaxy S24.”
On May 24th, during the event – Schools’ Day. Admission is free with the Culture Pass.
The project is partially funded by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania.
