Module 6 Journal Entry
Alexander Trevino
6/23/2024
It’s interesting to see real hackers explain the biggest misconceptions about hacking that
we see in movies. I’ve watched movies like “Swordfish” and always thought hacking was really
cool and flashy. In “Swordfish,” the main character hacks into systems using a lot of fancy
visuals and creates a digital worm in a very dramatic way. This made me think that hacking was
all about cool graphics and fast typing.
Before studying cybersecurity, I believed that hacking involved a lot of high-tech screens
and quick, exciting actions. Movies and TV shows often show hackers breaking into systems
quickly and easily, surrounded by multiple screens with scrolling code. I thought hackers just
needed a few keystrokes to get into any system.
But as I started learning more about cybersecurity, I found out that the reality is very
different. Hacking is actually a very careful and detailed process. It requires a lot of knowledge
about programming, system weaknesses, and security rules. Hackers need to do a lot of research,
plan carefully, and often try many times before succeeding. The flashy graphics we see in
movies don’t really exist in real-life hacking. Most hacking is done using simple command-line
interfaces and scripts.
Learning this proved my initial thoughts wrong. Cybersecurity is much more complex
and detailed than I thought. Real hackers use their technical skills and strategic thinking rather
than flashy screens and fast typing. This new understanding has made me appreciate the hard
work and challenges involved in cybersecurity.
In conclusion, while movies make hacking look exciting and glamorous, they often
mislead viewers about what it’s really like. My journey into cybersecurity has corrected my
misconceptions, showing me that real hacking is more about technical knowledge and careful
planning. This has changed how I see the field and increased my respect for cybersecurity
professionals.