07/07/2024

Media plays a huge part in everyday matters by building an image of understanding for everyone, and cybersecurity is no exception. Many movies portray different stereotypes that are held and can glamourize how hacking or cyber attacks really are. These changes and depictions can lead to different misunderstandings and potentially hurt many untrained users if they feel as though attacks and threats are easy to spot due to the Hollywood treatment that is given to the field.

When it comes to Hollywood, the most exaggerated scenes have highlights that truly depict hacking and the sophisticated technology in very unorthodox ways. The videos watched for this journal entry provided experts that reviewed many scenes from movies and TV films in order to distinguish what is depicted correctly or not. They pinpoint that much of the hacking can be simple and not to the complexity that is shown by the shows and films. Some equipment that is seen does have value as the sleek, transportable routers can be used and are seen in the real world. However, the quick response to hacks and knowing exact locations of where people are in a matter of seconds definitely misrepresents the actual practice of cybersecurity. The scale of how hacking works in the media industry paints this illustrious picture that everything is monitored and everyone can be protected at all times, regardless of where they were and who is trying to access the information. Furthermore, Hollywood even dramatizes much of the appearance a hacker has, in essence an edgy person that wears dark or neutral clothing as well as gloves, when hackers can be normal everyday people without anyone knowing about their motives.

There are many fields that are serious in normal lives, and once again cybersecurity is no exception. Hollywood can continue to glamourize how the field may function, but this could create a misunderstanding in the general public and should be looked at carefully. Many people should take the proper precautions and educate themselves in order to maintain a healthy image of what cybersecurity truly is.

References
Insider. (2021). Hacker rates 12 hacking scenes in movies and TV: How is it real? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BqpU4V0Ypk&ab_channel=Insider

WIRED. (2021). Hacker Breaks Down Hacking Scenes From Movies & TV | WIRED. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsCrY2vWSr8

WIRED. (2018). Hacker Breaks Down 26 Hacking Scenes From Movies & TV | WIRED. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZQz9tkEHIg