Watch these videos and pay attention to the way that movies distort hackers.
After watching the video, write a journal entry about how you think the media influences our understanding about cybersecurity. Has this understanding changed over time? What is different in the older pieces of media vs. more current media?
After watching the videos on hacking in mainstream media, I realized that Hollywood tends to
portray the act of hacking in a way that appeals to the average watcher who doesn’t know what
really goes into it. Multiple examples from the videos had nice 3D software and filing systems
that dramatized the act, making it seem more interactive than it really is, given that most hacking
is done through terminals with lines of code. It can also alter the public perception, fostering fear
and anxiety in one’s own digital security and that of the companies and organizations they have
interest in. The public sees popular media, such as movies and tv shows, depicting hackers in
exaggerated ways, which can create unrealistic stereotypes. These stereotypes can skew the
public’s understanding about actual cybersecurity professionals and criminals. On the other hand,
having this mainstream coverage, while not always accurate, is beneficial because it gets
companies thinking about their own cyber policies and security. Conversely, this can also create
fear of negative media exposure and may lead companies to underreport or hide their
cybersecurity incidents to protect their public image and the trust of their customers and
stakeholders. While older and newer pieces both have aspects that are fabricated and real, most
people watching won’t be able to tell the difference between the two unless they’re studying
cybersecurity, working in the field, or have watched movie breakdown reviews. I do feel that
having this media coverage serves as a significant source of cybersecurity education, helping to
inform the public about common threats and preventative measures that they can implement.