The media plays a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of cybersecurity by acting as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it serves as an educational tool, helping the public become aware of the ever-evolving threats in the digital landscape. These movies and television shows reach a large audience so the amount of exposure is incredible. They highlight major breaches, cyberattacks, and their consequences, prompting individuals and organizations to take their online security seriously. With that being said, the media can also sensationalize cybersecurity issues, potentially causing unnecessary fear and misunderstanding. It often simplifies complex technical concepts, reinforcing stereotypes and misconceptions. In the video, we saw both. We saw an accurate scenario that utilized unrealistic technology for the good of the film in James Bond. The 3D map of a folder structure is not a real thing. We also saw Rhianna in Ocean’s 8 utilize a very common and realistic spear phishing attack. Therefore, it’s essential for both the media and the public to be mindful of how information about cybersecurity is presented and consumed.
