Hollywood hackers: what media gets right

11th September 2025

Hack the planet! We look at how film and tv can sometimes convey the true threat of cyber crime.

This time, we take a look at some of the things that pop culture versions of cyber security get right. Occasionally, silly one-liners and stereotypes hold an element of truth to them, that could help people to be more aware of their cyber security.

What Hollywood gets right

Social engineering: this major cyber security threat is highlighted in things like Mr Robot and Sneakers. Hackers manipulate people into giving out key information, using phishing tactics and pretending to be people they are not.

Insider threats: often, through malice or negligence, threats come from inside businesses themselves. Again, Skyfall is an example of this, as malware is able to get on to a system via a USB carelessly used by Q – that sort of thing can really happen, and businesses need to ensure there are processes in place to prevent insider threats.

Zero-day exploits: Blackhat and Live Free or Die Hard show how cyber attacks can have a significant impact on services. Think about the M&S hack not too long ago – it might not be quite so dramatic, but the idea of public services being targeted is the same.

So, why does any of this matter? Well, for one I’m a fan of tv and film, and it is fun to look at these comparisons. But, on a more serious note, I hope it gives everyone a better idea of what cyber security is really like: it isn’t as crazy as in most films, but the end result, the threat, is often the same.

Displaying bad actors as these outlandish or comical figures may diminish how the threat is seen. Remember, despite the Hollywood touches, these people do exist, and they could be a significant threat to you and your business.

If you would like real cyber security advice, with practical solutions (but Hollywood smiles!) please contact Interfuture Security today.  

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9OHOlAw_O5Q