How Cybersecurity in Pop Culture Shapes Our Understanding of Digital Threats

Cybersecurity is a complex, often mysterious field, making it prime material for entertainment. While audiences love the clash of swords and whizz of bullets, there’s something equally fascinating about a hidden world where battles are fought with code, strategy, and smarts. The idea of an entire realm that the vast majority of us don’t understand leaves the topic open to unique storytelling—as well as some rather off-the-rails concepts.

Another simple attraction lies in seeing the hacker as both an anti-hero and a modern-day rebel. They’re often seen fighting “the man” in a David vs. Goliath-style battle, and rooting for the underdog in a fight against the establishment is something we can all get behind.

However, due to its complexity, cybersecurity is often misrepresented in popular media, perpetuating myths and misconceptions about how it actually works. After all, it can be strangely mesmerizing to watch a hooded figure break into the world’s most secure servers in a matter of minutes.

A few weeks ago, What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates debuted on Netflix, exploring the future of technology, including cybersecurity. The series serves as a reminder of how important digital security is and how conversations around technology, even in fictionalized settings, can fuel public awareness. Heightened interest often translates into a greater understanding of online threats, privacy concerns, and the importance of tools like a dedicated IP VPN. It can also inspire more people to pursue careers in cybersecurity, ultimately strengthening our communities and governments against real threats.

Overall, cybersecurity narratives simply appeal to our curiosity about mass surveillance, privacy fears, power, and control, all while keeping us hooked on the thrill of the great unknown.

Cybersecurity in Various Forms of Media

Movies and TV shows

Films and TV series have played a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of cybersecurity. These portrayals range from gritty, realistic depictions of hackers and cyber warfare (Mr. Robot) to more philosophical explorations of digital reality (The Matrix), a good blend in between (Black Mirror), as well as the highly stylized and unlikely (Swordfish, Leave the World Behind).

In many cases, these narratives have painted hackers as anti-heroes or cyber rebels, sparking curiosity and sometimes fear about the power of individuals within the digital world. Whether focusing on cyber warfare, espionage, surveillance, or the moral ambiguity of hacking, these media pieces have brought cybersecurity into the mainstream and sparked conversations about privacy and data security.

Video Games

Unlike the passive experience of watching a movie or TV show, video games allow players to dive into the world of hacking and cybersecurity firsthand. The interactive nature of gaming gives players a more tactile understanding of how hacking works, even if the portrayals are often simplified for entertainment. 

Games like Watch Dogs and Cyberpunk 2077 allow you to play out the power fantasy of being a highly capable hacker, although the hacking itself is an extremely simplified affair. However, they still demonstrate what could be possible, at least if the digital world was run by deeply incompetent computer engineers.

On the other hand, more niche titles like Hacknet and Grey Hack take hacking much more seriously, with real code and simulated terminals. While this can take cybersecurity from an abstract concept to an engaging experience, these games also have a steep learning curve (which might reduce the level of fun).

Books

In literature, works like Cryptonomicon (1999) by Neal Stephenson and Daemon by Daniel Suarez (2006) introduced complex cybersecurity concepts to a wider audience. They were also fairly prescient, predicting future digital trends and cybersecurity threats, especially given how long ago they were published.

Perhaps more interestingly due to their real-world foundations, non-fiction works like This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole Perlroth and Sandworm by Andy Greenberg have made the often daunting world of cybersecurity accessible. They’ve been able to translate technical jargon into gripping stories that help the layperson understand the growing importance of digital security. These books highlight how vulnerable modern society is to cyberattacks and how important it is for the public to stay informed.

Iconic Cybersecurity Themes

Pop culture’s fascination with cybersecurity often taps into some common yet powerful themes that reflect the challenges and fears we all face in today’s modern society. These recurring themes aim to resonate with our concerns about privacy, power, and control.

The Lone Hacker vs. The System

This classic David vs. Goliath narrative pits a lone, rebellious hacker against massive corporations or governments, often simplifying the complexity of real cybersecurity battles. While inspiring, it overlooks the true collaborative nature and technical effort required to take on such entities. Hackers (1995) is a cult favorite where a group of teens fights a corrupt corporate executive, while in Live Free or Die Hard, Matt Farrell aids John McClane in stopping cyber terrorists, showcasing this archetype in a high-stakes, action-packed environment.

Surveillance and Data Privacy

Pop culture often portrays government and corporate surveillance as an ominous, all-seeing force, influencing public discourse and even policy-making. These narratives challenge us to question how much of our data we freely surrender and what’s being done with it behind the scenes. For example, Enemy of the State amplifies the fear of overreaching government surveillance, while The Circle critiques the extent to which we give up our privacy voluntarily. TV shows like Person of Interest explore government-sanctioned surveillance through advanced AI systems.

State-Level Cyber Warfare

Cybersecurity has become a vital part of national defense, and pop culture highlights how vulnerable key infrastructure and systems are to cyberattacks. These depictions raise awareness of the growing risk posed by state-sponsored hacks or large corporate attacks on a global scale. For instance, the documentary Zero Days covers the real-life Stuxnet virus, a state-sponsored cyberattack on Iran’s nuclear program, while Season 4 of 24 features a cyberattack on critical U.S. infrastructure, blending action with timely political concerns.

Digital Identity Theft

In pop culture, identity theft is often portrayed as a slick protagonist stealing someone’s identity (like The Talented Mr. Ripley), which glosses over the terrifying reality of identity theft. In real life, it’s a nightmare for victims, yet it’s frequently downplayed for the sake of drama or comedy. The Net (1995) follows Sandra Bullock’s character whose life is erased after her digital identity is stolen, showing the severe consequences of such a crime. Meanwhile, the thriller Who Am I explores the psychological toll of digital identity manipulation in the hacker world.

Cyberstalking and Catfishing

Pop culture is increasingly shining a light on the dark side of online interactions, focusing on cyberstalking, catfishing, and digital manipulation. These stories go beyond traditional hacking narratives to explore how people use digital platforms for deceit, control, and harassment. Documentaries like The Tinder Swindler highlight the terrifying reality of con artists using dating apps to defraud victims, while Baby Reindeer delves into the unsettling world of digital and physical stalking, showing how online threats can escalate into real-world danger. Netflix’s Can I Tell You A Secret? Also explores the chilling reality of cyberstalking and harassment, centering on victims whose lives are upended by relentless digital attacks. 

AI/Autonomous Threats

From loss of human oversight to fully autonomous, Terminator-style machines, pop culture delves into the dangers of unchecked AI systems. These scenarios explore our fears about technology outpacing our ability to control it. Ex Machina is a powerful exploration of AI development and human control, while Westworld goes a step further, examining the loss of control over AI-run systems that are meant to entertain but evolve into something more dangerous. I, Robot also questions the implications of autonomous systems going rogue.

Ethical Hackers

The “white hat” hacker archetype, seen in shows like Mr. Robot, explores the moral complexities of hacking for good. These characters challenge the black-and-white view of hacking, often highlighting the gray areas of ethics, justice, and rebellion. This could also include so-called “hacktivists”, although these often operate in far more of a legal gray area—Anonymous is one group that comes to mind.

Ransomware and Financial Extortion

This theme focuses on hackers holding data or systems hostage until a ransom is paid, a scenario that has become a common plot device in both TV shows and movies. It reflects a growing real-world threat where both individuals and corporations face financial extortion via ransomware attacks. Examples include The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Blackhat – a thriller where a hacker is involved in cyberattacks that include manipulating stock prices and holding vital systems at ransom for financial gain.

Insider Threats

While external hackers get the most attention, many cyber threats come from within organizations. Pop culture sometimes explores this through characters who are insiders with access to sensitive information, turning against their employers or governments. Snowden and The Inside Man series tap into this narrative.

Hacktivism and Social Justice

Beyond ethical hacking, hacktivism explores the intersection of digital skills and social or political causes. Movies like V for Vendetta or even groups like Anonymous highlight how hacking can be framed as a tool for activism, justice, or rebellion.

The Rise of Quantum Computing

With the increasing discussion of how quantum computing will disrupt encryption and cybersecurity as we know it, pop culture is beginning to explore the potentially world-changing impacts of this technology. Although more niche, this theme is emerging in speculative fiction like Devs.

Analyzing The Tech Behind The Fiction

Cybersecurity and hacking, especially, are often portrayed in two extremes in pop culture: either with an impressive level of accuracy or usually wildly exaggerated for dramatic effect. Below, we’ll explore some notable examples of both good and bad portrayals of hacking, demystifying some common misconceptions and offering insight into where Hollywood gets it right—and wrong. 

Mild spoilers ahead!

Realistic Portrayals:

The Matrix Reloaded (Movie)

In the Matrix Reloaded, Trinity uses the Nmap command to correctly change the power station’s root password and gain access; Reddit

A rare example of technical accuracy, The Matrix Reloaded features a scene where Trinity uses the real-world tool Nmap to find an open SSH server. She then executes an actual exploit—the SSH1 CRC32 bug—that existed at the time. This scene is one of the few in mainstream cinema to show an authentic hacking method, making it a standout moment in cybersecurity realism.

Mr. Robot (TV)

Praised for its realistic depiction of hacking, Mr. Robot meticulously recreated feasible cyberattacks, from DDoS attacks, honeypots, social engineering, and much more. The show’s creators actually ensured most hacks could technically happen; the security consultants behind the scenes performed the hacks over hours or days, although the show then compresses the timeline for dramatic purposes. 

Black Mirror: Shut Up and Dance (TV)

In this episode, a teenager’s laptop is infected with malware, allowing hackers to access his webcam and film him in a compromising situation, leading to blackmail (and much worse). There are many instances of similar cases in real life, with a former head of the FBI even warning that people should cover up their webcams. In fact, illegal rings of live webcam streams from hacked cams aren’t uncommon. 

The episode demonstrates how deeply we’ve integrated surveillance technologies into our lives—often at the cost of personal privacy and security.

Unrealistic Portrayals:

NCIS (TV)

One of the most infamous hacking scenes on television occurs on NCIS, where two agents attempt to stop a hack by frantically typing on the same keyboard at once. As the situation escalates, their boss enters and takes decisive action (or so it seems). He unplugs what he thinks is the computer, only to disconnect the monitor instead. Perhaps the joke’s on us and the writers were simply in the mood for a laugh.

Nonetheless, the scene reflects a common Hollywood trope—speed and chaos—over the slow, methodical reality of hacking.

Swordfish (Movie)

In Swordfish, Hugh Jackman’s character is forced to hack into a DOD database and told to “insert a trojan” and “hide a worm” in 60 seconds, with a gun to his head. Cue random words and numbers flash across the screen as he frantically types on his keyboard.

Practically Every Video Game

Hacking in video games, such as Watch Dogs and Cyberpunk 2077, is often a simplified, one-click affair where players point and hack almost instantly. This is, of course, for gameplay convenience, but it perpetuates the idea that hacking is a quick and easy process. Some games like Grey Hack and Hacknet offer more realistic hacking experiences, requiring players to use actual code and terminal commands. However, their steep learning curves make them less accessible to the average gamer.

Myths vs. Realities

Many of these portrayals feed into the myth that hacking is fast, flashy, and performed in high-pressure, adrenaline-filled situations. In reality, hacking is a methodical process that involves research, writing code, using specialized software and hardware tools, and exploiting vulnerabilities over time. While many people undoubtedly understand that these types of scenes have received the Hollywood treatment for entertainment purposes, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings about how cybersecurity operates in the real world.

On the positive side, realistic portrayals like those in Mr. Robot and games like Grey Hack can help demystify hacking for audiences and bring greater attention to the actual challenges faced in cybersecurity. At the same time, even exaggerated scenes have their place in making complex tech concepts more engaging for the general public, even if it’s at the cost of accuracy.

Positive Contributions of Pop Culture

Pop culture has played a significant role in bringing cybersecurity issues to the forefront of public consciousness. Through movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even real-world events that have been adapted into entertainment, media has successfully raised awareness of data privacy, mass surveillance, and the vulnerabilities we face in a hyper-connected world.

Starting with a fictional example, Mr. Robot is likely the best show to have been created that offers a more realistic portrayal of hacking and its complexities. By focusing on issues like data privacy, encryption, and social engineering, the show has raised awareness about the challenges of securing digital systems and how individuals can better protect themselves.

Perhaps one of the most influential real-world examples is the Snowden leaks. In 2013, Edward Snowden, in collaboration with The Washington Post and The Guardian, exposed the U.S. government’s mass surveillance of its citizens. These leaks shocked the public and led to widespread discussions on privacy rights and government overreach. The story became such an important moment in popular culture that it was later adapted into the biographical movie Snowden, further amplifying its impact.

Another significant case was the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which millions of Facebook users’ personal data was harvested without consent to manipulate political outcomes. This breach of privacy, uncovered by investigative journalists at The Guardian and The New York Times, became the focus of the documentary The Great Hack. The scandal triggered public outrage, government investigations, and led to regulatory changes. Although the GDPR was already in development at the time, the Cambridge Analytica revelations underscored its importance and increased awareness of data misuse.

A final famous example is the Ashley Madison data breach, where the personal details of millions of users were exposed on a dating site infamous for facilitating affairs. The 2015 breach, carried out by a group called The Impact Team, revealed the real names, addresses, and even private details of users—leading to a very public fallout for many.

The Ashley Madison breach exposed millions of users’ private information, revealing just how vulnerable even the most “discreet” platforms can be when cybersecurity is neglected. 

Earlier this year, Netflix released Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal, a docuseries that dives into the full story behind the hack. It highlights the personal impact—like blackmail and shattered marriages—and also the shady practices behind the scenes, like fake profiles and promises of data security that were never quite true. The scandal remains one of the most notorious examples of what can happen when data security is overlooked.

Pop Culture’s Role in Fueling Cybersecurity Jobs

Beyond raising awareness, pop culture has inspired many to pursue careers in cybersecurity. By dramatizing the intellectual thrill of hacking and shining a light on the importance of defending against digital threats, the media has motivated a new generation to explore the field. 

In fact, the global cybersecurity workforce grew to around 5.5 million in 2023, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that cybersecurity roles will grow by 35% over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing job sectors.

The Ever-Evolving Narrative of Cybersecurity in Pop Culture

It’s not hard to see why cybersecurity has become increasingly intertwined with pop culture. It’s a black box for narrative ideas that can take our growing reliance on technology and put it face-to-face with deep fears and crises. (While also just being plain old fun.)

While some portrayals may oversimplify the complexities of cybersecurity, they have nonetheless played a crucial role in raising public awareness of critical issues. Media like Mr. Robot and Black Mirror have challenged our understanding of technology’s potential for both good and evil, while real-world scandals have highlighted the at times dire consequences of neglecting digital security.

Ultimately, no matter the medium, pop culture continues to shape our understanding of cybersecurity—and, in doing so, encourages individuals to take a more proactive role in safeguarding their digital lives.

8 Practical Tips for Digital Security

The rise of pop culture’s focus on cybersecurity should inspire us to do more than just watch in awe as hackers take down systems on screen. Here are a few not-so-obvious but essential steps to secure your online life:

1. Get Serious About Passwords

We get it—password fatigue is real. But using “password123” is like leaving your front door wide open. Instead, go for something long and random (think sentence-like passphrases). Better yet, a password manager can store everything securely so you only need to remember one master password. If you’ve been reusing passwords across accounts, start changing them before the next big hack hits the news.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA wherever possible. It requires a second step (generally a unique code) to access your accounts, making it harder for hackers to break in. Aim to use app-based 2FA rather than SMS-based 2FA, since you’re still vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks that way.

3. Keep Your Devices Updated

We’re all guilty of clicking “remind me later” on software updates, but those updates often contain essential security patches. Make sure your devices and software are always up to date. 

4. Use a Dedicated IP VPN for Personalized Security

Most people use VPNs to stay anonymous, but if you need added layers of security, a dedicated IP VPN is your secret weapon. Unlike shared IPs that change regularly, a dedicated IP is assigned only to you, giving you more control, better access to secure systems, and a clean digital identity. It’s particularly useful for things like accessing bank accounts without setting off security alerts, as it looks less like you’re jumping between locations.

5. Be Wary of Public WiFi 

Grabbing a coffee and hopping on free Wi-Fi sounds convenient, but public networks are playgrounds for cybercriminals. They can easily intercept your data. If you must use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN to create a secure, encrypted tunnel that keeps malicious eyes out of your business.

6. Check If Your Data Has Been Compromised

Curious if your email or password has already been part of a breach? Use services like Have I Been Pwned to see if your data has been exposed in a previous hack. If it has, change those passwords ASAP and enable 2FA for added protection.

7. Cover Your Webcam

It might sound a bit paranoid, but the reality is that webcam hacking is more common than we like to think. Using a simple cover or physical switch to block your camera when it’s not in use can prevent any unwanted person from sneaking a peek. 

8. Stay Cyber-Savvy

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, just like the plot twists in your favorite hacking TV shows. Stay informed about the latest scams, phishing attempts, and vulnerabilities. You don’t need to read every cybersecurity blog out there, but checking in regularly with trusted sources like the Private Internet Access blog can keep you one step ahead of the bad guys and help you navigate the latest security trends.

Bonus: Test your Cybersecurity Smarts – From Pop Culture to Real Life