Hackers have infiltrated not only the depths of cyberspace, they’re hitting even closer to home now – specifically, your television. Several projects are in the works in the entertainment world to delve into the world of computer crime.
For example, SyFy, the cable channel that brings us “science fiction, drama, supernatural, fantasy, reality, paranormal, wrestling, and horror programming” is taking the next step in riveting reality television – a show about hackers, creatively named “Hackers.” Now, this sounds about as exciting as what I’m doing right now, which is sitting on my couch, tippitty-tapping away on my laptop, because in large part, that’s what hacking involves, be it criminal, ethical, or somewhere in between. Hackers engage in computer-abetted mischief. For added realism, I turned the lights off and am drinking lots of soda. SyFy is welcome to consult with me for more tips, including my ideas for supernatural hacker wrestling matches.
SyFy promises that “Hackers” will “take viewers deep inside the shadowy and dangerous world of high-tech hackers for the very first time” by detailing various cyber crimes. That’s likely to be enormously successful, because hackers are so terribly easy to dig out of the cyber woodwork and so willing to divulge their tactics.
In addition to the reality show, a scripted drama series about hackers called “Mr. Robot” and starring Christian Slater will be coming to the USA channel, where characters AND terribly titled shows are apparently welcome. I have no problem with this, as I appreciate Mr. Slater getting work and I really enjoy USA’s show “White Collar,” which uniquely combines insurance and art theft.
Finally, there’s the soon-to-be released “cyber thriller” Black Hat featuring Chris Hemsworth (also known as Thor) and directed by Michael Mann (also responsible for Miami Vice and Manhunter, so surely he can do no wrong). The movie looks to be taking the well-worn path of “reformed criminal helps the feds” but about the clearly very hot topic of hacking.
The question is, should that be considered a good thing, to tap into a very real threat for entertainment? Eh, sure, why not? Most dramas hinge upon some question of morality, and comedy can serve to make light of our fears. While hacking is the newest territory for Hollywood to trod upon, it follows a long line of movies and television shows that bring us soul-searching stories about bank robbers, gangsters, people who are just kind of jerks, and other ne’er-do-wells and invite the viewer to both criticize and sympathize with them.
In addition, much like I watch Top Chef for valuable cooking tips and House M.D. for all my medical needs, I have no doubt there’s a viewing public eagerly awaiting whatever the entertainment world can dish up on the shadowy, befuddling world of computer hacking. Much like everyone cooks, everyone can be at risk for cyber attacks, and all constructive information that can be dispensed within the 22 or 44 minutes allotted to any shows could be of use. Despite the steady flow of news on the Sony hacking, JP Morgan, Target, Home Depot, and so many other security incidents, the general public may not have the most helpful information – how to protect themselves. If entertainment can also elucidate and educate, that can’t be a bad thing.
Erin is the managing editor of Advisen’s Front Page News. She has been covering property-casualty insurance since 2000. Previously, Erin served as editor-in-chief of The Standard, New England’s Insurance Weekly. Erin is based in Boston, Mass. Contact Erin at [email protected].
