Chris Hemsworth ... Hacking intensifies (via Blackhat film)
Movies are a great way to discover what is in the mind and hearts of the people within a culture, and Blackhat is no exception. While it isn’t the most realistic movie logistically speaking, it does pose the question of how we would protect ourselves from terrorist attacks if they took place in the cyber realm.
The trailer for Blackhat opens with a quote from former CIA Director Leon Panetta. It reads, “The next pearl harbor that we confront could very well be a cyber attack,” which is an actual quote from the former director at a Senate Hearing. The movie very much explores the idea of what would happen if a terrorist also happened to be a genius hacker. The protagonist Nick Hathaway (played by Chris Hemsworth, who also played Thor) was the best hacker in the US. He was released from prison to chase down a cyber-terrorist who hit four major banks and threatened US national security. The viewer is taken from behind the computer screen through the world of coding, as Hathaway attempts to track the terrorist, hoping he made a mistake that would reveal his identity or location, something that hits home for anyone familiar with hacking. The same is done by government agents when hunting down cyber-drug lords, for example – a truth from which the director, Michael Mann, may have gotten his inspiration.
The movie is tense all the way through, which is enjoyable for anyone who favors the ‘fate of the world in the hands of one man’ type of plot. It falls short when compared to reality, however. Anyone familiar with hacking, coding or computer programming in general will likely agree that having sharp-shooter skills, washboard abs and hands-on combat training aren’t likely to be part of the job qualifications. For most viewers, it felt like Hathaway was really Thor, who just forgot his Mjölnir back in Asgard. Maybe patrons would have had trouble watching a movie where a character like Sheldon from “The Big Bang Theory” fought crime from his techie basement, littered with trinkets and failed projects he made himself. Perhaps he and an arch nemesis like Vector from Despicable Me would have had a winner-takes-all Tetris showdown, followed by a celebratory pizza take out order. But who’s to say? Regardless of the films shortcomings, it does shine light on a real threat today: cyber-security.
Wherever Mann got his inspiration for Blackhat, it isn’t farfetched to believe that the next terrorist attack may be a cyber-threat. There is massive fear surrounding the digital arena, because cyberspace is a relatively new technology and only a handful of people around the world really know its inner-workings. Things that are misunderstood are often feared, and cyber threats are the next frontier. The first massive scare recently was the alleged widespread hacking that took place during the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. There are rumors of the Ethiopian government hacking US journalists and allegations that the NSA is now monitoring anyone with a cell phone, SIM card or not, globally. These threats are real, but are they any different than other forms of terrorism or violence exhibited throughout history?
While cyber threats are real and governments should enhance their virtual security to keep dangerous terrorist organizations, like ISIS, at bay, the world at large need not fear the end of the world just yet. Humans have the capacity for great love and great evil. While there are certainly hackers that enjoy creating viruses that eat your Windows OS, there are just as many good people in the world, smashing those guys with their Mjölnirs. We don’t know what the future may bring, but if total cyber destruction is unavoidable, we’d all might as well order a pizza and join Shelder for the ultimate Tetris showdown.
Why hack, when they solve the problem with their fists? You'll see what I mean below...
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