Discover all-time cybersecurity movies that let you learn more about how hackers take advantage of peoples’ negligence and ignorance and what drives them to indulge in different cyber crimes

Cybersecurity is a concern of many governments that struggle with uncontrolled hacking activity. A few decades ago, it was just a thrilling picture you could enjoy at the movie theater. Today, it is no longer a made-up story on the big screen but a reality facing thousands of people falling victim to cybercrime.

Every 39 seconds, one hacker attack takes place. About 300,000 pieces of malware are developed daily. Cybercrime cost the world almost $600 billion in the last year. As life gets increasingly dependent on the internet, people’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks grows faster than cybersecurity experts can handle it. The US accounts for 46% of the global credit card fraud that occurred in 2018. This figure is alarming.

It is time to shield you against cybercrime. Below are presented the top hacking movies that will make you reflect upon your security and provide a basic image of what gives fertile ground for cybercrime.

War Games (1983)

Shall we play?

Lots of movie buffs call it one of the best movies about hackers as it was popularized way before hacking cached on. High school student David accidentally accesses the WORP system in a bid to change his grades in the school’s computer system. WORP reminds of a simulation game involved with fighting a virtual war. It was programmed by genius scientist Stephen Falken who died many years ago. The boy starts playing this unusual game but soon realizes that his attacks have real-life consequences. His final choice puts the lives of many people at stake, but playing WORP is pure addiction.

The Code (2001)

If you are in search of a documentary, this cybercrime movie will engage you in the history of Linux. You will learn more about ideologies that underpin GNU and Open Source. The picture explains why Linux became so popular with users and dwells upon the giFT peer to peer network. Though originally made for a Finnish audience, the movie is of great interest to all Linux fans. You will hear Linux’s leaders talking about their fateful decisions and ideals in their interviews followed by subtitles. It is one of the basic hacking movies that let you see how a few people can change the world.

Social Network (2010)

You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.

It is a true-based story that tells who gave an incentive to start up Facebook. Jesse Eisenberg starring as Mark Zuckerberg gives insight into the life of an ambitious Harvard student that dreams of joining the Ivy League. But his sudden break-up with his girlfriend pushes him to launch Facemash by hacking databases with other Harvard female students’ photos. This leads to his local popularity and collaboration with the Winklevoss twins that thinking up a new type of website. His consent to be in the business will result in a distressing situation where each member will suffer some losses. Although the picture is mostly focused on Zuckerberg’s personality, it is still one of the most important movies about internet safety.

Reboot (2012)

Your world is about to be reset

One morning, a young girl Jesse finds herself glued to her phone counting down to zero. She barely remembers what brought her in the place and tries to figure out a way of getting free from this ticking device. You will see how powerful technology may be over humans and what it takes to escape from hackers that have already gained control over your life. It is one of the most mysterious hacking movies. If you like feeling terrified in front of a screen, this picture is a must-see.  

Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)

I Agree

You might think that it is no big deal to click ‘I Agree’ when visiting random websites. Indeed, you undermine your own privacy and give yourself up to control of people you don't even know. This eye-opening documentary says about how giant corporations like Google and Facebook manipulate data that ordinary users willingly leave when using their services. It is one of the fundamental movies about cybersecurity that reaffirm the death of privacy on the web.

Who Am I (2014)

No system is safe

Benjamin is an aloof unexciting computer geek with no friends or social life. His only passion is coding and hacking. After running into a guy who shares his values, he establishes a community that speaks on behalf of the entire young generation. His virtual power and influence increasingly grow until one day he appears on the list of the most wanted cybercriminals in Europe. What will Benjamin do to get away with it? Will he manage to use his hacking talent to maintain his potency? It is one of the most mind-blowing cybersecurity movies everyone should watch.

Blackhat (2015)

You’re no longer in control

It is the last movie about hackers who get involved in a political game between the US and China. Chris Hemsworth starring as an ex-con hacker allows spectators to witness a catastrophe that happened because of malware that got into the hands of the wrong people. Here, you will have a chance to see the implications of vicious acts that dull politicians tend to perform for their benefit.

These seven hacking movies offer lots of joy and pleasure to people who are interested in the hacking phenomenon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Betty Lockwood is a web and mobile developer, healthtech expert and caring mother of two kids. She loves to write about technologies, small business news, project management issues, traveling and movies. Betty is also an editor-in-chief at software development company. Follow her on Twitter.