Hacked: A Cinematic History of Cybersecurity
Welcome to Hacked: A Cinematic History of Cybersecurity, a journey through the captivating world of hackers, digital mischief, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity as seen through the lens of film and television. This isn’t just a collection of movie reviews or a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it’s a deep dive into how Hollywood has shaped, distorted, and sometimes eerily predicted the realities of our digital lives.
Movies have been my window into the world for as long as I can remember. From my early days watching The Wrath of Khan with my nephew at age nine to working odd jobs to score a ticket to E.T., films have been more than entertainment for me—they’ve been an escape, a fascination, and sometimes, a reflection of what’s possible. Cyber movies, in particular, have always held a special place in my heart. Rewatching WarGames one evening, I stumbled across the mention of the word “firewall,” a term that has become ubiquitous in cybersecurity. It hit me: these films have been doing more than entertaining us—they’ve been introducing us to the language and concepts of the digital age.
That moment of realization inspired this book. Hacked isn’t just about recounting the best cyber films and TV shows. It’s about exploring how these stories—some rooted in science fiction, others in thriller genres—have influenced our thoughts on cybersecurity. I’ve chosen 15 movies and shows that best represent the intersection of Hollywood and hacking, not necessarily the most popular sci-fi blockbusters but the ones that bring the cyber world to life in thrilling and thought-provoking ways.
(Visit Jason's Amazon Authors Page)
In each chapter, you’ll find a detailed look at a specific film or series, from the iconic WarGames to the genre-defining Mr. Robot. I’ve included plot summaries, character deep dives, cybersecurity insights, and some fun behind-the-scenes trivia to make you appreciate these stories even more. We’ll also explore how these works have impacted audiences, especially in the tech community, and how they’ve reflected and shaped real-world digital security concerns.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and dive into cybersecurity’s cinematic side. Whether you’re here for technical breakdowns or entertainment, I hope this book offers a fresh perspective on the movies and shows that have brought hackers and cybersecurity to our cultural imagination.
Editions:
Kindle Release Date: December 4th, 2024
Paperback (BW) Release Date: December 4th, 2024
Hardback (Premium Color) Release Date: December 4th, 2024
Audiobook Release Date: Coming Soon!
Inside the book:
