In recent years, we have seen various movies related to hacking and the life of hackers. But are things as they are shown in the movies or are there too many stereotypes?
When Hollywood portrays hacking and the people who do it, there are a lot of stereotypes. Hackers in movies almost always have certain characteristics, but we can't say that these apply to all real hackers:
Let's look at some of these stereotypes that exist in hacking movies:
Hackers are struggling to break a system very quickly.
In most movies, hackers are tasked with accessing important files or systems and are often given a limited time frame to do so. In reality, hacking is not like defusing a bomb. Even though they have to act quickly, there is certainly not all the drama that is shown in the movies.
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Often the process is simpler than it seems
When a character hacks in a movie, they often open multiple windows, press multiple buttons on the keyboard, and access the most complex windows on a computer. However, reality often involves more thought. Hacking generally isn't something that requires accessing all of the most complex screens. The goal of hacking is to find the simplest and easiest way to access a file, computer, website, or account.
Extremely fast typing
Experienced hackers or even ordinary computer users may be able to type very quickly. But that doesn't apply to hacking. Hacking is precise and requires finding and exploiting the weakest points. Hacking requires a lot of thought and planning. Typing looks impressive, but it's not a smart way to approach hacking.
Hacking can be done through any device
In many movies, hackers work in a basement with a huge special computer, but there are many other movies that show hackers with a simple laptop, a phone or whatever and just hack into a system. It seems like they are able to hack anything, without needing any special equipment.
In most cases, however, specific equipment is needed for hacking. Computers with sufficient specifications to perform certain tasks, etc. are required.
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In many movies, the hacker will enter a few commands and suddenly have access to everything. While hackers do improve their skills and reduce the time it takes to break into a system, they still need some procedures.
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Hackers can work for a long time on a breach. Depending on what it is they are trying to break, it can take hours, days, or even weeks. Some steps in the process are automated and will simply run for a set duration before moving on to the next step. But it is rare for a breach to be completed in seconds.
Writing complex code
In movies, hackers sit at their computers and type long lines of code and commands. The truth is, most hacking is actually done in plain text.
Creating new code isn't necessarily a big part of hacking. Many programs already exist with pre-existing hacking methods, so it's a simple process of finding the right instructions.
Hackers are lonely nerds and work alone
Another stereotype that often appears in Hollywood movies has to do with behavior and character. The hacker is usually a lonely, intelligent young man, locked in a dark room and constantly working on computer . Some movies present him as an introverted genius, but this may not always be true.
hackers can have a life that looks like everyone else's. They may have other interests besides computers.
Additionally, in movies, hackers often rely on their own intelligence and expertise to break into a machine. In reality, however, hacking is usually a team sport. In order to break through any kind of security and defense, hackers work together and exchange tips.
Hackers are computer geniuses.
In Hollywood, hackers almost always have an extremely high IQ and their computer dexterity is a gift they have had since childhood. While this may be true in reality, it is not necessary. Anyone can learn how to become a hacker. Learning hacking takes time and effort, but in theory it can be done effectively by anyone. And of course, it is not necessarily something bad or dangerous that is done by criminals. Many study it to enhance security and improve a skill.
See also: ArcaneDoor: Hackers use Cisco zero-day to compromise networks
How movies influence public opinion about hackers;
The way hackers are portrayed in movies gives the public a distorted view of hacking . It seems that most of them have certain common characteristics, which is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, this portrayal can lead the public to believe that hacking is usually illegal, ignoring the fact that there are many professional hackers working to enhance the security of information systems.
Finally, movies often exaggerate the technical skills required for hacking, creating the impression that hackers can breach any security system in a matter of seconds, which is simply impossible in reality.
Source: screenrant.com
