In an era where cyber threats loom large, understanding the intricacies of cyber defence has never been more crucial. This curated list of documentaries offers a deep dive into the world of digital warfare, cyber espionage, and the relentless efforts of those guarding our virtual frontiers. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a security professional, or simply curious about the digital age's darker side, these films provide invaluable insights into the ongoing battle for cybersecurity.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: Alex Gibney's documentary looks at WikiLeaks from its inception to its impact on global politics, highlighting the cyber defence strategies employed by various governments.
Fact: The film features interviews with key figures like Daniel Domscheit-Berg, a former WikiLeaks spokesperson.
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The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This poignant documentary tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and activist, whose fight for open access to information led to his tragic end, emphasizing the need for cyber defence in protecting digital rights.
Fact: The film was released under a Creative Commons license, in line with Swartz's advocacy for open access.
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Citizenfour (2014)
Description: Focused on Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, this documentary underscores the importance of privacy and the role of cyber defence in protecting individual rights.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and provides a firsthand account of Snowden's leaks.
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Risk (2016)
Description: Laura Poitras's film follows Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, offering a complex look at the ethics of information disclosure and the cyber defence measures taken by governments.
Fact: Initially titled "The Man Who Sold the World," the film was re-edited and re-released after the 2016 U.S. election.
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The Hacker (2016)
Description: This film follows the life of a notorious hacker, exploring the motivations behind cyber attacks and the importance of cyber defence in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Fact: The documentary was produced by the BBC, ensuring a British perspective on the global issue of cyber security.
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Deep Web (2015)
Description: Focusing on the Silk Road marketplace and its founder Ross Ulbricht, this documentary explores the dark web, cyber defence, and the ethical dilemmas of online anonymity.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Ulbricht's mother, offering a personal insight into his life and motivations.
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The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary examines the lives of hacktivists like Jeremy Hammond, Andrew Auernheimer, and Aaron Swartz, exploring the fine line between cyber defence and digital activism.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Swartz's family, providing a personal perspective on his life and untimely death.
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Zero Days (2016)
Description: This documentary delves into the Stuxnet virus, a cyber weapon that targeted Iran's nuclear program, revealing the shadowy world of cyber warfare and the potential for digital attacks to cause physical damage.
Fact: The film includes interviews with anonymous sources who are believed to be former intelligence operatives involved in the Stuxnet operation.
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The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This film explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showcasing how data was harvested and used to influence elections, highlighting the vulnerabilities in our digital lives and the need for robust cyber defence.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with key figures like Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee, and Carole Cadwalladr, the journalist who broke the story.
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The Net: The Unabomber, LSD and the Internet (2003)
Description: This documentary traces the origins of the internet, the Unabomber's manifesto, and the impact of LSD on tech culture, providing a historical context for modern cyber defence.
Fact: It features interviews with key figures from the early days of the internet, including Stewart Brand.
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