In an age where digital threats loom large, understanding the intricacies of cyberattacks is not just fascinating but essential. This curated list of documentaries delves into the world of cybercrime, offering viewers a glimpse into the minds of hackers, the devastating effects of their actions, and the ongoing battle to secure our digital lives. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the dark side of the internet, these films provide a thrilling and educational journey through the cyber realm.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: While centered on WikiLeaks, the film delves into the cyber espionage and the impact of leaking classified information, which can be seen as a form of cyberattack on governments.
Fact: Directed by Alex Gibney, this documentary provides an in-depth look at Julian Assange and the inner workings of WikiLeaks.


The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: Chronicles the life of Aaron Swartz, a programmer and activist who faced legal battles over his attempts to make academic journals freely available, touching on issues of digital rights and cyber law.
Fact: The film was released posthumously, after Swartz's tragic suicide, and includes interviews with his family and friends.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about cyberattacks, this documentary features Edward Snowden, who exposed NSA's surveillance programs, highlighting the vulnerability of digital privacy.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and it was shot during Snowden's initial meetings with journalists in Hong Kong.


Risk (2016)
Description: Directed by Laura Poitras, this film follows Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, offering a personal look at the risks and ethical considerations of exposing cyber secrets.
Fact: Initially, the film was set to premiere at Cannes in 2016 but was pulled for further editing due to the evolving nature of the story.


Hackers: Wizards of the Electronic Age (1984)
Description: An early documentary that looks at the hacker culture of the 1980s, providing historical context to the evolution of cyber threats.
Fact: This film was one of the first to explore the hacker community, capturing the essence of a time when hacking was less about cybercrime and more about exploration.


Deep Web (2015)
Description: Explores the Silk Road, an online black market, and the subsequent FBI takedown, highlighting the dark side of the internet and the complexities of cybercrime enforcement.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind Silk Road, and discusses the philosophical and legal debates surrounding the site.


The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary focuses on the lives of hacktivists like Jeremy Hammond and Andrew Auernheimer, exploring the ethical and legal dilemmas of hacking for political or social change.
Fact: It includes interviews with key figures in the hacking community, offering a balanced view of the motivations behind hacktivism.


Zero Days (2016)
Description: This film explores the Stuxnet virus, a cyberweapon allegedly used by the US and Israel to sabotage Iran's nuclear program. It's a chilling look at how cyber warfare can have real-world consequences.
Fact: The film was directed by Alex Gibney, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his investigative style. It was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.


Cyberwar (2016)
Description: This documentary series investigates cyber warfare, from state-sponsored attacks to individual hackers, providing a comprehensive look at the digital battleground.
Fact: Hosted by Ben Makuch, the series was produced by Vice News, known for its investigative journalism.


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: Focuses on the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how data was harvested from millions of Facebook users to influence elections. It's a stark reminder of the power of data in modern politics.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with key figures like Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee, and was nominated for an Emmy Award.
