Bytes, Books, and Blockbusters: The NetSPI Agents’ Top Cybersecurity Fiction Picks

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a month dedicated to educating individuals and organizations about the importance of safeguarding their online information. Often, our personal information is just a click away, and with cyberattacks becoming more frequent, understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is not just a precaution — it’s a necessity.  

As we wrap up the month, we’re excited to blend awareness with entertainment by diving into a curated roundup of cybersecurity-themed fiction, recommended by The NetSPI Agents, our team of security experts. From thrilling films that highlight the dangers of cyberattacks to cautionary tales that explore the ethical dilemmas of technology, these selections offer both engaging stories and valuable lessons.

NetSPI’s Top 9 Cybersecurity Fiction Picks 

1. The Matrix 
2. Cryptonomicon 
3. Hackers 
4. Johnny Mnemonic 
5. Star Wars 
6. Swordfish 
7. Takedown 
8. Hacknet 
9. V for Vendetta

1. The Matrix 

The Matrix is a groundbreaking sci-fi film released in 1999, which follows Neo, a talented computer hacker, as he discovers that the reality he knows is a simulation created by machines to subdue humanity. When he is contacted by a group of rebels, Neo learns about the true nature of the Matrix and his potential as “The One” who can bring an end to the machines’ control.  

Cybersecurity themes are woven throughout the story, focusing on information control and digital manipulation. The Matrix itself serves as a metaphor for the vulnerabilities in our increasing reliance on technology, especially without precautions to protect valuable assets, as well as the potential consequences of being disconnected from reality.

2. Cryptonomicon 

Recommended by three NetSPI Agents, Cryptonomicon is a 1999 novel by Neal Stephenson. The book intertwines two parallel storylines: one set during World War II, focusing on a group of codebreakers and their efforts to secure Allied communications, and the other in the late 1990s, where a tech entrepreneur attempts to create a secure data haven in Southeast Asia.  

Themes of cryptography, information technology, and the intersection of history and modernity are explored throughout the story. With its complex characters and intricate plotting, Cryptonomicon delves into the implications of data privacy and the power of information in both wartime and peace.  

3. Hackers

Hackers is a 1995 film, about a group of teens in New York City. The story centers on Dade Murphy, known as “Zero Cool.” After being banned from using computers for a decade, he joins a new school where he meets a diverse group of fellow threat actors. Together, they uncover a conspiracy involving a corrupt corporate security officer.  

Hackers highlights both good and bad use cases of attacking systems, showcasing the importance of understanding cybersecurity practices in a digital world. Through this, the film raises awareness about data privacy, the implications of corporate surveillance, and the moral complexities surrounding information access.

4. Johnny Mnemonic

Selected by two of The NetSPI Agents, Johnny Mnemonic is a 1995 sci-fi film, based on a short story by William Gibson. Johnny has a cybernetic implant that allows him to store sensitive information in his brain. When he takes on a job to deliver critical data, he finds himself pursued by powerful corporate forces and a deadly crime syndicate.  

As Johnny races against time to retrieve the data and save himself, he navigates a dystopian future filled with cybernetic enhancements and virtual reality. Johnny Mnemonic explores themes of information control, technology’s impact on humanity, and the consequences of a hyper-connected world.  

5. Star Wars

Star Wars, originally released in 1977, is a landmark sci-fi film that introduces audiences to a galaxy far, far away. The movie centers on Luke Skywalker as he joins Princess Leia, smuggler Han Solo, and Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi in their fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire.  

The Death Star, a massive space station capable of destroying entire planets, stands for the vulnerabilities of centralized power and information. The Rebel Alliance’s efforts to steal the plans for the Death Star highlight the importance of data security and the risks of information being captured by malicious forces. And, the Empire’s reliance on technology and surveillance mirrors modern concerns about privacy and the misuse of data. 

6. Swordfish

2001 action thriller, Swordfish, follows Stanley Jobson, a threat actor recently released from prison, who is coerced into a high-stakes cyber heist by a criminal mastermind, Gabriel Shear. Gabriel aims to siphon off a massive sum from a secret government fund, using Jobson’s hacking expertise. 

Cybersecurity themes permeate the film, walking the line between ethical hacking and criminal activity. The narrative explores the risks associated with data breaches, the vulnerabilities of government systems, and the implications of technology in the hands of both criminals and law enforcement.  

7. Takedown

Takedown is a 2000 film, inspired by the life story of notorious hacker, Kevin Mitnick. Takedown presents a cat-and-mouse game between Mitnick, and a determined computer security expert, Tsutomu Shimomura. As Mitnick exploits vulnerabilities in various computer systems, he becomes increasingly evasive, prompting law enforcement and Shimomura to collaborate in an effort to track him down. 

The film prominently features themes of social engineering and cybersecurity. Mitnick’s tactics often rely on social engineering, manipulating people into divulging sensitive information or granting access to secure systems. This highlights the psychological aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing that human behavior can be as critical to security as technology itself.  

8. Hacknet

Hacknet is a 2015 interactive hacking simulation game in which players take on the role of a threat actor, who is guided by an AI, after the mysterious death of a fellow malicious entity. The gameplay revolves around real-world concepts, allowing players to utilize terminal commands to navigate systems, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets. 

Cybersecurity themes are deeply integrated into Hacknet, emphasizing the skills and tools used in ethical hacking and the importance of digital security. The game takes on topics such as network security, data breaches, and the ethics of hacking, inviting players to consider the implications of their actions in a digital landscape. 

9. V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, published in the 1980s. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows V, a mysterious anarchist wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, who seeks to overthrow a totalitarian regime in post-apocalyptic Britain. Using a combination of sabotage, propaganda, and guerrilla tactics, V aims to inspire the populace to reclaim their freedom. 

The exploration of surveillance, information control, and the power of digital communication are central themes in the novel. The government employs extensive monitoring and censorship to maintain its grip on society, reflecting contemporary concerns about privacy and data security. V’s use of technology to disseminate information underscores the importance of individual autonomy, making it a compelling commentary on the intersection of technology and freedom in the digital age. 

Dive into Your Favorite Cybersecurity Fiction 

This October, let’s come together to raise awareness, enhance our knowledge, and empower ourselves against cyber threats. Add these movies, books, and games to your list, and let us know which ones are your favorite!  

Remember, in our interconnected world, staying informed and vigilant is our best defense. Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October and beyond!