Information Security in the Movies

ByDaniel Gottilla

Information Security in the Movies

For most people, information technology is a not the stuff of action and heroics. Information security and the Internet bring to mind images of uptight computer programmers and tech support workers who know much more about your computer than you ever thought possible.

To be fair, there is quite a bit of room for intrigue in the world of information security; hackers have been able to do everything from fixing radio contests to stealing millions of dollars from cell phone providers. In most cases, however, the damages are more about spending time and money rebuilding a system that hit a few snags and slowed down the company email servers.

That’s probably why Hollywood portrayals of information technology tend to be a little far-fetched, if entertaining. From spies to fast-paced action, the big screen offers a number of ways to view IT in a new light. If you’re in the mood for some IT that doesn’t involve the workday, you might want to consider picking up one of the following “information security” films.

WarGames
Firewall
Hackers
The Net
Matrix
Sneakers
Tron
Johnny Mnemonic
Independence Day
Swordfish
Takedown
Pirates of Silicon Valley
Enemy of the State
Mission Impossible