Ep 2. Rise of the Hackers
- TV-PG
- September 24, 2014
- 53 min
-
7.4 (165)
In season 42 episode 2 of NOVA, titled Rise of the Hackers, viewers are taken on a journey into the world of the internet and computer systems, exploring the rise of hacking and its impact on society.
The episode begins with the story of a young man named Aaron Swartz, a computer programmer and activist who played a key role in the development of the internet. Swartz was also a notorious hacker, known for his involvement in several high-profile hacks. The episode examines his life and work, and how his activism and hacking intersected in his ultimately tragic story.
From there, the episode delves into the larger world of hacking, exploring the motivations behind it and the various ways in which hackers are able to breach computer systems and steal information. Experts in the field discuss the different types of hackers, including "white hat" hackers who work to improve security systems and "black hat" hackers who engage in illegal activity.
As the episode progresses, viewers are given a glimpse into some of the most notorious hacks in history, from the 1988 "Morris Worm" that infected thousands of computers to the 2014 hack of Sony Pictures. The episode reveals how sophisticated hackers have become in recent years, showing how they can use social engineering tactics to gain access to sensitive information or take over entire computer networks.
Throughout the episode, the experts interviewed emphasize the importance of cybersecurity, highlighting the growing need for companies and individuals to take measures to protect themselves against cyber attacks. They also discuss the role that governments and law enforcement play in combating hackers and the challenges they face in doing so.
The episode ends by examining the future of hacking and cybersecurity, exploring how new technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing may change the game in the years to come. Overall, Rise of the Hackers is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important issues of our time.
