Watch Zero Days - VPRO Backlight

Zero Days is a documentary film by Alex Gibney, released in 2016, which focuses on cyber warfare and the use of computer viruses as weapons. The film takes its title from the term “zero day,” which is a vulnerability in a software that is unknown to its creators and can be exploited by malicious actors. The phrase refers to the fact that there are zero days between the discovery of the vulnerability and its exploitation.

The film starts with the discovery of the Stuxnet worm, a computer virus that was designed to sabotage the Iranian nuclear program. Stuxnet was discovered in 2010 by a Belarusian computer security company, and its origins were soon traced to the United States and Israel. The film delves into the details of how the virus was designed and deployed, and how it managed to penetrate the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran, causing physical damage to the centrifuges that were used to enrich uranium.

The film interviews a number of experts in the field of cyber security, who discuss the potential implications of Stuxnet and other similar viruses. They point out that once a virus is released into the wild, it can be reverse-engineered and reused by anyone, potentially leading to a global cyber arms race. The film also highlights the lack of international legal frameworks and norms for cyber warfare, which leaves countries and their citizens vulnerable to attacks.

The second part of the film focuses on a new virus, called “Nitro Zeus,” which was reportedly developed by the US military as a backup plan in case negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program failed. Nitro Zeus was designed to cripple Iran’s infrastructure, including its communications and power grids, in order to prevent retaliation in case of a military strike against the nuclear facilities. The film exposes how the virus was actually deployed in 2012, during a period of heightened tension between Iran and the US, but was ultimately aborted due to fears of unintended consequences.

The film then goes on to discuss the broader implications of cyber warfare, such as the potential for attacks on critical infrastructure, such as power plants and water treatment facilities, which could cause widespread damage and even loss of life. It also highlights the challenges of attribution, as it can be difficult to determine the origin of a cyber attack and respond accordingly.

The documentary also touches on the issue of government surveillance and the power that intelligence agencies wield in the digital realm. It discusses how the National Security Agency (NSA) was monitoring Iranian communications as part of its efforts to develop Stuxnet, but how this surveillance also led to the discovery of other vulnerabilities that could be exploited. The film questions whether the benefits of such surveillance outweigh the costs, in terms of privacy and security.

Overall, Zero Days is a thought-provoking and timely documentary that highlights the growing threat of cyber warfare and the challenges that it poses to international security. It raises important questions about the role of governments and intelligence agencies in the digital age, and the need for better regulation and oversight. The film is expertly crafted and features interviews with a range of experts, as well as compelling archival footage and graphics. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and geopolitics.