Cyberwar Season 1 Episode 10 The Zero Day Market

In Cyberwar season 1 episode 10, titled "The Zero Day Market," the show explores the lucrative and controversial world of zero-day exploits. These are undisclosed and unknown software vulnerabilities or weaknesses in computer systems that can be used to gain unauthorized access to them. The episode follows journalist Ben Makuch as he delves into the underground world of zero-day exploit marketplaces, where hackers and government agencies trade these exploits for large sums of money.

The episode begins with a look at the Stuxnet worm, a computer virus that was used to damage Iran’s nuclear program in 2010. The virus was created using several zero-day exploits, which allowed it to spread undetected and cause significant damage. This event brought zero-day exploits to the forefront of cybersecurity, revealing just how powerful and dangerous they can be.

Makuch interviews several experts in the field of cybersecurity, including former hackers and government officials, to gain insight into the world of zero-day exploits. He learns that these exploits can be used for a variety of purposes, from spying on individuals to disrupting critical infrastructures.

The episode also features interviews with people who trade in zero-day exploits. Some of these individuals are independent hackers who discover and sell the exploits on their own. Others work for companies that specialize in finding and buying these exploits on behalf of government agencies and private companies.

Makuch also visits a black market event in Seoul, South Korea, where hackers and other criminals gather to sell their wares, including zero-day exploits. He speaks with a hacker who claims to have discovered a vulnerability in Apple’s iPhone operating system and is offering to sell it for over $500,000.

The show raises questions about the morality of buying and selling zero-day exploits, particularly when it comes to governments. Should governments be allowed to purchase and use these exploits for surveillance purposes? Is it ethical for companies to buy these exploits to protect their own assets, even if it means leaving other computer systems vulnerable to attack?

The episode also takes a closer look at the risks associated with zero-day exploits. Once an exploit is discovered, it can be used by a variety of actors, including criminals and hostile governments. If a zero-day exploit is sold to one government agency, there is a risk that it could be used against another country or organization.

Overall, "The Zero Day Market" is a fascinating look at the world of zero-day exploits and the complex ethical and legal issues that surround them. Cyberwar does an excellent job of explaining the technical aspects of cybersecurity in a way that is easy for the average viewer to understand. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in cybersecurity or the intersection of technology and politics.