Cyberwar Season 1 Episode 3 Cyber Mercenaries

In season 1 episode 3 of CYBERWAR titled "Cyber Mercenaries," the show delves into the growing trend of private companies hiring hackers to carry out cyber attacks on their competitors. The episode begins by detailing how these mercenaries are often former government hackers who have left their jobs for more lucrative opportunities in the private sector.

One key example the episode explores is the case of the cybersecurity firm Hacking Team. Hacking Team was known to sell spyware to various governments around the globe, which they then used to hack into the computers and mobile devices of political dissidents and other individuals they deemed suspicious. After Hacking Team was hacked themselves, their internal communications were leaked and it was revealed that they had also been offering their services to private companies looking to attack their competitors.

The episode also highlights the risk that these cyber mercenaries pose to national security. With many of them having extensive knowledge of government hacking tools and tactics, the fear is that they could be hired by foreign governments to carry out attacks against their own country. The show speaks with several experts in the cybersecurity field who express concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight in this industry, and call for more to be done to prevent these highly skilled hackers from being used for illegal activities.

One of the most shocking revelations in the episode comes from an interview with a former cyber mercenary who worked for a private company based in Israel. He describes how he was asked to carry out an attack on a European environmental organization that was lobbying against his company. The attack was successful, and the organization's website was taken offline for several days. The former mercenary expresses regret for his actions and explains that his involvement in such activities has left him feeling disillusioned with the tech industry.

Throughout the episode, the show explores different perspectives on this issue. Some argue that companies have a right to defend themselves, and that hiring cyber mercenaries is simply a logical extension of that. Others point out that the potential consequences of these attacks are far-reaching, and that the risk of retaliation is high. The show does an excellent job of presenting all sides of the issue while still conveying the seriousness of the situation.

In the end, "Cyber Mercenaries" is a thought-provoking and unsettling episode that highlights the dangers of this growing industry. With the line between state-sponsored attacks and private sector attacks becoming increasingly blurred, it's clear that more needs to be done to regulate and monitor these activities. Throughout the episode, the show raises important questions about the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure and the need for greater accountability in the cybersecurity industry.