Horizon Season 2013 Episode 12 Defeating the Hackers

Defeating the Hackers is the twelfth episode of the 2013 season of the highly-acclaimed science documentary series Horizon. In this episode, the show focuses on the growing threat of cyber attacks and the race to develop technologies to combat them.

The episode begins with an alarming statistic: cyber attacks are now one of the biggest threats to national security, costing billions of dollars and compromising sensitive information. From corporations to governments, no one is safe from the threat of hackers. But what exactly are these hackers after? And how are they able to breach even the most sophisticated security systems?

To answer these questions, the show dives into the world of cyber espionage and reveals the various tactics employed by hackers to gain access to sensitive data. From phishing scams to malware and distributed denial of service attacks, there are a multitude of ways that hackers can infiltrate and wreak havoc.

But the episode doesn't just focus on the problem - it also explores some potential solutions. One promising technology is the use of artificial intelligence to identify and respond to cyber threats. The show looks at how AI programs are being trained to learn from past attacks and predict future ones, allowing for a more proactive defense against cyber attacks.

The episode also looks at the role of cryptography in securing data, exploring how new systems are being developed to keep data safe even if it falls into the wrong hands. From quantum cryptography to new forms of encryption, the show explores the cutting-edge technologies that could make cyber attacks a thing of the past.

Of course, there are also ethical concerns to consider when it comes to developing technologies to combat cyber threats. The episode explores the question of who should have access to these technologies and how they should be used. With the potential for AI programs to become autonomous and make decisions independently, there is a risk of these technologies being used for nefarious purposes.

Overall, Defeating the Hackers is a thought-provoking and informative episode that explores one of the most pressing issues facing the modern world. It raises important questions about the balance between security and privacy, and the role that technology can play in stopping cyber attacks. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply interested in the latest developments in science and technology, this episode is well worth watching.