“Breaking Down Intelligence on NBC: What the Show Gets Right (and Wrong)”
Intelligence is a crime drama television series that premiered on NBC in 2014. The show follows a team of specialists who work for the U.S. Cyber Command. Their job is to stop cyber threats and protect American national security. The series received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Some applauded the series for its engaging plot and action-packed scenes, while others were critical of its inaccuracies in portraying the world of cybersecurity. In this article, we will break down what Intelligence gets right and wrong about cybersecurity.
The Good: Real-World Cyber Threats
Intelligence does a good job of portraying some real-world cyber threats. Cyber espionage, malware, hacking, and social engineering are all depicted in the series. These are genuine threats faced by individuals and organizations alike. The show also accurately depicts the use of cyber weapons, which are a growing concern in international relations. Intelligence highlights the need for strong cybersecurity measures and the development of capable cybersecurity professionals who are ready to defend against these threats.
The Bad: Hollywood Hacking
On the other hand, Intelligence often falls into the trap of Hollywood hacking. The series portrays the world of cybersecurity as a fast-paced, glamorous arena. The characters use advanced technology to hack into highly secure systems in a matter of seconds, which is far from reality. In real life, cyberattacks are usually less dramatic, but more dangerous, and involve careful planning and execution. Also, the characters in Intelligence tend to rely too heavily on technology, often overlooking the importance of human intelligence and legwork in getting key information.
The Ugly: Poor Cyber Hygiene
Intelligence also does a poor job of demonstrating basic cybersecurity hygiene. Often, characters in the series use weak passwords, ignore two-factor authentication measures, and leave their devices and accounts unprotected. These scenes are perfect opportunities to communicate to viewers the importance of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and the role of users in keeping their data and systems secure. Instead, the series presents these missteps as essential tools for the characters to do their jobs.
Conclusion: What we can learn from Intelligence
While Intelligence is an entertainer, it can also serve as a teaching tool for cybersecurity professionals and the general public. The show accurately depicts some common cyber threats and highlights the need for strong cybersecurity measures and capable cybersecurity professionals. However, the series also tends to exaggerate the capabilities of hackers and overlook basic cybersecurity hygiene. As cybersecurity threats continue to increase, it’s essential to get the right information about what it takes to stay safe, rather than buying into the Hollywood hype.
