In the 2023 Netflix release ‘Leave the World Behind,’ two families navigate a crumbling society during a cyber-attack on the US. The film, based on the novel of the same name, was written by director Sam Esmail. It offers a realistic portrayal of a country under cyber-attack.
The movie’s release coincided with a period of heightened awareness about cyberattacks. Those who have seen it might question how realistic a cyber-attack on an entire country would be.
‘Leave the World Behind’ paints a grim picture of cyber attacks
The families are faced with a blackout on their devices starting with their cell phones, landlines and televisions. They lack access to the radio or internet for updates. Electric vehicles, including Teslas, veer out of control, a cargo ship is deliberately driven ashore and a passenger plane crashes due to the cyber-attack.
It was very interesting to see all the resources we rely on daily be helpless at a time when we may need them the most. It underscores society’s heavy dependence on technology and illustrates how our world could crumble without it.
Cybersecurity experts offered mixed reviews about the realism of the movie, with most saying an attack on such a large scale would be highly unlikely in our world today.
‘While it’s possible to hack systems on boats and planes and send fake navigation signals, most of these vessels still have the capability for the crew to take over if something seems amiss,’ said Jason Casey, CEO of Beyond Identity, in an interview with Bloomberg News.
A cyber security attack on a specific sector is not uncommon but targeting an entire country is considered far-fetched.
The movie sheds light on our reliance on technology and its inherent dangers. It’s an anxiety-inducing must-see for anyone curious about the potential capabilities of hackers.
