THE PLOT THUS FAR
Our lives are going digital. We shop, bank and even date online. Computers hold our treasured photographs, private emails, and all of our personal information. This data is precious — and cybercriminals want it. Now, NOVA goes behind the scenes of the fast-paced world of cryptography to meet the scientists battling to keep our data safe. They are experts in extreme physics, math and a new field called “ultra-paranoid computing,” all working to forge unbreakable codes and build ultra-fast computers. From the two men who uncovered the world’s most advanced cyber weapon to the computer expert who worked out how to hack into cash machines and scientists who believe they can store a password in your unconscious brain, NOVA investigates how a new global geek squad is harnessing cutting-edge science — all to stay one step ahead of the hackers.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Rise of the Hackers” is about the danger of our lives going way too digital. Cyber Criminals lurk around every corner, as they wait to steal our precious information. Data mining and cryptography develops incredibly to catch up, but nothing lasts that long. Code creation is frightening, as it has to fly at the speed of innovation. Of the course of an hour, the people we meet look haggard by this process.
Hacking is so misunderstood in America. That’s why every Baby Boomer does shit that will make you cringe. It’s also why you have weekly reports of large corporations getting massive amounts of data stolen. If you’re outside of a certain generation, the scale of the issue is foreign. What it should be is overwhelming, as we’re staring down a new frontier of crime. Thanks to NOVA again for creating an hour long documentary to scare the hell out of me.
The DVD comes with no special features. The A/V Quality is pretty strong for the release. The transfer is on par with the last couple of PBS documentaries. The same goes for the Dolby 2.0 surround track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.
RELEASE DATE: 10/21/2014