A recent mini-series titled “Zero Day” on Netflix promised to showcase a devastating cyber attack that cripples the United States. The creators aimed to illustrate the potential aftermath of a September 11-level attack on the country. However, instead of delving deeply into the realm of cybersecurity, the audience received a superficial political drama disguised by a technological facade.
Cybersecurity experts understand the severe implications of large-scale cyber attacks, which can effectively disrupt energy grids, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure. The challenge of attributing such attacks to specific entities becomes even more complex when culprits attempt to conceal their identity. The term “zero-day vulnerability” refers to previously unknown security gaps for which no existing protection mechanisms are available.
Despite the hypothetical nature of the United States’ response to a major cyber crisis, the portrayal of such an event in the series remains fictional. Although the plot mentions the deaths of thousands of people and widespread shock, the narrative quickly transitions to political intrigues, conspiracy theories, and personal dramas.
The depiction of “this artistic fiction” falls short as the creators aimed to present a realistic crisis scenario in Washington by drawing inspiration from real events with slight modifications for storytelling. Characters such as the former president portrayed by Robert De Niro parallel real-life figures like Joe Biden, while the new president, Evelyn Mitchell, bears resemblance to Kamala Harris.
The series also introduces characters like the tech billionaire Monica Kidder, a female counterpart to Elon Musk, and addresses contemporary issues like political polarization and the dissemination of misinformation online. Despite its attempt to mirror reality, “Zero Day” seems to prioritize political drama over a comprehensive exploration of cybersecurity threats and their consequences.