Why the Robert Redford Classic 'Sneakers' Is a Favorite in Cybersecurity Circles
As news of the passing of Hollywood legend Robert Redford at 89 spreads, fans and cinephiles alike are taking time to reflect on his decades-long career. From Westerns like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to dramas like All the President's Men, Redford has been a fixture of American cinema. However, among cybersecurity professionals, one of his lesser-known works stands out: 1992's Sneakers.
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and starring Redford as Martin Bishop, a leader of a crew of hackers who provide penetration-testing services for clients, Sneakers is a thriller that explores the world of cybercrime and national security. The movie follows Bishop's team as they uncover a plot by their collegiate hacking partner Cosmo (played by Ben Kingsley) to steal a universal codebreaking machine funded by the NSA.
As the team works to prevent this catastrophic event, they realize that the NSA has been playing them all along. With its themes of governments seeking access to individuals' secrets and the importance of privacy in the digital age, Sneakers has become a favorite among cybersecurity professionals.
The Movie's Relevance in Cybersecurity
Sneakers debuted just a year before the US government introduced the Clipper chip, a telecom encryption chipset co-developed by the NSA for use in consumer hardware. This move was met with resistance from the tech industry and politicians from both parties, who were concerned about the potential for abuse of power.
However, as end-to-end-encryption has become increasingly common, governments have continued to seek ways to sidestep this security measure. The UK government's recent decision to force Apple to disable end-to-end encryption on iCloud backups in that country is a stark reminder of this ongoing struggle.
In another pivotal moment in the movie, McDonnell's character uses voice authentication to gain access to a restricted area of a Silicon Valley office. This scene is eerily relevant today, as AI-powered voice-cloning tools have made it possible for malicious actors to recreate someone else's speech with ease.
A Warning from the Past
The movie also highlights the dangers of online misinformation and conspiracy theories. Ackroyd's character Darren "Mother" Roskow would be right at home in today's QAnon movement, where 5G conspiracies have become a rallying cry for some.
Watching Sneakers again after years, it's clear that the themes of government overreach and online manipulation are more relevant now than ever. As cybersecurity professionals continue to navigate this complex landscape, they can learn valuable lessons from Redford's classic thriller.
A Timeless Classic
If you've yet to watch Sneakers at all, today is the perfect time to do so. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Prime Video, as well as through various video streaming services. Alternatively, you can borrow a DVD from your local public library – a private and low-key option in an increasingly digital world.
So why not treat yourself to a classic of American cinema? With its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and timeless themes, Sneakers is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat long after the credits roll.