The writers of hit show 'Mr. Robot' want to make you paranoid about all the technology you use
"If it ups your level of paranoia, it's a good thing," said Mr. Robot writer Kor Adana, on stage at CES 2016's CyberSecurity Forum.
That's a big part of why the show makes it such a point to demonstrate real, actual hacking and cyberattack methods in action: Not only does that approach make Mr. Robot a lot more authentic, it's designed to get the audience thinking about their own online habits.
Beyond the extremely nerdy database exploits and other deeply technical attacks used by the hackers on "Mr. Robot" against the evil E Corp, the show extensively showcases more straightforward shenanigans that can put average people directly at risk.
The goal is for the audience to say "Oh, I shouldn't just accept a CD from a street peddler, or pick up a USB drive off of the street," Adana says.
It's also a big part of the job for James Plouffe, the show's resident technical consultant. His task is twofold: Figure out in-character but technically accurate ways for the cast of Mr. Robot to accomplish their goals while staying abreast of cutting-edge developments to make sure the show stays relevant.
It's worked out okay for "Mr. Robot," which has stayed topical as its first season coincided with the major cyberattack on Ashley Madison.
Screenshot
Like Adana, Plouffe wants the audience to be a little paranoid. But from his perspective, it's more about mitigating risk, since you can never totally be free of it.
"Stepping into the streets is inherently risky," Adana says.
Instead, he says, he wants "Mr. Robot" to encourage the average person to undertake simple, but often overlooked, security measures like using a completely different password for each website and app they use.
And when it comes to connected home devices, like the many smart fridges and light bulbs on display at CES 2016, he urges you to make sure you're getting more out of them than the risk you're taking on.
"Evaluate if you're getting any real value from plugging your toaster or refrigerator into the Internet," Plouffe advises.
- I got a $40K raise using this 30-second strategy. It made me realize loud work, not hard work, always wins.
- Qatar Airways' new CEO explains why it's sticking with the Airbus A380 as other airlines retire the costly superjumbo
- Prince Harry and Meghan found out about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis on TV like everyone else, report says
- Sustainable Event Planning
- Ambani, Adani collaborate: RIL picks 26% stake in Adani Power project
- As back-to-office avatars turn casual, comfy sneaker sales pick up pace
- Fresh photographs of Milky Way’s black hole Sgr A* reveal strong, twisted magnetic field similar to M87*
- 8 Lesser-known places to explore in Himachal Pradesh