Zero Days

Zero Days is a documentary film released in 2016 that uncovers the world of cyber warfare and espionage. Directed by Alex Gibney, the film features interviews with top officials from the United States government agencies, cybersecurity experts, journalists, and one Iranian nuclear physicist.

The film explores the Stuxnet computer virus, a sophisticated piece of malware that was created to disrupt the Iranian nuclear program. Stuxnet was discovered in 2010 and was used to attack the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. It is considered to be the first-ever cyber weapon that was used in an actual military operation.

The documentary provides an in-depth look at the origins of Stuxnet and how it was created. The film includes interviews with some of the people who were directly involved in the creation and deployment of the virus. David Sanger, a journalist for The New York Times, serves as the narrator of the film and provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the discovery of Stuxnet.

The movie also examines the potential impact that Stuxnet could have on global politics and security. With the development of increasingly sophisticated cyber weapons, countries around the world are beginning to engage in a new kind of arms race. The film explores how the use of cyber weapons could result in unintended consequences and can ultimately make the world a more dangerous place.

The film also delves into the surveillance state that the United States has become in the post-9/11 world. The documentary shows how the government has used its massive surveillance capabilities to justify its actions and how the fight against terrorism has led to an erosion of civil liberties.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its exploration of the Iranian nuclear program. The documentary features an interview with Emad Kiyaei, an Iranian nuclear physicist who provides a unique perspective on the events that led to the creation of Stuxnet. Kiyaei provides an insight into the Iranian perspective and shows how the nuclear program was viewed as a matter of national pride and security.

The movie is not without its critiques of the United States and its approach to cyber warfare. The documentary shows how the government has used its power to justify its actions, sometimes at the expense of innocent civilians. The film also highlights the fact that cyber warfare is a relatively new field and that there are many unknowns about how it will evolve in the future.

Eric Chien, a threat researcher at Symantec, provides a detailed explanation of how Stuxnet was discovered and what it did. Chien's insights into the structure of the virus and its capabilities help to shed light on this complex and intricate piece of malware.

Overall, Zero Days is a fascinating and thought-provoking film that explores a complex issue that is of vital importance to our modern world. The documentary provides a detailed account of the creation and deployment of the Stuxnet virus, as well as its potential impact on global politics and security. The film provides a unique perspective on the emerging world of cyber warfare and espionage and is an important contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of technology in our lives.