When we think of cybersecurity, images of hackers in a dark room behind glowing screens often come to mind. However, the reality is, cybersecurity threats can come from a plethora of gadgets. From smart appliances going rogue to pop culture dramatizations, the world of cybersecurity is as quirky as it is critical.

In recent years, smart appliances have risen in popularity. Now, everyday gadgets in your home are connected to Wi-Fi and can help manage expiration dates, order new groceries or have a cup of coffee ready for you in the morning. While smart appliances offer convenience and perks, cybercriminals can use them as a weakness to gain information on your life. For example, in 2015 researchers discovered a vulnerability in a smart fridge that allowed attackers to intercept email logins. Through the vulnerability, hackers could access not only just users’ emails but also other connected accounts.

It's also not just smart fridges — anything connected to the internet can be a target. More recently, in 2020, security researcher Martin Hron demonstrated that smart coffee machines could be hacked to deliver ransomware. By exploiting firmware vulnerabilities, Hron could lock the machines and demand payment for functionality.

While at first glance, a threat delivered through a cappuccino might sound slightly silly, it underscores a serious point about cybersecurity in the modern age. Devices we consider harmless, such as coffee makers and refrigerators, are now smart and connected to the internet and our data, making them potential points of entry for cybercriminals.

This research highlighted that the future of cybersecurity is about more than just strong passwords and advanced technology — it’s also about thinking critically as consumers and individuals about the tech we bring into our daily lives and provides a valuable reminder that everyday devices can have big consequences. 

Pop culture has a long history of making hacking look glamorous, fast and dramatic. The TV series “Mr. Robot” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” books and movies portray hackers with near-superhuman abilities with the skills to instantly access sensitive systems.

Interestingly, “Mr. Robot” has been praised for being unusually accurate. When making the show, creator Sam Esmail consulted real-life hackers and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that many of the technical details were realistic. Scenes showing Rami Malek’s character Elliot penetrating networks, exploiting vulnerabilities or performing social engineering aren’t just for show — they reflect actual techniques used in the field.

That said, dramatization is inevitable. In reality, hacks often take months of preparation and are much slower than what TV depicts. Social engineering, weak passwords and outdated software remain some of the most common ways attackers gain access, not the flashy, instantaneous hacks that make great screen moments.

Pop culture does, however, have a role beyond entertainment — it educates and sparks awareness. Many viewers first learn about phishing, ransomware and data breaches through these shows. While not everything is realistic, the cultural conversation about cybersecurity benefits from the intrigue and suspense that shows like “Mr. Robot” generate.