Zero Days

Zero Days explores the world of cyber warfare, focusing on the Stuxnet computer virus that targeted Iran’s nuclear program. Directed by Alex Gibney, it delves into the origins, development, and consequences of this groundbreaking cyber weapon, which was reportedly created by the United States and Israel.

The documentary begins by examining the mysterious assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists in 2010 and the subsequent discovery of the Stuxnet virus in Belarus. Through interviews with cybersecurity experts, government officials, and journalists, it pieces together the story of how Stuxnet infiltrated and sabotaged Iran’s nuclear centrifuges at the Natanz facility.

As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the broader implications of cyber warfare and its potential to cause widespread destruction. It discusses the existence of more advanced cyber weapons, such as the Nitro Zeus program, which was designed to disrupt Iran’s infrastructure on a massive scale. It also highlights the challenges posed by the extreme secrecy surrounding these operations, which prevents public discourse and oversight.

The film features interviews with key figures, including Michael Hayden, former head of both the CIA and NSA, and David Sanger of The New York Times. These experts provide insights into the development of cyber weapons and the ethical dilemmas they present. It also includes commentary from an actor portraying a fictional NSA whistleblower, whose dialogue is based on interviews with multiple anonymous sources within the intelligence community.

Zero Days explores the global impact of Stuxnet’s release, including its unintended spread to computers worldwide and Iran’s retaliatory cyber attacks on U.S. banks and Saudi Aramco. It raises important questions about the nature of modern warfare, the potential for escalation, and the need for international agreements to govern the use of cyber weapons.

Throughout, Gibney examines the broader context of cyber warfare, including its role in geopolitics and its potential to disrupt critical infrastructure. The documentary discusses the challenges of attribution in cyber attacks and the blurred lines between offensive and defensive capabilities in the digital realm.

The film concludes by considering the future of cyber warfare and its implications for global security. It highlights the urgent need for public awareness and debate about these issues, as well as the potential consequences of unchecked cyber weapons development.