Few of us today are unaware of the significance of cybersecurity and the threat of cyberattacks on our computers, smartphones, and other devices. We’re constantly reminded never to disclose passwords and to be on the lookout for spam and phishing emails that attempt to manipulate us into divulging personal information—such as those passwords, bank details, Social Security, or medical information. 

This form of identity theft, although troubling, becomes even more sinister when it’s directed at governments and other major institutions. “Seeing is deceiving” is the tagline of a popular BBC TV series, The Capture, which explores the effect of deepfake technology—described as the 21st-century’s answer to Photoshop—i.e., threatening national security, shaking the foundations of state, destroying trust, and making us doubt reality.  

Far-fetched in many respects, perhaps, but as we move deeper into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the show highlights the potential risks and threats from rapidly changing and ever-more-sophisticated technologies.  

The global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. 

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