15 January, 2024

In an era where our lives are inextricably linked with digital technology, the Netflix original Leave The World Behind offers a timely exploration of the perils lurking within our connected world.

This movie review will delve not only into the cinematic aspects of the film but also tie its narrative to the broader context of cyber threats, personal online security, and the burgeoning role of virtual data rooms.

Movie Review

Leave The World Behind is a novel by Rumaan Alam, which has been adapted into a film available on Netflix. While the story does involve a sudden, mysterious crisis that affects the outside world, it does not specifically revolve around a cyberattack. Instead, the narrative focuses on two families who are forced to confront their vulnerabilities and differences when their holiday retreat is interrupted by unsettling events.

The novel (and consequently, the film) explores themes of race, class, and family dynamics against the backdrop of an unspecified disaster. The lack of clarity about the nature of the external crisis, which includes the loss of internet and television signals, power outages, and strange sonic booms, adds to the tension and sense of foreboding throughout the story. This ambiguous threat creates an atmosphere where the characters' reliance on technology and their isolation from the outside world become central to the plot.

The story's strength lies in its exploration of human behavior under duress, the breakdown of social norms, and the fragility of our interconnected world.

Leave The World Behind provides a compelling narrative about the uncertainties and fears that can arise in a world where technology and connectivity are suddenly stripped away.

The Reality of Cyber Vulnerability

The film's depiction of cyber frailty is not mere fiction. Just a brief look at today's cyber threats is an alarming wake-up call to this reality.

General Statistics

  • The vulnerability of advanced fighter jets like the F-35 to cyberattacks is reportedly higher than to traditional missile threats, highlighting a shift in modern warfare tactics. (Source: Interesting Engineering, 2021)
  • 75% of cyberattacks are initiated through a simple email (Source: RoundRobin, 2020)
  • According to the FBI, there were 15,421 reports of internet crimes related to tech support fraud from victims in 60 different countries in 2020, indicating the global reach of this issue. (Source: FBI, 2020)
  • Predictions by Cybersecurity Ventures suggest a worrying trend, with global cybercrime expenses projected to increase by 15% annually, potentially reaching a yearly total of $10.5 trillion by 2025. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures, 2020)
  • Norton's 2021 report reveals that over half of all consumers have been affected by cybercrime, with approximately one-third experiencing it in the preceding year, underscoring the widespread impact of these crimes. (Source: Norton, 2021)
  • From 2020 to 2025, the healthcare sector is anticipated to allocate as much as $125 billion towards cybersecurity efforts, reflecting the industry's recognition of increasing cyber threats. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures, 2020)

Global Cybercrime Costs

Cybercrime damages are expected to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, growing at a rate of 15% per year. This escalation in costs reflects the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks worldwide.

Increased Cyber Attacks and Downtime

The average downtime due to a ransomware attack was 22 days in Q3 of 2021, highlighting the significant impact on business operations. The average global cost to remediate a ransomware attack rose to $1.5 million in 2021, more than doubling the previous year's average.

Prevalence in the United States

In the U.S., a startling 89.7% of organizations experienced at least one cyber-attack within twelve months. Ransomware affected about 78.5% of businesses in the U.S. within the same timeframe. The United States also has the highest percentage of ransomware Trojan attacks across all countries.

Cyber Insurance Market Growth

The cyberinsurance market is expected to grow to $14.8 billion USD in 2025 and exceed $34 billion USD by 2031. This growth is indicative of the increasing recognition of cyber risks and the need for financial protection against them.

Virtual Data Rooms: What Are They & How Can They Help Businesses?

Virtual data rooms (VDRs) have emerged as a vital tool for businesses, especially in the context of heightened cyber threats. Essentially, a VDR is a secure online repository used for storing and sharing sensitive information.

They are particularly useful in complex business transactions like mergers and acquisitions, where confidentiality and data integrity are paramount. VDRs offer robust security features such as advanced encryption, access controls, and audit trails, thereby mitigating the risk of data breaches.

Get a free trial

ShareVault Virtual Data Room (Benefits and Advantages)

ShareVault offers a range of advanced security features specifically designed to mitigate potential cyber threats, particularly in the context of sensitive business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, or legal proceedings. Some of its key security features include:

  1. Data Encryption: ShareVault provides robust encryption for data at rest and in transit. This means that documents stored in the virtual data room (VDR) are encrypted on the server, and when data is sent over the internet, it's encrypted during the transfer process, protecting against data interception and unauthorized access.
  2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To enhance the security of user accounts, ShareVault incorporates two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password, requiring users to provide two forms of identification before gaining access.
  3. Detailed User Permissions: One of ShareVault's most powerful features is its detailed user permission settings. Administrators can control who has access to specific documents or folders, and can set permissions based on roles, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized individuals. This granularity extends to controlling the ability to print, save, or alter documents.
  4. Document Watermarking: To deter unauthorized sharing and copying of documents, ShareVault offers dynamic watermarking. This means that when a document is viewed or printed, it can have a watermark applied to it, which includes the user's name, date, time, and IP address. This can act as a strong deterrent against leaking sensitive information.
  5. Audit Trails: ShareVault provides comprehensive audit trails that track user activity within the VDR. This includes information on who accessed which documents, when they were accessed, and what actions were taken. This feature is crucial for maintaining accountability and tracking document access during sensitive negotiations or investigations.
  6. Remote Shredding: In the event that a document is downloaded by an authorized user but later needs to be retracted, ShareVault offers a remote shredding feature. This means that the document can be made unreadable even after download, which is particularly useful in situations where document control is paramount.
  7. Secure Link Sharing: ShareVault allows users to share documents securely through protected links. This means that even documents shared outside of the VDR environment are protected and can be controlled in terms of access and permissions.

These features collectively make ShareVault a robust solution for businesses seeking to conduct sensitive transactions or handle confidential information securely, greatly reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, which are key concerns in any business deal involving sensitive data.

Conclusion

Leave The World Behind is not just a film; it's a reflection of our times. It compels us to confront the realities of our digital vulnerabilities and encourages proactive steps towards securing our online presence.

From personal online security practices to embracing solutions like ShareVault's virtual data room, the film opens up a vital dialogue about navigating our digital world with caution and responsibility.

Want to learn more about how ShareVault can bring advanced security and peace of mind to your next business deal?

Get a demo