CBC Documentaries
Michael Calce At the age of 15, Michael Calce made headlines around the world by launching online attacks that brought down the websites of Yahoo!, eBay, CNN and other Internet giants.
Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK | E-MAIL | Bookmark and Share

Web Warriors

 

Related Video

Web Warriors

View the entire film.

43:18 min

 

The internet is touted as one of the most important inventions in the history of modern man, and like the discovery of the atom, its ability to benefit mankind is matched only by its potential to unleash massive destruction.

Web Warriors is a one-hour documentary that offers an unprecedented glimpse into the world's newest and most vulnerable frontier: cyberspace. We enter the world of hackers like Mafia Boy - a 15 year old high school student who rose to infamy in 2000 by causing millions of dollars in damage after single-handedly shutting down internet giants - including Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, Dell, eTrade, and CNN.

We'll meet hackers like Donnie who goes on a journey into the Russian cyber underground as he searches for the creators of a computer virus with the hopes of collecting the $250,000 bounty being offered by Microsoft.

Just as in nature, computer viruses have rapidly evolved and now have the ability to control millions of computers unbeknownst to their owners, thereby creating massive illegal computer networks known as "Botnets".

These "Botnets" are being put to a variety of illicit uses including identity theft and cyber extortion, but they are also the latest and most potent weapon being deployed in military conflicts. Web Warriors dissects the massive cyber attack against Estonia in 2007 which virtually shut down the country and resulted in NATO deploying its cyber response team.

Web Warriors offers rare interviews with cyber sleuths from the FBI, the Pentagon, NATO, and the Department of Homeland Security who explain how cyberspace has become the latest battle ground between nation states and how terrorist groups are already plotting their next move.

Web Warriors offers a fast-paced never-seen before glimpse into the cyber trenches of a world wide battle. Some reports say the cost of cyber crime is now on par with the illegal drug trade.  

Web Warriors was produced by Edward Peill for Tell Tale Productions Inc.

Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK | E-MAIL | Bookmark and Share
Doc Zone

Take a journey every Thursday night as DOC ZONE explores the major stories of our time. Around the corner, around the world, our cameras bring viewers a sweeping panoramic view of what matters most to Canadians.

Buy this Documentary

For more information about the film and to inquire about purchasing a copy contact Web Warriors TV.

For educational purposes, visit CBC Learning.

Episode Features

Book Excerpt

Read an excerpt from Micahel Calce's new book, Mafiaboy, How I Cracked the Internet and Why It's Still Broken.

"Arriving home just before 4 P.M., I discovered that Yahoo! had been knocked offline. In fact, I was unable to access its website. It was still down! I sat in front of my monitor, frozen in a state of shock." Read more.

Facts

  • In the year 2007 alone, the number of computer viruses has doubled to 500,000.
  • Credit card information can be purchased for $1, entire identities for $5. For $100 a site can be taken down with a 'denial of service' attack for one day.
  • A 2006 survey showed that cybercrime is more costly than conventional crime. Read more.

Discussion

Talk about this film online with other viewers. Visit our discussion board.

Related

External Links

Watch Full Episodes Online

Please download the latest version of Flash Player to view this content.

TV Docs: Online Features

Event

1 Day

Share your story with us and the rest of Canada on April 30th and win!

photo

Interactive

Geologic Journey II

Take a trip around the world and back in time to discover its geologic hotspots.

darwin

Interactive

One Ocean

Watch video, make a pledge and play games in your own undersea biosphere.

Documentary Audience Services