How Accurate Was Netflix's 'Zero Day'? A Realistic Analysis

Warning: This analysis contains spoilers ahead.

Netflix’s Zero Day presents a gripping cyber thriller that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, raising questions about the plausibility of large-scale cyberattacks. This article breaks down the accuracy of the show’s depiction of cyber threats, government responses, and zero-day vulnerabilities.

What is the Netflix Show Zero Day About?

Netflix’s political thriller Zero Day has captivated audiences with its intense storyline about a catastrophic cyberattack on the United States. The six-episode series follows former U.S. President George Mullen (Robert De Niro) as he is pulled out of retirement to lead an investigation into the massive cyber event that results in thousands of deaths and national chaos. The show, created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael S. Schmidt, explores how disinformation, political ambitions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities intertwine in modern society.

With a cast that includes Angela Bassett, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, and Matthew Modine, Zero Day blends fiction with real-world cybersecurity concerns. But how realistic is the series, and could such an attack truly happen?

Who Was Behind the Cyberattack in Zero Day?

In Zero Day, the cyberattack was masterminded by Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), who believed that manufacturing a national crisis would restore faith in the government. Dreyer assembled a secret coalition of billionaires and high-ranking politicians, including Mullen’s own daughter, Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen (Lizzy Caplan). Their goal was to expose the country’s vulnerabilities, manipulate public fear, and justify drastic governmental intervention.

Dreyer and his collaborators engineered the attack through a malware campaign embedded in widely used Panoply apps, crippling the U.S. transportation system and resulting in over 3,000 deaths. The plan was for Dreyer to lead the Zero Day Commission, gaining public trust and political influence in the aftermath. However, Mullen ultimately unravels the conspiracy and exposes Dreyer in a live television broadcast, leading to his downfall.

Zero Day’s Attack Explained

If you’re looking to have Zero Day explained in simple terms, you've come to the right place. The cyberattack in Zero Day is designed to cripple the nation by exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities simultaneously across different platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and critical infrastructure systems like power grids and air traffic control. This synchronized strike leads to widespread outages, panic, and loss of life.

The attack mirrors real-world concerns about the vulnerability of interconnected systems. However, cybersecurity experts argue that while such a coordinated attack is technically possible, it would require an unprecedented level of human collaboration, sophistication, and stealth. Most cyberattacks exploit a limited number of vulnerabilities at a time, and security professionals are continuously working to mitigate threats before they reach catastrophic levels.

What is a Zero Day Vulnerability?

A zero-day vulnerability is a software flaw that is unknown to the vendor and, therefore, unpatched. Attackers who discover these vulnerabilities before security teams do can exploit them in what is known as a zero day exploit, often resulting in significant security breaches.

The term "zero day" refers to the lack of time developers have to fix the flaw before attackers take advantage of it. A zero day vulnerability can be used in espionage, financial crimes, and even acts of cyber warfare. In the real world, tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google regularly release patches for zero-day vulnerabilities to protect their users.

How Realistic is the Timeline in Zero Day?

In the series, Congress quickly establishes the Zero Day Commission, appointing Mullen to lead the investigation within days of the attack. While government processes are notoriously slow, political consultants confirm that emergency commissions can indeed be created and funded rapidly in times of national crisis.

However, the speed at which the investigation progresses—from identifying suspects to unraveling the entire plot—feels compressed. Real-world cybersecurity investigations, especially those involving nation-state actors, often take months or years to fully understand and attribute.

Could a Zero-Day Attack Like Zero Day’s Happen in Real Life?

While the events in Zero Day are dramatized for television, the underlying threat of a massive cyberattack is real. The U.S. government and cybersecurity experts have long warned of a potential "cyber 9/11" or "cyber Pearl Harbor." Real incidents, such as the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the 2024 CrowdStrike incident that caused widespread system failures, demonstrate the potential for disruption.

However, experts argue that the sheer scale and simultaneity of the Zero Day attack are highly unlikely. Cybersecurity systems have multiple redundancies, and organizations work diligently to prevent multi-platform, nationwide shutdowns from a single attack. That said, the show raises important discussions about cybersecurity preparedness and the role of government and private sectors in mitigating cyber threats.

Conclusion

Netflix’s Zero Day delivers a gripping, thought-provoking look at the dangers of cyber warfare, blending fiction with real-world cybersecurity concerns. While some elements—such as the rapid government response and the scope of the attack—may be dramatized, the core themes of cyber vulnerabilities, misinformation, and geopolitical tensions are very much rooted in reality.

For viewers intrigued by the concept of zero-day exploits and cyber threats, Zero Day serves as an eye-opening exploration of what could happen in an increasingly connected and digital-dependent world. While the exact events of the show may not be entirely realistic, the possibility of cyberattacks disrupting critical infrastructure remains a legitimate concern for governments, businesses, and individuals alike.