Documentary reveals human side of defending critical infrastructure
Semperis has released the trailer for its documentary film, Midnight in the War Room, which examines the growing cyber conflict between nations, criminal groups, and the security teams protecting essential systems.
The documentary features the perspectives of over 50 international figures in cybersecurity, intelligence, and national security.
Notable contributors include Chris Inglis, the first U.S. National Cyber Director; General (Retired) David Petraeus, former CIA Director; Jen Easterly, former Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Marcus Hutchins, known for his role in stopping the WannaCry ransomware attack; and Professor Mary Aiken, a cyber psychologist.
The film also includes voices from former hackers, some of whom are now working as ethical security consultants, offering unique insights into both defence and attack strategies within cyber warfare.
Midnight in the War Room aims to provide an in-depth look at the experiences of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams.
It explores the complex challenges faced by defenders working to secure infrastructure such as water and power grids, healthcare services, food supply chains, and financial institutions, all of which are increasingly targeted by cyber criminal groups and nation-state actors.
"Cyber threats know no borders, and the Asia Pacific region is on the front lines of this global conflict," says Gerry Sillars, Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan at Semperis. "Midnight in the War Room highlights the shared challenges our defenders face every day: protecting critical infrastructure, and essential services in an increasingly complex digital landscape. We hope this film sparks stronger collaboration across the region and reinforces the urgency of building cyber resilience through identity security."
The documentary addresses the psychological and operational impact on those responsible for cyber defence, revealing stories of perseverance, stress, and determination. It brings attention to the escalating tactics used by adversaries and the ongoing demand for vigilance among defenders, who must continuously adapt to new threats.
"The greatest threat we face isn't just the sophistication of nation-state cyberattacks, it's complacency," says Inglis. "Resilience is forged when we refuse to accept today's defences as enough and prepare for the battles still to come. That's why I'm thrilled to be part of this film, a story that will ignite awareness, rally defenders and inspire us all to stand together in the fight."
The film includes a wide range of participants, such as Heather M. Costa, Director of Technology Resilience at Mayo Clinic; Simon Hodgkinson, former CISO at BP; Jesse McGraw, a former hacktivist now working as a white hat; Anne Coulombe, former CISO at MassMutual; and Joe Tidy, Cyber Correspondent at the BBC. Their accounts cover real-world cyberattacks and the tactics used in both attack and defence.
"Midnight in the War Room is a truly special project for us, unlike anything our industry has seen," says Thomas LeDuc, Chief Marketing Officer at Semperis and Executive Producer of the film. "We are humbled by the calibre of experts taking part-from former intelligence leaders to frontline CISOs, journalists, victims, and even reformed hackers-all coming together to tell this story. It offers a rare, human look at cyber defence ... the courage, pressure, and resolve of the people who protect what keeps the world running."
The film also highlights the importance of human ingenuity in overcoming cyber threats, drawing attention to both advances in technology and the creativity required to counteract malicious activity.
"Defeating the malicious cyberattacks that threaten our way of life will take more than technology designed to be secure, it will take the creativity and curiosity of the human mind," says Easterly. "Those qualities empower defenders to outthink and outmanoeuvre adversaries, and it's an honour to be part of Midnight in the War Room to advance that mission."
Production for Midnight in the War Room took place in locations across North America and Europe. The documentary is released through Semperis Media and forms part of a collaboration with various cybersecurity and professional organisations, aimed at raising awareness of cyber risks, promoting industry communication, and fostering cyber resilience initiatives in multiple sectors.
The list of contributors is expected to expand in the coming weeks as more interviews are announced, broadening the range of experiences and expertise represented within the film.
