The chemical industry often takes center stage in Hollywood, with directors sometimes getting it right—but more often providing a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding against the varied threats these portrayals bring to life. This Halloween —and the final day of Cybersecurity Awareness Month—we thought it would be interesting (and a little spooky) to examine how cybersecurity is depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, highlighting how these examples underscore the importance of defending against the varying threats of today and tomorrow.
Ant-Man
In the 2015 film Ant-Man, the main villain weaponizes fictional “Pym” particles—subatomic particles capable of altering size and mass—and plans to sell these stolen particles directly to the wrong hands of malicious actors.
This example underlines why it’s so critical for our members to maintain constant vigilance against creative tactics fraudsters use to scam and steal. In some real-life examples dangerous individuals have disguised themselves as legitimate firms to impersonate actual businesses and customers. Our members have recently experienced a growing trend of specific chemicals, like citric acid, being sold by bad actors within the U.S. with fraudulent country of origin listings. This activity isn’t only an evasion of existing law, but it makes American businesses liable.
Luckily, our members demonstrate an unwavering commitment to security and safety standards through participation in our Responsible Distribution program. Under Code VIII (Security), members are required to adhere to specific security protocols, including security vulnerability assessments and site security plans. Additionally, Code IX (Product Stewardship) mandates a formal qualification and review process for new customers and for those purchasing regulated products. By conducting due diligence, members can identify "red flags" and ensure products are directed into the right hands. Fraud is not a new phenomenon, and vigilance remains essential to protect against financial loss and prevent potentially hazardous chemicals from falling into the hands of a real-life villain.
Spider-Man: Far from Home
In Spider-Man: Far from Home, Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, gives Spider-Man a powerful AI system. Unfortunately, the AI falls into the hands of the villain, Mysterio, who uses it to create destructive illusions.
Our members are no strangers to defending their facilities from creative cybercriminals, but as AI technology grows in capability and usage, companies are trying to determine the impact of artificial intelligence and protect themselves against bad actors. In the past, indicators like poor grammar would be a red flag, but AI has made the correction of these mistakes easier, making it more difficult for businesses to catch cybercriminal activity.
An uptick in evolving cyber-related incidents is especially concerning with the industry’s loss of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. CFATS provided critical safeguards to keep dangerous chemicals out of the hands of terrorists and was the first regulatory program to focus explicitly on both physical and cybersecurity at chemical sites. Since its expiration, chemical facilities must remain vigilant against growing security gaps and potential threats without the regulatory support of government partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Fortunately, Responsible Distribution Code VIII—particularly requirement VIII.D.—helps bridge this gap by mandating that our members apply rigorous security practices to both their cyber and physical assets. This standard supports proactive defenses, reinforcing member commitment to security amidst a shifting landscape.
Because of the industry’s role in providing the daily products that Americans rely on, the chemical distribution industry is increasingly targeted by bad actors. The unique security challenges that our industry faces require comprehensive and meaningful efforts to stay ahead of the ever-evolving physical and cyber threats.
As we think about these Hollywood portrayals, it’s important to remember that you can’t always trust what you see on screen. Just like movies can twist the truth, the threats in our industry can appear more legitimate than they really are. Staying informed and keeping a healthy skepticism is key in a world where deception is common. Being vigilant isn’t just smart; it’s our best defense against the hidden dangers in both the digital and physical worlds.
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