1. Collaboration with Technical Experts: The creators of the show, particularly series creator Sam Esmail and technical consultant Kor Adana, worked closely with cyber security experts to ensure that the hacking techniques, computer systems, and technological concepts depicted in the show were accurate and up-to-date.
2. Realistic Hacking Techniques: The show's portrayal of hacking went beyond the typical flashy visuals often seen in TV shows. Instead, it focused on realistic hacking techniques, such as social engineering, password cracking, and network exploitation.
3. Attention to Detail: The creators paid meticulous attention to details in the hacking scenes, including using real-life hacking tools, authentic command-line interfaces, and accurate terminal outputs.
4. Collaboration with Real Hackers: The show consulted with real hackers to gain insights into the mindset, motivations, and methodologies of individuals involved in cyber security and hacking.
5. Realistic Characters and Storylines: The show featured complex and relatable characters who were motivated by realistic reasons for their actions, such as personal revenge or social justice issues.
6. Technical Complexity and Depth: The show explored a wide range of cyber security topics, including dark web markets, zero-day exploits, honeypots, cryptographic techniques, and various programming languages.
7. Avoidance of Over-dramatization: While the show did have its intense moments, it avoided excessive dramatization and focused on the realistic consequences of hacking activities.
8. Research and Fact-Checking: The creators conducted extensive research on cyber security and hacking techniques, ensuring that the information presented was accurate and not merely sensationalized.
9. Consulting Experts for Specific Domains: The show sought advice from experts in different fields related to cyber security, such as encryption, network security, and cyber warfare.
10. Balancing Entertainment with Authenticity: The show managed to balance technical realism with entertainment value, capturing the essence of hacking without sacrificing the suspense and drama that make it compelling for viewers.
As a result of these efforts, "Mr. Robot" received numerous accolades for its realism and accuracy, including the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2016, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2016.
