I started just to point out that the 7 point drop was big in 1988, but then wondered if this was a real event. (When the movie came out, I remember thinking that really happened.)

Looking at it again, I don’t know if I am finding real information , or movie publicity

cyberdelianyc.com/…/wall-street-plunges-computer-…, which in part says:

Delaying the sell-off slightly the mayhem appeared to stem from a computer virus rendering key exchange systems inaccessible with NYSE registering a 7-point drop. Initial reports put the number of systems impacted at 1,507. This would make the havoc one of the biggest computer crashes in history.

A ‘‘hacker’’ believed to have instigated the turmoil from beyond state-lines in Seattle is a prime suspect. Known only by an alias or ‘‘handle’’ on computer bulletin boards as ‘‘Zero Cool’’, Federal prosecutors hope to have them arraigned quickly sending a message to other potential electronic trespassers.

Looking up “Zero Cool”, only locates a 1960’s book about a Doctor.

Its amazing how many hacks, even high profile ones do involve the computer skills of a 10 year old. There was one a few years ago where 3 teenagers broke into DoD servers but all they really did was social engineer one low level gaming company employee to get their login to try see a games files early, once that was done it turned out all the info neccesary to escalate permissions was already available via that employees credentials completely unsecured, then it turned out the company was contracting for the army and had access to some of their servers and subsiquently the DoD, again, completely unsecured.

Once you’re inside the house none of the doors are locked and sprawling organisations get awfully careless about who they give a key to the front door.