Cyberspace is a world protected by firewalls, passwords and the most advanced security systems. In this world we hide our deepest secrets, our most incriminating information, and of course, a whole lot of money. This is the world of Swordfish. Gabriel Shear, a charismatic and dangerous spy, needs to get inside this world. If he can get in, billions in illegal government funds wait for the taking. To actually steal the money, however, he'll need the help of Stanley Jobson, a former superhacker who's now desperate and penniless. Stanley has been forbidden to get within 50 yards of the nearest electronics store after doing time for wreaking havoc on the FBI's controversial high-tech cyber surveillance operations. Gabriel and his beautiful partner Ginger lure Stanley into their clandestine world, baiting him with the things he can't have - a chance to reunite with Holly, the daughter he lost during a bitter divorce battle and the opportunity to start a new life.

The CIA hires a spy to get a recently parolled computer hacker to help embezzle government funds.