CyberSecurity in the News

Project Description

For this project, I had to research and find two articles related to information security/cybersecurity. I then summarized and evaluated each article. Finally, after research, I was rewarded with a Cybersecurity Certificate! 

Beware of this Sneaky Google phishing scam

In this article, phishers are scammers who make phony emails that pass security tests by taking advantage of Google and PayPal's facilities. Phishing emails claiming to be from "no-reply@google.com" are being sent by attackers posing as an urgent subpoena alert regarding "law enforcement" requesting information from the target's Google account. Do not open this email! The fraud uses Google's "Sites" website-building tool to produce phishing websites that look realistic. Google needs to tighten its security and have certain restrictions on the emails being sent out. 

Source Evaluation 

• Who published the content? Umar Shakir

• Where was it published? The Verge

• When was it published? April 21, 2025

• The truthfulness and integrity of the facts: has quoting from X, celebrity experienced this scam, minimal grammar errors

• How is it written and presented? Let readers know of the scam, one ad, to the point

• Links and citations: tweet from X, related articles

New numbers show AI impact on identity theft and losses

This article addresses identity theft and how AI technology introduces these risks. Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or illegal activities. Millions of people have encountered this scam from AI, and it is important what information you are sharing with the internet or a chatbot on another website. Do not fall for scammers, and if a website or link seems too good to be true, then it probably is! Frequently check your credit reports, and possibly look into identity theft protection. 

Source Evaluation

• Who published the content? Charlotte Today

• Where was it published? WCNC Charlotte 

• When was it published? April 21, 2025

• The truthfulness and integrity of the facts: minimal grammar errors, referenced BBB, 

• How is it written and presented? Multiple pop-up ads, article is to the point and informative

• Links and citations: referenced BBB.org 

My Certificate

I completed the CSIT 101 Security Assignment!

Lessons Learned

I did not realize how common cybersecurity issues were. So many people are affected by it every day, and it is so easy to fall into the trap. I completed the CSIT 101 Cybersecurity Training and learned how CCBC is affected by information security. I also learned how to use Google News, and will be using it more often because it is very informative.