For this project, I had to find and share examples of Information Security as reported by the media and evaluate my sources.
Between October 2025-December 2025 cyberattacks have been taking place using malware called PLUGGYAPE. The attackers use Signal and WhatsApp as vectors, with the threat actors masquerading as charity organizations to convince targets into clicking on a seemingly-harmless link ("harthulp-ua[.]com" or "solidarity-help[.]org") impersonating the foundation and download a password-protected archive. Using software to dig up passwords to multiple accounts, hackers target Ukranian defense forces. Never open a link from an untrusted source.
Who published the content? Ravie Lakshmanan
Where was it published? Thehackernews.com
When was it published? Jan 14, 2026
The truthfulness and integrity of the facts: Minimal grammar/spelling mistakes, looked up in another search engine and it was legit
How is it written and presented? Informative news article
Links and Citations: https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/pluggyape-malware-uses-signal-and.html, thehackernews.com/2026/01/pluggyape-malware-uses-signal-and.html (accessed Jan. 14, 2026).
Recently, malicious messages were carefully crafted to deceive customers into clicking on suspicious links and disclosing sensitive financial information. Those affected were some of the 1 million customers of betterment wealth management. Customers receiving a message claiming to be from Betterment should verify authenticity through official company channels before taking any action. The company plans to tighten up on their cybersecurity and inform customers of threats as soon as possible.
Who published the content? By AnuPriya
Where was it published? CyberPress
When was it published? January 14, 2026
The truthfulness and integrity of the facts: Minimal grammar/spelling mistakes, looked up in another search engine and it was legit
How is it written and presented? Informative news article
Links and Citations: https://cyberpress.org/betterment-confirms-access/ cyberpress.org/betterment-confirms-access/ (accessed Jan. 14, 2026).
I always knew cyber attacks existed, but I didn't realize how dangerous those text and email links are. I used to get multiple texts and links from someone pretending to be from the transportation authority saying I owed tolls and to click on a link and view them to pay them. I am glad I dind't click on it.