Unit 4

Unit 4 Terms

Digital Privacy

The protection of your personal information online—controlling who can see, collect, and use your data. Defined by Chat GPT

Encryption

A method of converting information into a secret code so only authorized people can read it. Defined by Google

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A tool that hides your internet activity and location by routing your connection through a secure server. Defined by Co Pilot

Privacy Policy

A statement or document that explains how a company collects, uses, and protects your personal data. Defined by Google

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm, steal, or disrupt a computer or system (viruses, spyware, etc.). Defined by Co pilot

Social Engineering

Tricking people into giving up confidential information (like passwords) by manipulating trust rather than hacking systems. Defined by Chat GPT

Phishing

A type of scam where attackers pretend to be legitimate (emails, texts, websites) to steal personal information. Defined by Google

Ransomware

A type of malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access. Defined by Co Pilot

What I did:

Checked my data history on Google and all my settings. Also Checked analytics on my personal phone. Completed a Cyber Security Certificate Program

What I Learned:

I learned that Google keeps track of a lot more than i thought they did. I also learned how important it is to delete applications that you no longer use and restrict their access to your data. I learned how important it is to really read the privacy policies of the apps and website I use.

CyberSecurity Recent News\

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0413/1456789-booking-com-data-breach/ (rte.ie in Bing) 

Booking.com Breach

Booking.com notified customers in April of 2026 about a potential data breach after detecting suspicious activity affecting reservation records. Unauthorized third parties may have accessed customer names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and booking details. This incident is an example of a data breach and potential phishing risk, since attackers could use stolen information to impersonate Booking.com or hotels.

Author: Brian O'Donovan

Publisher: RTE Ireland

Publication Date: April 13th, 2026

Purpose: Informational and factual, aimed at warning consumers about a verified security incident

Basic Fit Gym Chain Data Breach

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2026/04/13/basic-fit-data-breach-exposes-details-of-a-million-gym-members 

Basic‑Fit, a major European gym chain, suffered a data breach affecting around 1 million members, including 200,000 in the Netherlands. Attackers accessed bank account details, names, birth dates, and contact information. This incident represents a data breach with high phishing and identity‑theft risk, since financial and personal data were exposed. The breach impacted customers across multiple European countries. To protect ourselves, we should monitor bank accounts, enable fraud alerts, and be cautious of emails or calls requesting personal information. 

Author: Jakob Van Calster

Publisher: The Star (Malaysia)

Publication Date: April 13th, 2026

Purpose: Provides neutral reporting on a confirmed cybersecurity incident; focuses on facts, impact, and company statements.