What are we doing?
In this project, I researched two recent cybersecurity incidents to explore the risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that impact technology users today. By analyzing current cybersecurity news articles, I examined topics such as hacking, phishing, malware, and privacy concerns while learning how these attacks occur and the steps that can be taken to prevent them. This project is important in helping us better understand the importance of digital security and how cybersecurity practices protect personal and organizational information.
Link:
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/cyberattack-hits-canvas-learning-management-system-rcna344160
Summary:
This article explains a major cyberattack on Canvas, a learning management system used by thousands of schools and universities. The attack temporarily disrupted access to coursework, grades, and assignments, causing chaos for students and teachers, especially during final exams. The cyberattack was linked to a hacking group that targeted the system and may have exposed sensitive user data. This is an example of a cybersecurity breach/data breach and hacking attack because unauthorized users gained access to a secure educational platform. To help prevent incidents like this, organizations should strengthen system security, regularly update software, and users should be cautious of phishing attempts and enable multi-factor authentication.
Source Evaluation:
Author/Publisher: NBC News
Where published: NBCNews.com
When published: May 2026
Accuracy: This source is reliable because NBC News is a well-known, reputable news organization that reports verified cybersecurity incidents and often uses information from cybersecurity experts and official company statements.
Purpose/Objectivity: The article is written to inform the public about a real-world cyberattack and its impact on education systems. It is neutral in tone and does not appear to be biased or promotional.
Link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/us/politics/google-hackers-attack-ai.html
Summary:
This article discusses a cybersecurity incident where hackers used artificial intelligence to identify and attempt to exploit a previously unknown software vulnerability. The attack targeted a widely used system and involved a “zero-day” exploit, meaning the flaw was unknown to developers before it was attacked. Google’s cybersecurity team detected and stopped the attack before it could be fully carried out, preventing widespread damage. This is an example of an AI-assisted hacking and zero-day cyberattack because attackers used AI to increase their ability to find and exploit system weaknesses. To help prevent incidents like this, companies should strengthen system monitoring, patch vulnerabilities quickly, and use advanced threat detection tools that can identify unusual behavior early.
Source Evaluation:
Where published: NYTimes.com
Author/Publisher: The New York Times
When published: May 11, 2026
Accuracy: This source is highly reliable because The New York Times is a well-established news organization that reports verified information.
Purpose/Objectivity: The article is written to inform readers about a real-world cybersecurity threat and its implications. It presents the information in a factual, neutral tone without attempting to persuade the reader.