Supply Chain Hacks. Fake Encryption. Phones That Track You - The Awareness Angle: Cyber News Weekly

This week on The Awareness Angle, trust keeps breaking in places it was assumed to be solid. From a state linked supply chain attack slipping malware into trusted software updates, to ransomware actors claiming access to airport systems, and even cybercrime forums being breached themselves, the pattern this week is confidence collapsing across the stack.We start with Breach Watch, unpacking how Notepad++ users were targeted through compromised update infrastructure rather than the software itself, why supply chain attacks remain so effective, and what selective targeting really tells us. We also look at ransomware claims against a US airport, the growing tactic of dumping sensitive files as proof, and what it means when critical infrastructure gets dragged into extortion.In the news, we cover the FBI seizure of a major ransomware forum, and why takedowns rarely end criminal ecosystems. We dig into claims that WhatsApp encryption is a lie, why cryptographers are sceptical, and how trust in closed source security tools keeps getting tested. We also discuss Spain announcing a ban on social media for under 16s, the wider regulatory trend this fits into, and the difficult reality of enforcement. Then we break down how mobile phones can silently share GPS level location with carriers at the network level, without app permissions or user awareness.In Awareness and Topics, we look at ransomware rising sharply in early 2026, why recovery matters more than negotiation, and how extortion gangs are shifting from data theft into personal harassment and psychological pressure. We also talk about McDonald’s calling out weak password habits using breached credential data, why predictable passwords still dominate, and what organisations can learn from simple, well executed awareness campaigns. We finish with a discussion on breaking into cybersecurity, mentorship, community, and why there is no single path into the industry.Chapters00:00 Intro01:11 Breach Watch, Notepad++ supply chain attack06:52 Ransomware group claims airport breach10:28 BreachForums breached, criminals exposed13:02 FBI seizes RAMP hacking forum16:18 WhatsApp encryption lawsuit explained19:33 Spain plans social media ban for under 16s25:20 Phones silently sharing GPS with carriers30:12 Scattered Lapsus ShinyHunters harassment tactics35:21 Ransomware activity up in 202639:45 McDonald’s calls out weak passwords45:06 Getting your first job in cybersecurity51:39 Real or phishing, campaign emails analysedMore Informationhttps://riskycreative.comFollowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-awareness-angle-newsletter-7274932363787132928/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@infosecantInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riskycreativeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riskycreativeIf you found this useful, share it with someone who cares about cyber but does not speak cyber.Stay aware, stay secure.Intro and Outro Music (© 16 by falling forever)https://fallingforever.bandcamp.com/track/16License: CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0