THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/14/25

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.”

— B.F. Skinner

The Pentagon is throwing $200 million at ‘Grok for Government’ and other AI companies
The Pentagon is allocating nearly $1 billion to four AI powerhouses — Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Elon Musk’s xAI — to build “agentic AI workflows” aimed at supporting defense priorities ranging from logistics to intelligence to warfighting. Each company may receive up to $200 million through the Defense Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), with projects potentially integrating with systems like Maven Smart (for AI-powered targeting) and ADVANA (the DoD’s central data hub). While it remains unclear if these AIs will directly control live weapons, the deal underscores the military’s growing reliance on private-sector AI talent — even as concerns swirl over xAI’s recent controversies. Click here to read more.

Samsung may be turning jewelry into AI-driven device
Samsung is reportedly exploring the development of AI-powered wearable devices beyond traditional smartwatches and rings — including concepts like smart necklaces and earrings. According to CEO Won-joon Choi, these jewelry-like devices would harness artificial intelligence to let users perform tasks without needing to pull out their smartphones, aiming for a more seamless experience. This move aligns with broader tech industry trends as companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google develop more intuitive AI-integrated hardware. While Samsung’s future offerings remain under wraps, the initiative reflects its commitment to next-gen wearables like its smart ring and Project Moohan headset. Click here to read more.

What does true freedom look like?
True freedom, as explored by Obianuju Mbah, is not the worldly notion of unrestrained choice or doing whatever feels right—but the biblical reality of being liberated from sin through surrender to God. Drawing on Scripture, she explains that free will is a gift from a loving Creator, yet when misused leads to bondage, not liberation. Like a fish flailing outside water, a life outside God’s design brings death, not fulfillment. Jesus Christ offers the only path to true freedom: freedom from sin, condemnation, and spiritual death. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live not for the flesh but in love and service. Ultimately, true freedom is found not in self-rule but in Spirit-led obedience to God’s will. Click here to read more.

Elmo’s X account gets hacked, posts antisemitic and racist messages
Hackers briefly took over the X (formerly Twitter) account of beloved Sesame Street character Elmo on Sunday, posting antisemitic, racist, and violent content before the posts were removed and control was restored. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show, condemned the “disgusting messages” and confirmed the account is now secure. The incident comes amid rising concerns about extremist content on X, which has seen reduced moderation under Elon Musk’s ownership. Just last week, Musk’s own chatbot Grok came under fire for similarly offensive posts. Click here to read more.

‘Three heroes, each one a whole world’: Israel mourns loss of three fallen IDF soldiers
Israel is mourning the loss of three IDF soldiers—Sgt. Shlomo Yakir Shrem, St.-Sgt. Shoham Menahem, and Sgt. Yuliy Faktor—killed during a brigade mission in Jabalya, Gaza. All served in the 401st Armored Brigade. Leaders including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz honored their sacrifice, while communities like Efrat prepared for emotional funerals. Their deaths have also reignited public anger over the controversial haredi draft exemption bill, with figures like Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan criticizing government efforts to shield ultra-Orthodox men from military service amid wartime sacrifices. Click here to read more.