THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

by | Sep 15, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Tom McPherson | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For good or for ill, air mastery is today the supreme expression of military power and fleets and armies, however vital and important, must accept a subordinate rank.”

 

— Winston Churchill

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • British P-8 Poseidon Flies Unusual Overland Mission Along Polish Border

  • A UK Royal Air Force P-8A Poseidon conducted an unusual overland ISR mission along Poland’s borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus, likely collecting ELINT amid heightened tensions after Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace and as Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills unfold; the sortie underscores the P-8’s multi-mission role beyond maritime patrol while NATO rushes additional air defenses—French Rafales, German Eurofighters, Italian and Dutch F-35s, and upcoming UK Typhoons—under Operation Eastern Sentry, as Poland weighs tougher responses including a limited ‘no-fly’ zone over Ukraine that Moscow warns could mean war, highlighting the escalatory risks and intelligence stakes on NATO’s eastern flank. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • Apple iOS 26 update, new Apple Intelligence features, rolls out today

  • Apple has officially released iOS 26, bringing a refreshed Liquid Glass interface, Adaptive Power Mode for extended battery life, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and Vision Pro devices. The update introduces Live Translation, upgraded Wallet order summaries, smarter Reminders, customizable automations, and enhanced CarPlay, Messages, and Music features, alongside developer tools to build AI-powered apps. New child safety measures include expanded parental controls, detailed App Store age ratings (13+, 16+, 18+), and communication limits for teens. With compatibility spanning from iPhone SE 2 up through the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, iOS 26 marks a major step in Apple’s effort to unify its ecosystem with intelligence-driven experiences and stronger family protections. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows to Carry Forward His Mission and Make it ‘Greater than Ever’

  • Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional vow to continue her husband’s mission, promising it will grow “stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.” Speaking for the first time since the assassination, she said she believes God will use his death to expand the movement’s impact, citing Romans 8:28 and recalling testimonies of lives her husband touched. Erika pledged that Turning Point’s tours, America Fest, and Kirk’s radio show will continue, urging students and pastors alike to join the cause, while also sharing her family’s grief through a touching story about their young daughter. Framing the struggle as ultimately spiritual, she shared the gospel and stressed her husband’s passion for proclaiming Christ and reviving America, declaring that the mission he began will not end. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • AI failed the Holocaust test – and that should worry us all

  • A new study by Cornell historian Jan Burzlaff warns that AI stumbles badly when asked to retell Holocaust survivor testimonies, often smoothing over suffering, omitting crucial details, and distorting memory itself. In one case, ChatGPT left out a harrowing moment when a starving child was kept alive by her mother’s blood, an absence Burzlaff says proves why human historians remain essential. Published in Rethinking History, his findings argue that while AI excels at coherence, it fails at honoring contradictions and silences, turning memory into something technically accurate but ethically hollow. Burzlaff frames Holocaust testimony as a litmus test—if AI cannot hold on here, where suffering is beyond dispute, how can it handle more complex histories? The real danger, he concludes, is not obvious errors but the flattening of the past into something easy to consume yet stripped of its force. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • IDF invasion of Gaza City erupts as Palestinians report tanks in heart of the Strip

  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale invasion of Gaza City late Monday night, with tanks entering the heart of the city after weeks of escalating airstrikes and artillery fire. Palestinian sources reported scenes of intense warfare not seen in northern Gaza for nearly two years, as hundreds of thousands fled south while roughly 700,000 civilians remained. The move has sparked global controversy and deep divisions within Israel’s defense establishment, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir opposing the order but choosing not to resign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the invasion was necessary to further weaken Hamas, while U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas over reports hostages were being used as human shields. Families of Israeli hostages, meanwhile, condemned the decision, accusing Netanyahu of risking their loved ones’ lives and vowing not to forgive the potential sacrifice. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

by | Sep 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Greens87 | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness.”

 

– George W. Bush

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Our Hearts Feel Even Heavier Than Usual on This 9/11 Anniversary

  • On this 24th anniversary of 9/11, Jim Geraghty reflects on how the tragedy remains vivid for those who lived through it, even as nearly a third of Americans today were not yet born and can only learn about it secondhand. He stresses the responsibility of older generations to tell their stories—the fear, the grief, and the sense of a world suddenly changed. While Osama bin Laden is gone, the Taliban still rule Afghanistan, a bitter reminder of unfinished struggles. This year’s commemoration feels even heavier, marked by the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down in front of his family and supporters simply for his beliefs. Geraghty draws a parallel between the hatred that fueled the 9/11 attacks from abroad and the violence now seen within America’s own borders, where expressing strong convictions can tragically become a death sentence. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • Gmail is launching a tab for all your Amazon purchases

  • Gmail is adding a Purchases tab on mobile and web that pulls together order-related emails—like confirmations, shipping estimates, and package updates—building on its existing tracking cards and “arriving soon” notices; it’ll live in the sidebar, while the Promotions tab is also getting smarter with timely deal flags and a new “most relevant” filter based on brands you interact with (you can switch back to “most recent” anytime), with Promotions updates rolling out to personal accounts in the coming weeks. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Remembering Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA

  • Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, was killed Wednesday after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was only 31 and leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children. Known for launching Turning Point USA at just 18, Kirk became one of the most influential conservative activists of his generation, dedicated to spreading biblical and conservative values on campuses nationwide. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with President Trump ordering flags at half-mast and faith leaders like Franklin Graham highlighting his love for both country and Christ, while even critics of his politics condemned the violence and urged national reflection on the state of discourse in America. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Apple Unveils iPhone Memory Protections to Combat Sophisticated Attacks

  • Apple has added Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) to its new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, offering always-on memory safety protection against advanced spyware threats that typically exploit memory vulnerabilities. Built on Arm’s Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension and Apple’s own secure allocators, MIE strengthens the kernel, Safari, and Messages, making exploit chains fragile and costly to develop. Apple’s security head Ivan Krstić said MIE will disrupt decades-old attack techniques and raise the barrier for mercenary spyware vendors, while testing shows it stops threats early by collapsing entire chains. This launch parallels Google’s new Advanced Protection mode for Android, highlighting an industry push to harden smartphones against state-backed surveillance. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Growing assessment that no senior Hamas officials killed in Doha, Israeli official tells ‘Post’

  • Israeli officials now fear that their strike in Doha on Tuesday may not have killed any senior Hamas leaders, despite earlier optimism that top figures were eliminated. Investigators believe some officials were in a different room than targeted, leaving them with only minor injuries, while Arab media reports claim the leaders survived after leaving their phones in one room and moving elsewhere to pray. Funerals in Qatar identified six victims—including five Palestinians and one Qatari officer—but none were confirmed as senior Hamas members, and unnamed bodies found on-site are now assessed not to belong to the group’s top leadership. This shift reflects growing pessimism in Jerusalem about the operation’s outcome. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/9/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/9/25

by | Sep 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / e-crow | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

 

— Romans 13:4 (KJV)

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Israel Executes Unprecedented Strike On Hamas Leadership In Qatar (Updated)

  • Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike on Hamas’ top leadership in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against the group. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the operation involved 15 Israeli fighter jets firing 10 precision munitions at a single target, killing at least Hammam Khalil al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and several others. The strike, planned for months, comes as Hamas negotiators were considering a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar condemned the attack as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty, while Hamas claimed its senior leaders survived. U.S. officials confirmed they were informed shortly before the strike but had little time to respond, raising tensions given Qatar’s role as a key U.S. ally and host of Al Udeid Air Base. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack could “open the door to ending the war,” while the U.N. Secretary-General condemned the escalation. The strike has complicated ongoing ceasefire talks and heightened regional tensions. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • Apple “Awe Dropping” event introduces the “slimmer than slim” all new iPhone Air and much more

  • At Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, the company unveiled a series of major product launches, including the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air, upgraded AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and iOS 26. The highlight was the ultra-thin iPhone Air at just 5.6mm, built with grade-five titanium and a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability, starting at $999 and featuring the new A19 Pro chip, N1 wireless chip, and C1X cellular modem. The iPhone 17 series introduces brighter displays, Pro Motion tech up to 120Hz, and a 48MP dual fusion camera with improved stabilization, starting at $799. AirPods Pro 3 add real-time language translation, improved spatial audio, and enhanced noise cancellation for $249. The new Apple Watch Series 11, SE3, and Ultra 3 integrate Apple Intelligence, offering Emergency SOS, sleep tracking, hypertension alerts, and satellite connectivity on the Ultra model. iOS 26 brings an Adaptive Power Mode, AI-driven personalization, and “Liquid Glass” visuals, launching September 15, 2025. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Terrorist attack in Jerusalem: What does it say about God’s love?

  • Following the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem that claimed six lives, Yael Eckstein reflects on its deeper spiritual meaning as the Jewish community prepares for Rosh Hashanah. She emphasizes that the holiday centers on life — not only physical life but a life lived with purpose, moral courage, and devotion to God. In contrast, she views the attackers’ motives as rooted in destruction — of life, morality, compassion, and meaning itself. Eckstein highlights the mission of The Fellowship, which she leads, to “give life” daily through support for the poor, security for communities, and spiritual guidance for immigrants in Israel, aided by Christian supporters worldwide. Amid tragedy, she reaffirms the Jewish belief that “life, and a life for God, is our very DNA” and cannot be compromised. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Microsoft Patches 86 Vulnerabilities

  • Microsoft has released its September 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 86 vulnerabilities across Windows and other products, including several critical security flaws. While no vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild, eight are rated as “exploitation more likely,” including privilege escalation bugs in Windows Kernel, Hyper-V, TCP/IP, NTLM, and SMB, as well as a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Windows NTFS. The most severe issue, CVE-2025-55232 in the High Performance Compute (HPC) Pack, has a CVSS score of 9.8, with Microsoft advising customers to secure TCP port 5999 with firewall rules. Other high-risk RCE flaws affect Routing and Remote Access Service, SharePoint, Office, and SQL Server, though most are rated as less likely to be exploited. Administrators are strongly encouraged to apply updates promptly to reduce exposure to potential attacks. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Hamas assassination op. in Qatar will aid hostage deal talks, Israeli officials claim

  • Israeli officials claim the strike in Qatar targeting senior Hamas leaders could ultimately aid hostage deal negotiations, despite initial backlash from Hamas. Sources say Hamas will likely pause talks briefly but eventually resume, with surviving leader Khaled Mashaal expected to push for an agreement. Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch noted that “Hamas Abroad” had long obstructed progress, and officials believe the assassination weakens their influence, reducing Qatar’s role in mediation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the timing, stating, “The days are over when terrorist leaders could enjoy immunity anywhere.” However, Mossad chief David Barnea reportedly opposed carrying out the strike while negotiations were active, warning it could complicate talks. The U.S. was briefed but disputes claims of granting formal approval, while President Trump reassured Qatar’s leadership that such actions would not recur on their soil. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

by | Sep 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Navy Seaman Andrew Eggert | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Make no mistake about it, what you’re doing right now, it’s not training. This is the real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America.”

 

— Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Top U.S. Military Leaders Visit Puerto Rico As Caribbean Operations Aimed At Venezuela Heat Up

  • Top U.S. military leaders, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, visited Puerto Rico as tensions rise with Venezuela and operations in the Caribbean intensify. Puerto Rico is serving as a key staging ground for equipment and personnel as the Trump administration targets Venezuelan-backed drug cartels, labeling leader Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist.” During the visit, Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers and toured the USS Iwo Jima, part of ongoing amphibious exercises involving 4,500 Marines and sailors. The deployment includes MQ-9 Reaper drones, warships, and F-35 fighter jets, signaling a strong show of force amid increased cartel-related strikes and growing confrontations with Venezuelan forces. While officials maintain the mission focuses on counter-narcotics, analysts believe it sends a broader message to Maduro’s regime. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • Google admits the open web is in ‘rapid decline’

  • In a recent court filing, Google admitted that “the open web is already in rapid decline,” contradicting its public claims that search traffic is healthy and expanding. The statement came as part of Google’s defense against a U.S. Department of Justice proposal to break up its advertising business, which the company argues would further harm publishers reliant on open-web display ads. Google later clarified that it was referring specifically to open-web display advertising, not the open web overall, citing shifting investments toward connected TV, retail media, and other formats. Still, publishers report declining traffic linked to Google’s search algorithm changes and the rise of AI-powered summaries, despite Google insisting it continues to drive “billions of clicks” daily. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Latest Blood Moon Sparks End Times Reflection and Talk of Biblical Prophecy

  • A blood moon over the weekend has reignited conversations among Christians about biblical prophecy and the end times. While total lunar eclipses like this occur naturally about once every two to three years per location, many believers cite verses from Joel, Revelation, Matthew, and Acts linking blood moons to significant prophetic events. Pastor John Hagee and others see potential divine signals, referencing historical “tetrads” connected to major milestones in Jewish history, while theologians like Albert Mohler urge caution, emphasizing Scripture over astronomical speculation. This latest blood moon was the second in a series of four consecutive eclipses, fueling renewed debate over their spiritual meaning. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • China is blurring the lines between civilian AI and military power

  • China is increasingly integrating civilian AI technologies into its military infrastructure, blurring the lines between commercial innovation and defense applications, according to a recent CSET report. Everyday tools like voice recognition apps, drones, and satellite mapping software are being adapted for battlefield use, enabling functions like surveillance, swarm coordination, and missile targeting. Over 1,500 Chinese organizations, including startups, universities, and tech giants like iFlytek and PIESAT, have secured PLA contracts since 2023. Because many of these companies remain unsanctioned, they still access Western chips, research, and academic partnerships, raising concerns about potential technology leakage. The U.S. faces a dilemma between tightening controls to protect sensitive innovations and avoiding stifling its own AI development. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • ‘Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza,’ UK government concludes

  • The UK government has officially concluded that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, marking a significant shift from its previous stance that only international courts could determine such matters. In a letter dated September 1, Deputy Prime Minister and then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that while the humanitarian situation is “utterly appalling,” Israel’s actions do not meet the Genocide Convention’s threshold, which requires a “specific intent to destroy” a protected group. The decision follows the International Court of Justice’s assessment, which warned of genocide risks but has not ruled Israel in breach. Critics, including former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, accused the government of quietly releasing the ruling, while Lammy also emphasized maintaining the UK’s role in the global F-35 defense program, despite halting direct F-35 parts exports to Israel. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/5/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/5/25

by | Sep 5, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army National Guard Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs
| Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We are the War Department.”

 

— Pentagon’s official X account

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Trump signs executive order renaming Defense Department the Department of War

  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the U.S. Department of Defense back to its original title, the Department of War, marking a symbolic shift in military posture. Joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, Trump said the move reflects a “warrior ethos” and an emphasis on “offense, not just defense.” While it’s unclear if Congress must approve the change, Republican lawmakers have introduced the Department of War Restoration Act to make it permanent. The Pentagon has already begun updating communications and titles, including renaming Hegseth’s role to “Secretary of War.” Supporters argue the change restores historical tradition, while critics question its necessity and legality. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • What would actually make the Apple Watch better?

  • As Apple prepares for its next big event, questions remain about how the Apple Watch can evolve after a decade of dominance. While it remains the world’s most popular smartwatch, shipments fell 19% year-over-year in 2024, marking five straight quarters of decline due to fewer compelling upgrades, limited model choices, and decreased consumer demand. To regain momentum, industry watchers suggest integrating advanced AI features, similar to moves by Samsung and Google, could unlock new possibilities in health tracking, personalization, and productivity. However, Apple faces the challenge of introducing meaningful innovations that make upgrading worthwhile without compromising the watch’s simplicity and usability. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Zach Williams Says ‘People Are Gonna Hate You for Loving God’ But That’s OK

  • Christian artist Zach Williams is preparing to release his deeply personal new album Jesus Loves on September 19, featuring 12 tracks that speak to “renegades, rebels, and runaways” while reminding listeners that God’s love is unconditional. One of the standout songs, Hate, emphasizes that “being loved by the world is overrated” and encourages believers to stay true to their faith even when facing rejection. Inspired by John 15:18, Williams says he’d “rather be hated for loving Jesus” than compromise his values, as the gospel’s message extends to everyone regardless of their past. The album also serves as an invitation to misfits, prodigals, and churchgoers alike, offering hope and restoration. Williams will kick off a fall tour on October 1 alongside We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Spotify users are freaking out as song sharing exposes identities: “That’s craaaaaaazzzzzzyyyyyyyy”

  • Spotify users are expressing outrage after discovering that the platform’s new direct messaging feature exposes their identities when sharing songs. Unique tracking links tied to users’ accounts have revealed connections even across platforms like Discord, leading to fears of doxxing and unwanted exposure. Some users reported that Spotify backfilled years of link-sharing history, potentially linking anonymous profiles to real names, photos, and friends. While many are hiding profile details or changing display names, Spotify has yet to provide an opt-out option, and privacy experts warn that user data could still remain vulnerable. Cybernews advises disabling the messaging feature, removing personal information, and switching to aliases for added safety. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Trump says US in ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas, urges release of hostages

  • President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. is in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas, urging the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza while warning of “tough” consequences if they are not freed. Alongside these talks, Trump signed an executive order enabling Washington to designate countries as state sponsors of wrongful detention, imposing sanctions, export controls, and travel bans on offenders. The policy targets nations like China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia, aiming to curb “hostage diplomacy” and secure the return of Americans held abroad. Officials revealed that the administration has already brought home 72 detained Americans this year and hopes the new measures will create strong pressure for compliance. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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