THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/15/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/15/25

by | Apr 15, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Only total victory can reward the champions of tolerance, and decency, and freedom, and faith.”

 

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Another US Aircraft Carrier in Mideast Waters Ahead of Second Round of Iran-US Nuclear Talks

  • The USS Carl Vinson has joined the USS Harry S. Truman in Mideast waters as part of U.S. efforts to pressure Iran ahead of critical nuclear negotiations, AP satellite imagery confirms. The Vinson’s arrival coincides with ongoing U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a campaign seen as linked to broader diplomatic leverage. Talks, originally slated for Rome but now expected in Oman, come amid rising tensions over Iran’s enrichment to near weapons-grade levels. Both nations signal cautious optimism, with Iran hinting it may consider returning to 3.67% enrichment levels under certain conditions. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI is building a social network

  • OpenAI is reportedly developing an X-like social network, potentially integrating it into ChatGPT or launching it as a standalone app, according to sources familiar with the project. The early prototype features a social feed centered on ChatGPT’s image generation, and CEO Sam Altman has been quietly soliciting feedback. The move could heighten tensions with Elon Musk and pit OpenAI directly against Meta, both of which are embedding AI into their platforms. Beyond competition, a social platform would give OpenAI access to valuable real-time user data to train its models. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • US senator seeks to make Easter Monday federal holiday: ‘Celebrate most extraordinary day in history’

  • Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has introduced a bill to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, aiming to help American families more fully celebrate the Christian holiday together. Citing that 81% of Americans observe Easter, Schmitt argued the U.S. holiday calendar overlooks this sacred tradition, which is already recognized in many Western nations. He framed the bill as “pro-worker, pro-family, pro-faith” and noted potential economic benefits from a longer Easter weekend. The legislation, now in the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make Easter Monday the 13th federal holiday if passed. Click here to read more.

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

  • Chrome extensions ask for too many dangerous permissions and see everything

  • Cybernews researchers found that 86 of the 100 most popular Chrome extensions request high-risk permissions that can track browsing history, inject scripts, or manipulate web traffic, often without clear justification. The average extension asks for 6.4 permissions—5.3 of which are considered moderate to high risk—and many pose serious privacy concerns by accessing all visited sites and modifying tab content. While some permissions are essential for functionality, others suggest overreach or potential for abuse, as seen in two extensions removed from the Chrome Web Store mid-analysis. Experts recommend minimizing extension use, auditing permissions regularly, and using trusted security tools. Click here to read more.

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

  • Iran’s goal to destroy Israel is why we’re fighting in Gaza, Netanyahu says

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Gaza on April 15, 2025, where he received a detailed security briefing from IDF commanders on the ongoing military operations aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior officials, Netanyahu condemned a social media post by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that called for Israel’s destruction, framing it as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. Both Netanyahu and Katz reaffirmed their commitment to achieving all war objectives, emphasizing the heroism of IDF soldiers and vowing to intensify pressure on Hamas if hostages are not freed. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/14/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/14/25

by | Apr 14, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Senior Airman Haiden Morris | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Everything we demonstrate we can do with our Allies and partners we can pick up and do anywhere.”

 

— Gen. Christopher Donahue

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Thousands of US soldiers deploy to Europe for Defender drills

  • Thousands of U.S. soldiers are deploying to Europe for Defender 25, a massive multinational military exercise spanning 18 countries from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. Kicking off April 10, the drills will involve 25,000 troops and feature complex logistics operations, including five simultaneous airborne jumps in Northern Europe and large-scale troop movements across Central and Southeastern Europe. Now in its fifth year, the Defender series aims to strengthen NATO’s combat readiness and deter adversaries with visible, scalable force projection. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI’s New GPT 4.1 Models Excel at Coding

  • OpenAI has unveiled a new family of AI models—GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, and GPT-4.1 Nano—specifically tuned for coding, signaling an aggressive push to outpace rivals like Google and Anthropic. Boasting improved speed, instruction-following, and the ability to analyze eight times more code, GPT-4.1 outperforms both GPT-4o and even GPT-4.5 in some areas. With 40% faster processing and 80% cheaper input costs, the models aim to transform how developers prototype software and build AI agents. OpenAI says usage is soaring, with 500 million weekly active users. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Trump Issues Holy Week Declaration on ‘the Living Son of God’, Plans White House Easter Service

  • President Donald Trump issued a deeply personal and faith-centered message for Holy Week, marking Palm Sunday with a declaration of Christ’s resurrection and a renewed commitment to defending religious liberty in America. Highlighting the sacred significance of the crucifixion and resurrection, Trump’s message emphasized redemption, hope, and national prayer. The White House will also host a special Holy Thursday staff worship service featuring Rev. Franklin Graham and pastors Greg Laurie and Jentezen Franklin, along with worship music and Easter-themed events throughout the week. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hertz says hackers stole its customer data

  • Hertz Global disclosed that a data breach involving third-party vendor Cleo Communications may have compromised sensitive customer information, including contact details, credit card numbers, and driver’s license data. The breach stemmed from zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in Cleo’s platform during incidents in October and December. Hertz emphasized that its own systems were not breached and stated it has found no evidence of fraudulent use of the exposed data. However, a small subset of users may have had their Social Security or passport details impacted. Click here to read more.

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

  • Iran resumes smuggling arms to Hezbollah via Beirut’s port

  • Iran is reportedly using maritime smuggling routes, including via the partially restored Port of Beirut, to transfer weapons to Hezbollah, according to a Western intelligence source cited by The Jerusalem Post. With traditional land and air routes constrained, Iran’s Quds Force Units 190 and 700 are said to be overseeing the sea-based operations. This renewed use of Beirut’s port underscores Hezbollah’s persistent efforts to resupply despite ongoing conflict and surveillance. The activity highlights a growing security concern in the Eastern Mediterranean. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/11/25

by | Apr 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / viti | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Bold policy changes and significant resources are now needed to restore deterrence and prevent a fight.”

 

— Representative John Moolenaar

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Trump Considering Buying Foreign Ships To Make Up Gap With China

  • Frustrated by America’s lagging shipbuilding industry, President Donald Trump is considering purchasing ships from foreign allies like South Korea and Japan to quickly bolster U.S. naval capabilities—a move that would mark a major policy shift. His remarks followed the signing of a sweeping executive order aimed at revitalizing domestic shipbuilding, which he says can no longer meet national defense demands as China vastly outpaces U.S. production. While the proposal could ease immediate strain on the Navy and expand long-term capacity, it’s likely to spark intense debate in Congress over industrial policy and national security. Click here to read more.

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

  • Cheap Laptops on the Chopping Block: With Tariffs Looming, Should You Buy Now?

  • President Trump’s aggressive new tariffs—reaching as high as 145% on imports from China—are poised to shake the laptop market, sending prices skyrocketing and potentially eliminating the most affordable models. Major brands like Acer and Framework have already paused orders or raised prices, and industry experts warn that low-end laptops, especially Chromebooks, may vanish as profit margins collapse. Supply chains remain heavily reliant on China and Taiwan, and while some manufacturers are shifting production elsewhere, relief is unlikely to come quickly. Budget-conscious consumers are urged to buy soon, before the pre-tariff inventory runs out. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Rabbi Urges Jews, Christians Celebrating Passover to Remember ‘Special Sovereignty’ Over Biblical Land

  • This Passover, Rabbi Tuly Weisz of Israel365 is calling on Jews and Christians alike to reflect not only on the ancient Exodus from Egypt but also on modern themes of sovereignty in Israel. Weisz emphasizes that the Seder, a celebration of the journey from slavery to freedom, is a fitting moment to discuss Jewish sovereignty in the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria—often referred to as the West Bank. With political momentum rising and support from U.S. leaders like President Trump and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, the conversation around sovereignty is taking center stage. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Foreign adversaries can no longer use commercial backdoors to access Americans’ data

  • The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a new Data Security Program aimed at blocking foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran from acquiring Americans’ sensitive data through commercial channels. Announced April 8, the initiative restricts access to biometric, genomic, financial, health, and geolocation data, which officials warn could be exploited for espionage or military development. The program, led by the DOJ’s National Security Division, includes a 90-day rollout period, compliance guidance, and forthcoming restrictions on high-risk foreign entities. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Iranian officials urge Khamenei to negotiate with US, claim that war could topple regime – NYT

  • Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly agreed to enter nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration after senior officials warned that refusing could trigger U.S. military strikes and risk the regime’s collapse, according to The New York Times. The talks, beginning as indirect negotiations in Oman, are driven by fears of strikes on key nuclear sites like Natanz and Fordow and the devastating consequences of potential war with the U.S. or Israel. With Iran’s economy in crisis, Tehran sees diplomacy as a necessary path forward. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/10/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/10/25

by | Apr 10, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army 2nd Lt. Jamie Douglas | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

 

— William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene 3

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • ‘Warfare’ puts realistic carnage of Iraq War in theaters

  • In his directorial debut Warfare, decorated Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza brings an unflinching, real-time portrayal of a harrowing 2006 firefight in Ramadi that earned him the Silver Star and left a lifelong mark on all involved. Based entirely on firsthand accounts, the film—co-created with filmmaker Alex Garland—eschews traditional Hollywood narrative for raw authenticity, capturing the chaos, humor, and trauma of modern combat. With no creative liberties taken, Warfare stands as one of the most accurate depictions of the Iraq War and its enduring emotional toll. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple airlifts 600 tons of iPhones from India

  • In a bold move to sidestep soaring U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, Apple chartered cargo planes to ship 600 tons—or roughly 1.5 million—iPhones from India to the U.S., according to sources familiar with the strategy. Facing a 125% tariff on Chinese-made devices, Apple ramped up production at its Foxconn plant in Chennai, secured expedited customs clearance with Indian authorities, and utilized Sunday shifts to boost output. The shipments reflect Apple’s growing reliance on India, now supplying a fifth of U.S. iPhone imports, as the company works to shield consumers from steep price hikes. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Shrewsbury festival to celebrate landmark Christian anniversary

  • Shrewsbury will host a landmark cultural and spiritual festival this spring to commemorate 1,700 years since the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Organized by Shrewsbury Orthodox Church under the banner ‘Nicaea 2025’, the event features sacred art exhibitions, concerts, pilgrimages, and a theological symposium, all centered around the Nicene Creed—an enduring declaration of Christian faith. Highlights include an iconography exhibit at St Julian’s Church and a performance of ancient sacred music at Shrewsbury Cathedral. The festival honors a council that helped define Christian doctrine for centuries to come. Click here to read more.

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

  • Ransomware gangs go whale hunting with Fortune 500 companies

  • Ransomware attacks exploded in Q1 2025, with Cybernews reporting a staggering 101.8% increase in known victims compared to last year—2,028 organizations hit in just three months. Top gangs like Cl0p, Akira, and newcomer RansomHub are leading a more targeted, high-stakes assault, shifting away from mass attacks to focus on billion-dollar companies like Sam’s Club, HP, and HCA Healthcare. The manufacturing, retail, and tech sectors bore the brunt, while the U.S. remained the top target globally. Ransomware has evolved into a precision weapon—and the global risk is only accelerating. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel holds ‘positive’ first talks with Turkey on Syria, still in early stages

  • Israel and Turkey have initiated direct talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed at easing long-standing tensions by establishing a mechanism to prevent military friction in Syria. Led by Israeli National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, the talks addressed Israel’s red lines—particularly Turkish plans to establish a drone base at the strategically sensitive T-4 Airbase. While Israel is open to Turkish influence in Syria, it insists on preserving its operational freedom against Iranian threats. Azerbaijan has offered to mediate, with President Aliyev and Ambassador Mammadov expressing strong support for positive bilateral ties. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/9/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/9/25

by | Apr 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Roberto Galan | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The man in charge must concern himself with details. If he does not consider them important, neither will his subordinates.”

 

— Admiral Hyman G. Rickover

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Navy secretary says Trump told him to ‘fix the damn rust’ on warships

  • Navy Secretary John Phelan has vowed to tackle the long-standing issue of rust on U.S. Navy ships, responding to a direct mandate from President Donald Trump to “fix the damn rust” and accelerate shipbuilding. Speaking at the Sea-Air-Space 2025 conference, Phelan acknowledged the corrosive toll of saltwater and operational tempo on the fleet, which has left many vessels visibly deteriorated. With limited shipyard capacity and a shortage of skilled workers hampering maintenance, Phelan stressed the urgency of revitalizing the maritime industrial base to support both naval readiness and morale. Click here to read more.

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

  • Users shocked to find WhatsApp has AI assistant now

  • Meta has quietly begun embedding its AI chatbot into WhatsApp, signaling a potential turning point in how billions of people interact with artificial intelligence daily. Unlike the fanfare around ChatGPT or Google Gemini, Meta’s LLaMA-powered assistant has been rolled out with little publicity, blending seamlessly into users’ messaging experiences since 2023. Though still basic in performance, experts believe the long-term goal is to make AI agents integral to everyday tasks like scheduling and list-making—without users needing to switch apps. If successful, WhatsApp could become the world’s most-used AI interface. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Has the Real Mount Sinai Been Found? Shocking Evidence Points Here, in Saudi Arabia

  • A growing number of researchers, including biblical scholar Joel Richardson, are challenging the traditional belief that Mount Sinai is located in Egypt, instead pointing to Jabal al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia as the true biblical site. In a recent No Longer Nomads podcast episode, Richardson presented striking evidence aligning this mountain with scriptural accounts: a scorched summit, a massive split rock, golden calf petroglyphs, and remnants of an ancient sacrificial altar. With Saudi Arabia now open to tourists, interest in visiting the proposed real Mount Sinai is growing. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • DNS: The Secret Weapon CISOs May Be Overlooking in the Fight Against Cyberattacks

  • As AI-driven cyber threats grow more evasive and scalable, Chief Information Security Officers are being urged to rethink DNS not as a background utility, but as a powerful, underutilized frontline defense. A new industry report highlights how protective DNS can thwart phishing, block malware command-and-control communications, and detect data exfiltration via DNS tunneling—all before attacks succeed. With AI helping threat actors spin up polymorphic malware and endless malicious domains, traditional right-of-“Boom” defenses are no longer enough. CISOs are now called to reassess DNS’s role in security architecture. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Vance meets with former hostages, families of hostages in Washington

  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with former Hamas hostages and families of those still held captive, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to their return. The meeting included Keith and Aviva Siegel and Iair Horn, who publicly credited President Trump’s efforts with saving their lives during the NRCC dinner. Vance echoed the administration’s stance, stating the reunification of remaining hostages should have happened long ago. The event highlighted the emotional toll on families and the political urgency the White House is placing on their safe return. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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