THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/27/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/27/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army Pfc. Brent Lee | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“When all is said and done, and statesmen discuss the future of the world, the fact remains that people fight these wars.”

 

-Eleanor Roosevelt

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

  • New Scout Unit That Heavily Leverages Drones, Electronic Warfare Tested By U.S. Army

  • The U.S. Army has been testing a new Multi Purpose Company (MPC) unit designed to integrate drones, electronic warfare, and advanced firepower into a more agile and lethal battlefield force. Inspired by lessons from Ukraine’s ongoing war, the MPC aims to reduce command layers and accelerate targeting efficiency. The unit, part of the Transformation in Contact (TIC) initiative, recently completed evaluations in Germany, with other divisions conducting similar tests. While its future under the Pentagon’s new leadership remains uncertain, the concept aligns with efforts to modernize U.S. military strategy. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • OpenAI releases a ‘more thoughtful’ and ‘less hallucinogenic’ GPT-4.5

  • OpenAI has unveiled GPT-4.5, its most advanced AI model yet, featuring enhanced emotional intelligence, improved reliability, and reduced hallucinations. CEO Sam Altman describes it as the first AI that feels like a “thoughtful person,” excelling in natural conversation and intuitive responses. While GPT-4.5 outperforms previous models in user engagement, its high computational costs limit availability. OpenAI plans to scale up GPU resources to expand access in the coming weeks. The model is currently available to ChatGPT Pro users, with broader rollout expected soon. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Christian Identity in the U.S. Holds Steady after Years of Decline, Pew Finds

  • A new Pew Research Center survey suggests that Christianity in America may no longer be in decline, with 62% of Americans identifying as Christian—showing stability after years of steady decline. The survey, which interviewed 39,000 people, found signs of growth among younger generations, particularly those born between 2000 and 2006. Meanwhile, belief in spirituality remains high, with 86% of Americans believing in a soul and 83% believing in God or a universal spirit. The percentage of religiously unaffiliated Americans has also plateaued at 29%, indicating a potential shift in religious trends. Click here to read more.

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

  • Home routers under constant barrage: who’s scanning them 6,000 times a day?

  • Internet routers face constant probing—up to 6,000 unsolicited connection attempts daily—posing potential security risks, especially for outdated or unpatched devices. While some scans originate from legitimate mapping tools like Shodan, others come from cybercriminals searching for vulnerabilities. Experts warn that network scanning activity has surged 94% in the past year, with botnets actively hunting exploitable routers. While users can’t prevent these scans, enabling firewalls, keeping firmware updated, and blocking unwanted traffic can help protect home networks from potential breaches. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump says ongoing Gaza talks are ‘pretty good’

  • President Donald Trump stated that “pretty good talks” were ongoing regarding Gaza but provided little detail on whether a second phase of the hostage deal would materialize. The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, has facilitated the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. With the first phase set to expire in two days, Israeli negotiators are heading to Cairo for discussions on an extension. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, while Trump’s controversial proposal for U.S. control of Gaza has faced global criticism. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/26/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/26/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there.”

 

-Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC

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

  • US Marines join effort to track suspected saboteurs in Baltic Sea

  • A team of U.S. Marines has been deployed to coastal Finland as part of NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry, an initiative to track potential saboteurs targeting undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The Marines, from the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, are supporting Finnish forces with small drones and surveillance equipment. This mission follows a series of suspected sabotage incidents affecting undersea energy and communication cables, with Russia’s shadow fleet among the suspected culprits. NATO’s increased vigilance highlights growing concerns over maritime security and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Boston Dynamics Led a Robot Revolution. Now Its Machines Are Teaching Themselves New Tricks

  • Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert is pushing the boundaries of robot intelligence, leveraging AI advancements like reinforcement learning to make robots more independent and capable. While Boston Dynamics’ robots have long impressed with parkour and agility, the next frontier is autonomy—allowing machines like Spot and Atlas to learn complex behaviors without meticulous human programming. As competition in the humanoid and quadruped robot space heats up, real-world applications and self-learning capabilities will determine which robots become truly useful in industries and homes. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Former vice presidential candidate gets baptized: ‘I am a Jew for Jesus’

  • Nicole Shanahan, former vice presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur, has publicly announced her baptism into Christianity after practicing Judaism for over a decade. In an emotional post, Shanahan described a spiritual awakening following personal loss and an overwhelming sense of “heaviness” that led her to seek Jesus. Her baptism took place in her backyard just before President Trump’s inauguration. Reflecting on her past, including her father’s struggles and her political journey, she now sees the world through the lens of spiritual warfare and acknowledges Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation. Click here to read more.

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

  • AI-generated code is serving up serious security risks, say researchers

  • The rise of AI-assisted coding has revolutionized software development, but new research warns of serious security risks. A study by Apiiro, backed by Gartner, found that AI-generated code leads to a surge in vulnerabilities, including a 3X increase in repositories containing sensitive data and a 10X rise in APIs lacking authorization controls. With over 150 million developers using GitHub Copilot, the rapid growth in AI-powered coding has outpaced security reviews, leaving businesses exposed. Experts urge companies to adopt automated security processes to mitigate these risks before they escalate further. Click here to read more.

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

  • Empire State Building, other int’l landmarks light up orange in honor of Bibas family

  • New York’s Empire State Building and 14 other landmarks across the state were lit in orange to honor the slain Bibas family—mother Shiri and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir—following their funeral. Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative also included Niagara Falls, 1 World Trade Center, and other iconic sites. The tribute extended internationally, with landmarks such as Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Budapest’s Chain Bridge, and Paris’ National Assembly building also illuminated in orange. The global show of solidarity underscores widespread mourning and remembrance for the victims. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/25/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/25/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Joshua Conti, Space Force | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Whoever controls space will control the destiny of this Earth.”

 

-Rep. Bill Posey

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

  • Space Force will play ‘central role’ in Iron Dome, service chief says

  • The U.S. Space Force is taking a leading role in developing a homeland missile defense shield, dubbed the “Iron Dome for America,” following an executive order from President Trump. The initiative aims to counter advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, through space-based tracking and defense systems. An integrated planning team (IPT) is assessing existing capabilities, technological feasibility, and cost projections, with findings expected in the coming weeks. As the Pentagon evaluates its next steps, the Space Force stresses the importance of realistic goals to ensure effective and timely implementation. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Microsoft invests in cloud data firm Veeam Software to build AI products

  • Microsoft has made an undisclosed equity investment in Veeam Software as part of an expanded partnership to develop AI-driven data recovery and cybersecurity solutions. Veeam specializes in rapid data recovery after ransomware attacks or accidental losses, with a focus on immutable backups to prevent data manipulation by hackers. This move follows Microsoft’s previous investment in Rubrik, another cybersecurity firm. With Microsoft’s support, Veeam plans to enhance R&D and integrate AI into its products. The investment comes as Veeam continues to grow, following a $15 billion valuation in late 2024. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • John Piper Warns Pastors against Using AI for Sermons Calling It ‘Wicked’

  • Christian author and pastor John Piper strongly opposes the use of artificial intelligence in sermon writing and ministry newsletters, calling it “wicked” and “appalling.” He argues that AI-generated content lacks authenticity, emotional depth, and true worship, which is essential for glorifying God. Piper insists that pastors must possess the gift of interpreting Scripture personally and warns that using AI for composition risks deception. While he acknowledges AI’s value for research, he urges transparency if it is used. His strong stance comes amid increasing AI integration in churches, sparking debate over its role in ministry. Click here to read more.

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

  • Home Depot denies rumors that it was hacked

  • Ransomware gang Cl0p has claimed to have breached nearly 200 companies, including Home Depot Mexico, Marelli, Rackspace Technology, and Total Wine & More. However, Home Depot denies any compromise of its systems. Cl0p, infamous for past large-scale attacks like the MOVEit Transfer exploit, claims its victims ignored warnings of their breaches. The gang, which operates under a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, continues to demand that victims initiate contact. With previous exploits netting millions, Cl0p remains a major cybersecurity threat. Click here to read more.

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

  • Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal talks ‘stuck,’ Israeli officials tell ‘Post’

  • Negotiations for the release of additional hostages remain stalled, with Israeli officials acknowledging the deadlock but maintaining that a resolution is possible. While discussions and ideas have been exchanged, no real negotiation has taken place with Hamas. Israel has delayed the release of 600 prisoners until Hamas guarantees that the return of four murdered hostages will be handled respectfully. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has postponed his visit to Israel, signaling that further diplomatic efforts may be delayed. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/21/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/21/25

Image Credit: iStock / Kiyoshi Tanno | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

 

— Albert Einstein

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

  • Pentagon will cut billions of dollars in programs but not its overall budget, Hegseth says

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major restructuring of Pentagon priorities, shifting $50 billion from non-mission-essential programs to focus on military strength, border security, and weapons development. He emphasized this as a “refocusing” rather than a budget cut, reinforcing the Trump administration’s commitment to building the world’s most powerful military. The Pentagon will also streamline its workforce by reviewing probationary employees and implementing a hiring freeze, while Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will work to eliminate waste and remove diversity and climate change initiatives. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The US Is Considering a TP-Link Router Ban—Should You Worry?

  • TP-Link, a dominant force in the U.S. router market, faces a potential ban as government agencies investigate its ties to China over security concerns. While TP-Link insists on its independence from its Chinese origins, lawmakers worry about vulnerabilities that could be exploited by state-sponsored hackers. Despite pledging transparency and improving security protocols, past incidents raise alarms about potential risks. As cybersecurity experts debate whether a ban is warranted, TP-Link router owners are urged to take precautions, such as updating credentials and installing firmware patches. The investigation continues, leaving TP-Link’s future in the U.S. uncertain. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Mercy on the Italian front

  • At 105 years old, Brazilian WWII veteran Hugo Pedro Felisbino reflects on his harrowing experiences fighting Nazi forces in Italy, surviving a near-fatal grenade attack, and witnessing the historic victory at Monte Castello. Despite initial hatred toward his enemies, his Christian faith led him to show mercy, ultimately saving 50 German prisoners from execution. Felisbino’s life—from the battlefields of Europe to his decades of service in the church—embodies a journey shaped by resilience, compassion, and faith in God’s mercy. Click here to read more.

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

  • AI Can Supercharge Productivity, But We Still Need a Human-in-the-Loop

  • The rapid advancements in AI, from the launch of Stargate’s infrastructure project to China’s disruptive DeepSeek chatbot, highlight the growing influence of artificial intelligence. However, concerns around AI hallucinations, trust, and security remain. While AI has the potential to enhance productivity and streamline operations, experts emphasize the need for a human-in-the-loop approach to mitigate risks, validate outputs, and ensure ethical use. As AI adoption expands, organizations must carefully balance automation with human oversight to maintain accuracy and reliability in decision-making. Click here to read more.

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

  • Is Israel preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear sites?

  • With Iran’s proxies weakened and its air defenses damaged, Israel faces a critical window to act against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Intelligence reports suggest Iran is accelerating its uranium enrichment, potentially reaching nuclear capability within weeks. The destruction of Hezbollah’s arsenal and Iran’s air defenses in late 2024 has made a military strike more feasible, though this advantage is temporary. Israeli security officials believe an attack should happen soon, but U.S. approval remains a key factor. With speculation of a green light from Washington, the likelihood of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is higher than it has been in decades. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/20/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/20/25

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

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

“History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”

 

— Ronald Reagan

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

  • B-1 bombers fly over South Korea in show of force against North’s threats

  • The U.S. and South Korean air forces conducted a joint aerial drill over South Korean airspace on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, featuring two B-1B Lancer bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, escorted by U.S. F-16s, Marine Corps F-35Bs, and South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles. The drill, aimed at deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, was the first such demonstration this year and follows previous trilateral exercises with Japan. Lt. Gen. David Iverson emphasized the importance of maintaining high readiness levels for combined defense. The exercise comes amid North Korea’s continued missile tests and threats, with the regime recently vowing to bolster its nuclear capabilities and conducting multiple ballistic and cruise missile launches in January. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Microsoft prepares for OpenAI’s GPT-5 model

  • Microsoft is gearing up to host OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 as early as next week, with GPT-5 expected by late May, aligning with the Microsoft Build developer conference. GPT-4.5, codenamed Orion, is OpenAI’s last non-chain-of-thought model, while GPT-5 will introduce OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model and unify its AI offerings for a more seamless experience. Microsoft is also developing Copilot updates and exploring Operator AI, which allows automated web interactions. Additionally, Microsoft’s Xbox AI model, Muse, is advancing gameplay generation, while its quantum computing breakthrough, Majorana 1, could revolutionize computing with a topoconductor-based processor. Other updates include Outlook mobile’s new email recall feature, expanded Xbox external storage support, and Windows Recall progressing toward public release. Expect major AI announcements from Microsoft at Build in May, as it competes with Google I/O in the race for AI dominance. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Jelly Roll Opens Up about His Faith, Declares ‘I Have a Heart for Jesus’

  • Country singer Jelly Roll, known for his raw storytelling and themes of redemption, recently opened up about his faith journey in a heartfelt conversation with Christian artist Brandon Lake. He revealed how his collaboration on Hard Fought Hallelujah rekindled his connection to God, describing the song as “worship music for sinners.” Despite past hurt from the church and criticism from some Christians, Jelly Roll remains committed to his faith, striving to follow Jesus in his unique way. Expressing a deep desire to be useful rather than simply happy, he continues to use music as a vessel for healing and faith. Click here to read more.

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

  • FTC wants to hear from victims who believe they’ve been censored on tech platforms

  • The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public input on potential censorship by tech platforms, inviting individuals—including current and former employees—who feel they have been unfairly restricted from sharing their ideas or affiliations. This initiative follows an executive order by former President Donald Trump, who has long accused major tech companies of suppressing conservative voices. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, a Trump appointee, emphasized that tech censorship could constitute deceptive business practices or anticompetitive behavior. The agency has released a series of questions for public submission, encouraging users to share experiences, upload evidence, and submit comments—anonymous or otherwise—before the May 21, 2025 deadline. Click here to read more.

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

  • Multiple buses explode across central Israel in mass bombing attempt

  • A series of planned terror attacks targeted central Israel as multiple buses exploded in Bat Yam, with authorities attributing the attack to Hamas operatives in the West Bank, allegedly supported by Iran. Though no injuries were reported, the bombs, containing non-standard explosive materials, were intended to detonate during peak hours to maximize casualties. Israeli security forces, including the IDF and Shin Bet, have launched a large-scale investigation and are ramping up preventive measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed a powerful military response against terror hubs, while Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered nationwide security checks on public transit. Click here to read more.

     

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