THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/10/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/10/24

Image Credit: iStock / Egor Suvorov | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Space is an inspirational concept that allows you to dream big.”

 

– Peter Diamandis

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

  • Secretive X-37B Spaceplane To Use Aerobraking Maneuvers To Rapidly Change Orbit

  • The U.S. Space Force has announced that one of its X-37B spaceplanes will conduct a series of aerobraking maneuvers, a first for the mini-shuttle, as part of its current Orbital Test Vehicle 7 (OTV-7) mission. These maneuvers will allow the spaceplane to adjust its orbit using minimal fuel by taking advantage of Earth’s atmosphere. The X-37B has been involved in advanced testing, including space domain awareness experiments, during this mission, which began in December 2023. This innovative maneuver showcases the Space Force’s commitment to enhancing space operations capabilities.

    For more on the X-37B’s mission and capabilities, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Amazon, Apple make a deal to offer Apple TV+ in a Prime bundle

  • Apple’s TV platform, tvOS, and the Apple TV app were originally designed to offer a user-friendly, central hub for managing content across streaming services. However, Netflix’s refusal to integrate has limited its success, requiring users to access Netflix separately. While Apple has maintained central features for other services like Paramount+, the streaming industry’s rising costs and economic shifts have forced adjustments. Streaming services, including Apple, are exploring new strategies such as bundles and advertising as they navigate a landscape where content production is increasingly expensive.

    For more on Apple’s TV app and streaming strategies, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Florida Escaped ‘Biblical’ Catastrophe Thanks to Hurricane Milton’s Weakening, DeSantis Says

  • Florida avoided the “worst-case scenario” from Hurricane Milton, but still faces significant recovery challenges, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday morning. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, 70 miles south of Tampa, sparing the city from a direct hit. Despite this, it caused at least 10 deaths, left over 3 million people without power, and damaged Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. While storm surge and overall impact were less severe than Hurricane Helene, substantial damage occurred, and recovery efforts are underway with over 6,500 National Guard members assisting.

    For more updates on Florida’s recovery, click here to read more.

     

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

  • This Trojan disguises as Google Chrome or NordVPN to wipe out your accounts

  • Researchers predict that Octo2, the latest version of credential-stealing Android malware, will wreak havoc in 2024. Known as Octo (ExobotCompact), this malware-as-a-service is already active in multiple regions, including Europe and North America. Disguising itself as legitimate apps like Google Chrome and NordVPN, Octo2 can remotely access infected devices, intercept notifications, steal credentials, and perform unauthorized actions. With its ability to frequently change its command and control server addresses using a Dynamic Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA), the malware is difficult to detect. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring DNS traffic and collaborating across the cybersecurity community to mitigate the threat.

    For more on the latest malware risks and how to protect yourself, click here to read more.

     

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

  • ‘Post’ witness to Hezbollah infrastructure, joins IDF in Lebanon in first since 2006

  • The Jerusalem Post has embedded with IDF soldiers in Lebanon for the first time since 2006, revealing Hezbollah’s extensive military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Weapons, including advanced Kornet anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft guns, and mortars, were found in civilian homes. The IDF’s ongoing operation has significantly reduced Hezbollah’s forces, which had planned a large-scale invasion of Israel’s northern regions. The IDF continues to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, clearing threats from villages filled with military supplies, underscoring the serious threat Hezbollah posed before the invasion.

    For more on the IDF’s operations, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/09/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/09/24

Image Credit: iStock / mrolands | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that, despite our technologies, most of nature remains unpredictable.”

 

-Diane Ackerman

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

  • Thousands more National Guard troops activated ahead of ‘destructive and life-threatening’ Hurricane Milton

  • More than 5,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized in preparation for Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay as a high Category 3 or low Category 4 storm. The Florida National Guard, along with nearly 100 active-duty troops, are on standby to assist with storm response and recovery. The hurricane is predicted to bring destructive winds, storm surges, and flooding, with officials urging residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately. The military is closely coordinating with FEMA, and MacDill Air Force Base has also ordered evacuations.

    For more on this developing situation, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • How to send messages via satellite on your iPhone or Pixel

  • With Hurricane Milton approaching, connecting via satellite could be crucial in emergencies. Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite (iPhone 14 and newer) and Google’s Satellite SOS (Pixel 9 models) allow users to reach emergency services when no cell or Wi-Fi is available. Additionally, iPhones now support a new Messages via satellite feature with iOS 18, enabling users to send messages to friends and family without network coverage. The key steps for using these features are straightforward but require clear skies to function. Apple also allows location sharing via satellite in the Find My app.

    For more on how to use these lifesaving features, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • World’s oldest Hebrew book unveiled at Museum of the Bible after being found in Afghanistan cave

  • The Museum of the Bible is showcasing one of the oldest Jewish books discovered in Afghanistan, known as the Afghan Liturgical Quire, dating back 1,300 years. This ancient book contains prayers, poems, and the oldest known version of the Passover Haggadah. The exhibit, “Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book,” aims to highlight Afghanistan’s rich and diverse history, countering common misconceptions about the region. The exhibit is open until January 2025 and will later travel to the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

    For more on this fascinating exhibit, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Be wary of Hurricane Helene disaster relief scams, CISA warns

  • As Hurricane Milton approaches, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning citizens to be vigilant against scams targeting those impacted by Hurricane Helene and the ongoing disaster relief efforts. Cybercriminals are leveraging social engineering tactics to steal personal information and money, often posing as charities or government representatives. CISA advises caution with unsolicited emails, social media posts, and phone calls related to disaster relief and recommends donating directly through trusted websites.

    For more on protecting yourself from scams, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Israeli and Diaspora Jews form a powerful partnership – editorial

  • Jewish National Fund-USA, along with numerous Jewish, Christian, and other organizations, has stepped up to provide vital support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict. On their “We Choose Life” mission, Jewish National Fund-USA’s delegation visited key areas affected by attacks, helping to restore communities and offering relief to displaced residents. Their work includes funding for parks, schools, and memorials, while they also planted olive trees to commemorate lives lost. Additionally, Christian organizations like Bridges for Peace are providing practical support, such as donating bloodmobiles and rapid response cars to Magen David Adom in Jerusalem, reflecting widespread international solidarity with Israel.

    For more on these initiatives, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/08/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/08/24

Image Credit: iStock / Arkadiusz Warguła | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Beware of ignorance when in motion; look out for inexperience when in action, and beware of the majority when mentally poisoned with misinformation, for collective ignorance does not become wisdom.”

 

-William J. H. Boetcker

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

  • Veterans, troops targeted in Iran-backed disinformation campaign ahead of US election

  • An Iran-backed website called “Not Our War” has been targeting U.S. veterans and active-duty service members with disinformation as part of a broader campaign to influence the upcoming U.S. elections, according to a report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The site, one of a network of about 20, presents itself as a legitimate news outlet while spreading pro-Iran propaganda and attempting to sow distrust in the U.S. election process and foreign policy. The campaign is reportedly part of a larger effort by foreign actors to undermine confidence in American democracy.

    For more on this story, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Unmasking Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto—Again

  • In HBO’s new documentary Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, filmmaker Cullen Hoback confronts cryptographer Peter Todd with the theory that he might be Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. Todd chuckles and denies the accusation, calling it “ludicrous.” The documentary explores the ongoing hunt for Bitcoin’s creator, a mystery that has fueled speculation for over 15 years. Various figures, including Hal Finney, Adam Back, and Craig Wright, have been proposed as Satoshi, but no definitive proof has ever surfaced. Despite the intrigue, many Bitcoin enthusiasts prefer the identity of Satoshi to remain unknown, seeing it as beneficial to Bitcoin’s decentralized evolution.

    For more on this intriguing mystery, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • How William Tyndale gave us the modern English Bible

  • On October 6th, we remember William Tyndale, a pioneer in translating the Bible into English. Born in Gloucestershire in the early 1490s, Tyndale was determined to make the Bible accessible to all English speakers. His efforts to translate the New Testament from Greek led him to flee England after facing opposition from religious authorities. Despite setbacks, including the destruction of his early work, Tyndale completed the New Testament in 1526 and continued translating the Old Testament. His translations formed the basis of later English Bibles, including the King James Version. Tyndale was martyred in 1536, but his legacy lives on in modern Bible translations.

    For more on Tyndale’s lasting influence, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Overdue Comcast clients beware: hackers may have your data

  • Comcast has notified over 237,000 customers that their personal data may have been stolen following a breach of its former service provider, Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS). The breach, originating from a February 2024 ransomware attack, exposed names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive information related to delinquent payment accounts. Initially, FBCS told Comcast that its customers were unaffected, but later investigations revealed otherwise. Comcast is offering affected individuals a year of free identity theft protection services.

    For more on this data breach and its implications, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Rafael to unveil short range laser defense for ground force

  • Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is set to showcase its latest defense innovations, including the Lite Beam laser-based interception system, at the AUSA exhibition in Washington, D.C. The Lite Beam, integrated into the Trophy defense platform, offers powerful short-range defense capabilities, including counter-drone operations and neutralization of threats like mortars. With features such as engagement at the speed of light and low interception costs, Lite Beam enhances Israel’s multi-layered defense. Although not yet as groundbreaking as the future Iron Beam, Lite Beam demonstrates advanced protective technologies for ground vehicles.

    For more on these defense advancements, click here to read more.

     
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/07/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/07/24

Image Credit: iStock / Elena Malgina | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.”

 

-Golda Meir

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

  • Israel on Oct. 7th, 2024: Honoring the Dead, Praying for Hostages after Hamas ‘Scar on Humanity’

  • One year after the October 7th massacre, Israel continues to fight a multi-front war against Iran’s proxy armies, while commemorating the lives lost. At 6:29 a.m., the moment terrorists breached the border a year ago, President Isaac Herzog observed a moment of silence and called the attack a “scar on humanity.” Memorial ceremonies, led by bereaved families and local communities, are taking place across Israel. As pro-Israel demonstrations mark the anniversary, Prime Minister Netanyahu reminded the world of Israel’s ongoing fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other threats.

    For more on these events, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Google must crack open Android for third-party stores, rules Epic judge

  • A federal judge has ruled in favor of Epic Games in its case against Google, declaring Google’s Play Store an illegal monopoly. Starting November 2024, Google must allow third-party app stores on its Play Store for three years, stop requiring Google Play Billing for in-app purchases, and give developers more freedom in how they handle payments and distribution. Google is expected to appeal the decision, but this ruling could change the Android app marketplace significantly by promoting competition.

    For more on this major ruling, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Dr. Phil Says Samaritan’s Purse Relief Effort in N.C. Is ‘America at its Best’

  • Dr. Phil McGraw is praising the swift efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and other private organizations in helping the people of western North Carolina, hit hard by Hurricane Helene. He noted how these groups mobilized to deliver supplies and aid to communities before government assistance arrived. McGraw has been on the ground, posting videos showing the devastation, with countless areas still without power, water, or cell service. He highlighted the unity among Americans, saying they are focused on helping their neighbors, regardless of politics. “It’s America at its best,” McGraw said.

    For more on these stories of resilience and aid, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Reports: China hacked Verizon and AT&T, may have accessed US wiretap systems

  • Chinese government hackers have reportedly breached the networks of major U.S. Internet service providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen, potentially gaining access to systems used for court-authorized wiretaps of communication networks. According to The Wall Street Journal, the attack, attributed to the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, may have also provided hackers with access to broader internet traffic. U.S. government agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, are investigating the breach, which is suspected to involve China’s Ministry of State Security. Verizon has set up a war room in collaboration with the FBI, Microsoft, and Mandiant to address the situation.

    For more details on this developing story, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Watch: Oct. 7 was ‘paradise turned into hell,’ Herzog says at state ceremony

  • Israel’s President Isaac Herzog delivered a poignant address at a ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, which turned a day of celebration into tragedy. The ceremony, hosted by families of victims and survivors, highlighted the resilience and unity of the Israeli people. Herzog expressed sorrow for the losses and hope for the return of hostages still held by Hamas, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to defeating its enemies. Songs, prayers, and testimonies of survivors added to the emotional tribute.

    For more on this commemoration, click here to read more.

     
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/04/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/04/24

Image Credit: pexels / Roberto Lee Cortes | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“It’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum…and I’m all outta gum.”

 

-Duke Nukem

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

  • This Video Game Controller Has Become the US Military’s Weapon of Choice

  • In the future, U.S. troops may control advanced military systems using devices similar to Xbox or PlayStation controllers. The Department of Defense has integrated these game-like handsets, including the Freedom of Movement Control Unit (FMCU), into several weapons systems. These include anti-ship missile platforms and laser weapons. Designed to be ergonomic and familiar to younger generations, these controllers leverage skills many service members already have from gaming. The shift underscores how gaming tech is shaping modern warfare.

    For more on this evolving military trend, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Matt Mullenweg: ‘WordPress.org just belongs to me’

  • Matt Mullenweg, cofounder of WordPress, is asserting his control over the platform’s future in an escalating dispute with WP Engine. Mullenweg has criticized the third-party hosting service for not contributing enough to the WordPress open-source project and accused them of trademark misuse. As tensions rise, Mullenweg has blocked WP Engine from accessing WordPress.org’s servers, leaving its users unable to install updates. WP Engine has responded with a lawsuit, alleging extortion and corporate overreach, which raises concerns about Mullenweg’s conflicting roles at WordPress.org and Automattic.

    For more on this ongoing conflict, click here to read more.

     

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

  • ‘The Wooden Cross Still Stands’ Amid Devastation, and Pastor Returns Favor to Storm-Stricken Church

  • Despite the devastation from Hurricane Helene, stories of hope and faith have emerged. In Greenville, South Carolina, Pretty Place Chapel sustained heavy damage, but the cross remained standing, becoming a symbol of resilience and God’s presence. Community members have drawn inspiration from this, with many expressing that it strengthened their faith. Churches like Biltmore Church in Ardan, North Carolina, are actively helping those affected by the storm, demonstrating the Gospel through their service. Additionally, a Kentucky pastor is returning the favor to a North Carolina church that once helped his community during a crisis.

    For more on these uplifting stories, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Tales from the 90s: Can you be ghosted by someone who uses a pager?

  • In the pre-smartphone era, pagers were the first tech tool used in the dating world, offering a mix of convenience and mystery. During their heyday in the ’90s, pagers were affordable status symbols that teens and young adults flaunted. They became an essential part of the culture, even sparking a form of pager “code” for communicating with numbers and symbols. Unlike today’s smartphones, where ghosting and instant responses are common, pagers encouraged a slower, more deliberate form of communication, and the anxiety of being ignored was far less prominent.

    For more on the pager’s nostalgic role in communication, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Only way for Israeli northerners to return home is boots on ground in south Lebanon – editorial

  • As Israel continues its campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the nation stands united in support of the IDF’s mission to dismantle terror threats and secure its northern border. With leaders from both the government and opposition backing the ground invasion, the operation has become a national consensus. Despite the challenges and fears of war, Israelis are encouraged to remain strong, believing in the eventual return to peace. The Jerusalem Post wishes the IDF success and prays for the safe return of all hostages and displaced residents.

    For more on this, click here to read more.

     
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/03/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/03/24

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kassandra Alanis | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

 

-Winston S. Churchill

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

  • Watch the USS Bulkeley help shoot down Iran’s missile attack on Israel

  • The U.S. Navy destroyers Bulkeley and Cole played a key role in defending Israel from Iran’s massive ballistic missile attack on Tuesday. Utilizing AEGIS weapons systems designed for missile defense, both warships successfully intercepted several missiles. Video footage released by the Navy highlights Bulkeley’s involvement as the ship operated in the Eastern Mediterranean. Pentagon officials confirmed that Israel intercepted the majority of the approximately 200 missiles, resulting in minimal damage and no casualties on the ground.

    For more on this event, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • The WIRED AI Elections Project

  • Generative AI is making its way into global elections, with deepfakes and AI-generated content used to manipulate campaigns and voters. As more than 2 billion people in over 60 countries head to the polls in 2024, the widespread availability of this technology raises concerns about misinformation and disinformation. From fake endorsements to altered speeches, AI is poised to reshape the political landscape, amplifying existing challenges like misleading content despite the introduction of guardrails by tech companies.

    For more on AI’s impact on elections, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Only 35% of Evangelicals think they’re ready to share biblical truths: poll

  • A new survey by the Institute of Faith and Culture in collaboration with Lifeway Research found that while 92% of Evangelicals believe they have a responsibility to share biblical truths, many don’t feel prepared for the task. Only 35% feel ready to address cultural and controversial issues, though a majority agree that their churches help them engage with differing views. Additionally, while 50% of respondents want to promote biblical truth to those they know, fewer feel comfortable doing so in situations where the Bible’s positions may be unpopular.

    For more on this insightful survey, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Who owns your shiny new Pixel 9 phone? You can’t say no to Google’s surveillance

  • In this article, Cybernews researchers reveal significant privacy concerns surrounding Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone. Their analysis shows that the device continuously transmits personal user data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, and location, to Google’s servers, even without user consent. Additionally, the phone appears to have remote management capabilities, allowing Google to install new software or change settings without the user’s knowledge. These findings raise concerns about privacy, user control, and potential security vulnerabilities associated with the device.

    For more on these privacy concerns, click here to read more.

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

  • No. 29: Jerry Seinfeld: A comedian who gets serious on supporting Israel

  • In this article, comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s actions over the past year highlight his strong support for Israel, especially after the Hamas attacks on October 7. Seinfeld, along with his wife, visited southern Israel and spoke with families affected by the violence. Despite backlash, including a walkout at Duke University and hecklers at his stand-up shows, Seinfeld remains unwavering in his support. His connection to Israel, which began in his youth, continues to resonate deeply, earning him a place among the year’s most influential Jews.

    For more on this story, click here to read more.

     
     

Pin It on Pinterest