THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 1/6/25

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

“Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in our charge.”

-Simon Sinek

Red Sea Attacks Are Testing Combat Information Centers Aboard U.S. Navy Warships Like Never Before
The Combat Information Centers (CICs) aboard U.S. Navy warships have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year in the Red Sea, navigating high-stakes engagements against missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels. CIC teams, led by Tactical Action Officers, must manage overwhelming volumes of data while coordinating with other strike groups to intercept threats, often under grueling conditions and with the added stress of system breakdowns and inexperienced personnel. Despite these obstacles, they’ve successfully defended U.S. ships from a barrage of attacks, demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience. However, the complexity of the environment, coupled with evolving enemy tactics, underscores the ever-present danger. Support the sailors safeguarding vital waterways by staying informed and advocating for resources to bolster their safety and effectiveness.

Dell kills the XPS brand
Dell is overhauling its product naming strategy for 2025, replacing long-standing names like XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude with simplified yet potentially confusing labels: Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max, each further divided into Base, Plus, and Premium tiers. This new structure introduces products like the Dell Pro 13 Premium and Dell Pro Max Plus, leaving room for possible naming chaos during the transition. While aiming for simplicity, the reliance on generic terms like “Pro” and “Max” risks diluting brand identity, creating potential confusion for customers comparing old and new models. Stay informed and check Dell’s updated catalog to navigate this rebranding with ease when shopping for your next device.

Innovative ‘BibleProject’ Opens God’s Word to Millions in 56 Languages: ‘The Story Leads to Jesus’
What began as a passion project by college friends Tim Mackie and Jon Collins has transformed into BibleProject, a global phenomenon helping millions engage with the Bible in fresh, meaningful ways. Since 2014, BibleProject has created over 180 animated videos and 350 podcast episodes, reaching more than 620 million views in 200 countries and offering free seminary-level classes. Combining Tim’s deep Biblical knowledge with Jon’s creative storytelling, the project helps people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to the elderly, rediscover the Bible’s richness and central message of Jesus. BibleProject’s impact extends to places like the Muslim world, where viewers explore scripture in new ways. Experience the Bible in a deeper, more accessible way—visit BibleProject today to explore their free resources and videos.

FBI: New Orleans suspect used Meta smart glasses to prep for truck attack
The FBI has revealed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, responsible for the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, used Meta smart glasses to record reconnaissance footage during visits to the city prior to the assault. These AI-powered glasses, created in partnership with Ray-Ban, enabled discreet video capture without drawing attention. Though Jabbar wore the glasses during the attack, they were not used for livestreaming, and they were later recovered by authorities. The incident highlights the potential misuse of wearable tech like Meta’s smart glasses, which include features such as hands-free recording and voice control. Stay informed about advancements in wearable technology and the ethical concerns they may raise.

Trump reiterates: ‘If the hostages aren’t released by the time I take office, there will be hell’
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum regarding hostages held by Hamas, stating on the Hugh Hewitt Podcast that if they are not released by his January 20 inauguration, there will be severe repercussions. Trump emphasized his long-standing support for Israel, citing actions like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokering the Abraham Accords. His comments follow previous statements on Truth Social, where he warned of unprecedented retaliation against those responsible for the hostage crisis. Meanwhile, reports suggest a potential deal for the release of 34 hostages, including children and elderly individuals. Stay updated on this unfolding situation by following reliable news sources and understanding its global implications.