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Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.”
– Christian Lous Lange
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Intel Officials Warned Police That US Cities Aren’t Ready for Hostile Drones
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued warnings about the rising threat of weaponized commercial drones, urging state and local law enforcement to prepare for potential attacks. An August 2024 memo highlights how extremists are modifying drones to carry explosives and hazardous materials, with advancements driven by experimentation in conflicts like Ukraine. DHS recommends scouting for drone launch sites, enhancing surveillance systems, and training personnel to handle downed drones safely. Despite federal counter-drone limitations, DHS is pushing Congress to expand legal authorities for local agencies to respond to rogue drones. Recent East Coast sightings, particularly in New Jersey, have fueled public concern, though officials insist most reports are benign misidentifications. Critics caution that framing the drone threat could impact civil liberties, particularly for activists relying on drones for investigations. Stay informed about evolving drone technologies and their security implications.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Facing ban next month, TikTok begs SCOTUS for help
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TikTok has challenged the US government’s pending ban, calling it a slippery slope toward broad censorship and arguing that national security concerns are unfounded and based on “secret evidence.” TikTok claims the government’s justification of preventing “covert” Chinese influence is an invented pretext, warning that upholding the lower court’s decision could give Congress unchecked power to suppress speech connected to foreign entities. The company urged the Supreme Court to delay the January 19 deadline, asserting that immediate enforcement would cause irreparable harm to users relying on the platform for news, income, and community. TikTok also contends that the proposed sale of its operations within the timeframe is unrealistic and suggests a delay aligns with public interest. If the ban proceeds, TikTok users in the US would be booted from the app. The Supreme Court’s response by January 6 will be critical in determining whether TikTok will shut down or remain accessible. Stay informed about the legal battle shaping the future of digital free speech and social platforms.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Never-Before-Seen Images from ‘House of David’, Produced by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director
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Prime Video has announced House of David, a biblical series about King David’s rise, premiering on February 27, 2025. Produced by The Wonder Project, co-founded by Jesus Revolution director Jon Erwin and former Netflix executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, the series aims to deliver faith-based, values-driven entertainment. Co-directed by Erwin and Jon Gunn, with The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins as a special advisor, the show follows David’s ascent from an outcast teenager to Israel’s celebrated king, alongside King Saul’s tragic downfall. Michael Iskander stars as David, with Ali Suliman as Saul, Stephen Lang as the prophet Samuel, and Martyn Ford as Goliath. The first three episodes will debut on Prime Video, followed by weekly releases. Don’t miss this inspiring retelling of King David’s legendary journey.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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RATs can sniff out your Chinese-made web cameras: here’s how to defend yourself
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Malicious campaigns are targeting Chinese-branded IoT devices, such as Hikvision and Xiongmai web cameras and DVRs, exploiting weak passwords and unpatched vulnerabilities. The FBI has warned of Remote Access Trojans (RATs), including HiatusRAT, which attackers use to bypass authentication and inject commands, posing risks to users globally. The campaign has impacted devices across the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, with reported malware deployments in Taiwan and reconnaissance on US government servers. The FBI advises isolating vulnerable devices from networks, promptly updating software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and deploying security monitoring tools to mitigate risks. Stay vigilant and follow cybersecurity best practices to safeguard against IoT device exploits.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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‘We recall the power of light within us’: Bipartisan menorah lighting on Capitol Hill
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U.S. House and Senate leaders united in a pre-Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony on Capitol Hill, symbolizing bipartisanship amid ongoing challenges, including the stalled Antisemitism Awareness Act. Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, emphasized resilience and hope in the face of rising antisemitism and global unrest. Johnson highlighted the menorah’s symbolic origin, crafted from shrapnel of rockets intercepted by Israel, while Schumer and Jeffries called for continued efforts to combat hatred and protect the Jewish community. Rabbi Levi Shemtov praised the display of unity, fostering respect and warmth across the nation.
