THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/21/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/21/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dana Beesley | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“International order is not an evolution; it is an imposition… It will last only as long as those who imposed it retain the capacity to defend it.”

 

-Robert Kagan

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

  • USMC Anti-Ship Missile Deployment To Highly Strategic Luzon Strait Is Unprecedented

  • The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) with Naval Strike Missiles to the Batanes Islands in the Luzon Strait, marking the closest U.S. land-based cruise missiles have been positioned to China. Part of Exercise Balikatan 2025, this move strengthens deterrence in a key strategic chokepoint between Taiwan and the Philippines. Designed for rapid deployment and precision strikes, NMESIS adds powerful sea-control capability alongside Philippine forces and allies. The deployment reflects a major milestone in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and signals a growing regional alliance posture. Click here to read more.

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

  • Money, Chrome, and ChatGPT: The high stakes of Google’s monopoly trial

  • The DOJ has begun the remedies phase in its antitrust case against Google, arguing the tech giant’s dominance stems from a “vicious cycle” of default search engine deals, data collection, and reinvestment. Now that a judge has ruled Google Search is a monopoly, the DOJ proposes sweeping changes: banning default search deals, divesting Chrome, and requiring Google to license its search data to competitors. Google warns such steps would amount to handing over its technology and threaten user privacy, while the DOJ insists they’re necessary to level a market rigged by years of anti-competitive behavior. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Churches with Record Easter Attendance Report U.S. Is ‘on the Cusp of Spiritual Awakening’

  • Churches across the U.S. reported record-breaking Easter attendance this year, with many pastors pointing to signs of a growing spiritual revival. From small towns to megachurches, congregations saw surges in worshippers, with reports of thousands making first-time commitments to Christ. A new Barna survey supports the trend, showing a 12-point jump since 2022 in the number of adults who say their faith in Jesus remains central to their lives—the highest level in over a decade. Leaders like Josh Howerton and Jack Graham say the momentum feels like more than seasonal enthusiasm, calling it a potential nationwide awakening. Click here to read more.

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

  • Multi-billion-dollar cyberscam industry spreading worldwide, UN says

  • Asian crime syndicates behind the global cyberscam industry are rapidly expanding into Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe as crackdowns in Southeast Asia fail to stem their growth, according to a new UN report. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warns that these operations, which traffic and coerce thousands into scam labor, have evolved into a multibillion-dollar transnational industry that is difficult to dismantle and quick to relocate. With ties to drug cartels and operations now spanning over 50 nationalities, the UN says the world is at a “critical inflection point” and urges global cooperation before the crisis deepens further. Click here to read more.

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

  • Cutting off Hamas: ‘Post’ visits IDF’s ‘Morag Corridor’ in Gaza

  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have established the “Morag Corridor” in southern Gaza, aiming to split Hamas’s Rafah and Khan Yunis brigades and dismantle them. The corridor, approximately 12 km long and up to 2 km wide, is being secured and expanded by the IDF’s 36th Armored Division, with the Golani Brigade and 188th Armored Brigade conducting operations to the south near Rafah. According to IDF assessments, Hamas’s Rafah Brigade has lost its missile capabilities and much of its command structure, but efforts to rebuild using young recruits continue. The operation is part of a broader strategy to pressure Hamas into releasing remaining hostages and weaken it militarily and politically. IDF sources also report signs of growing civilian resistance to Hamas in Gaza. Whether the Morag operation will be decisive remains uncertain, but the IDF continues to press forward. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cyber Trends – 4/18/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cyber Trends – 4/18/25

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.

“There is a very clear end-state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Houthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk.”

 

-Sean Parnell

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

  • U.S. war against the Houthis grinds on. Tell me how this ends.

  • The U.S. military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen continues over a month after strikes resumed, but Pentagon leaders maintain there is a clear objective: ending the operation once the Houthis stop attacking U.S. ships and threatening American lives. “There is a very clear end state,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, signaling optimism that the conflict has definable goals. While the Houthis remain defiant, concerns about long-term munitions usage and diverted resources persist. Still, with no U.S. boots on the ground and ongoing coordination with regional partners, the Pentagon appears committed to a focused and measured mission. Click here to read more.

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

  • How to scan a QR code with your phone

  • QR codes have become an everyday convenience for ordering food, accessing Wi-Fi, storing contact info, and more, thanks to their ability to hold small bits of data or link to websites. Built-in phone cameras can easily scan them, eliminating the need for third-party apps—just point your camera at the code and follow the prompt. While useful, QR codes can also be used for scams, so it’s wise to be cautious about scanning unknown codes. Click here to read more.

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

  • Franklin Graham Delivers Easter Message from the Ashes of California Wildfires

  • As California wildfires continue to burn beyond mainstream media attention, residents remain in mourning and recovery, with many drawing hope from Isaiah 61’s promise of “beauty for ashes.” Franklin Graham, who filmed his 2025 Easter message in the wildfire aftermath, says survivors describe their ordeal as “going through the flames of hell.” His Easter special, airing April 20, will focus on God’s love and hope amid devastation, featuring music from Michael W. Smith and Charity Gayle. Meanwhile, Billy Graham Ministries continues to support Californians through crisis-trained chaplains and Samaritan’s Purse relief efforts. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple is anticipating a piracy frenzy in Europe

  • The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Apple to allow alternative app stores on iOS, but this regulatory win may be opening the door to widespread piracy. On April 17, AltStore—an alternative app store designed for sideloading—launched a secondary store enabling easier access to cracked and modified apps, such as pirated Spotify or ad-free social media versions. While Apple previously warned about the piracy risks of sideloading, the DMA limits its ability to block such stores. With “hacking modes” hidden in apps like AltStore Classic, Apple faces a legal and security challenge it may struggle to contain. Click here to read more.

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

  • Saudi Arabia and Abraham Accords: Normalization with Israel is in Riyadh’s best interests – opinion

  • If Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords, it would mark a transformative shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, signaling a future where peace and cooperation between Israel and Arab nations could become the norm. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency, and collaboration with Israel—renowned for its innovation in agriculture, technology, and water solutions—could help achieve that goal. While MBS has indicated that progress on a Palestinian state remains a condition, the mutual benefits could outweigh longstanding political hurdles. Click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/17/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Deterrence is not a substitute for defense; defense capabilities, representing the potential for effective counteraction, are the essential condition of deterrence.”

 

-James R. Schlesinger

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

  • B-1B Bones Make Unprecedented Bomber Task Force Deployment To Japan

  • For the first time, U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers are deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan as part of a Bomber Task Force rotation, expanding America’s strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific amid growing regional tensions. The move, which follows a training flight with South Korean jets and complements the ongoing B-2 bomber presence in Diego Garcia, underscores the Pentagon’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative aimed at countering Chinese and North Korean threats. Equipped with long-range anti-ship missiles, the B-1Bs bolster maritime strike capabilities and reinforce U.S. commitment to regional stability. Click here to read more.

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

  • Tesla’s spring update activates adaptive high beams that won’t blind oncoming drivers

  • Tesla’s spring software update brings a host of new features to its EVs, including adaptive high beams for matrix headlight-equipped cars, improved trip planning with multiple route options, and enhanced dashcam capabilities using more of the vehicle’s cameras. While some features are limited to newer models with AMD-powered infotainment systems, the update also adds quality-of-life upgrades like sideview camera displays, automatic hotspot connectivity, and location-based trunk height settings. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • 2,000 Years After History’s Greatest Miracle, Signs and Wonders Continue at Jerusalem’s Garden Tomb

  • At the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, where many believe Jesus was buried and resurrected, visitors and staff have reported modern-day miracles that echo the biblical events of Easter. From a Romanian man suddenly regaining perfect eyesight, to a paralyzed Ecuadorian boy miraculously walking again, and a pastor being healed of lifelong headaches, testimonies of healing and spiritual encounters continue to emerge from the site. Guides and ministry leaders say these signs serve as reminders of the living power of Jesus Christ and the hope His resurrection brings. Click here to read more.

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

  • Staying on Windows 10? Infostealers could be lurking, experts warn

  • With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, more than half of all Windows users are still relying on the soon-to-be-unsupported operating system, posing major cybersecurity risks. New data shows 54% of users were still on Windows 10 in March, and 59% of systems hit by infostealers last December were running it. Experts warn delayed migration could lead to increased vulnerabilities and data breaches, with NordStellar estimating 30–40% of systems may still be on Windows 10 at its end of life. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hamas rejects Israel’s proposal to release 10 hostages in exchange for 45-day ceasefire

  • Hamas has rejected Israel’s offer to release 10 hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire, demanding instead a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the war, and permission to begin reconstruction. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said only a comprehensive agreement involving the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be accepted, firmly rejecting disarmament. Israeli officials held internal meetings to advance negotiations, while political figures called for a stronger military response. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/16/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/16/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Plew | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew.”

 

― Abraham Lincoln

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

  • U.S. Cutting Forces In Syria By Half, Possible Ripple Effects In Region

  • The United States plans to reduce its troop presence in Syria by half, cutting about 1,000 forces in the coming weeks while maintaining a remaining 1,000 troops. This drawdown comes despite the U.S. military increasing its presence elsewhere in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The move follows the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of a U.S.-aligned government in Syria, but experts warn it could embolden Iranian proxies and force Israel to increase its military footprint to contain Iran’s regional ambitions. Click here to read more.

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

  • A first look at Microsoft’s new Xbox Copilot

  • Microsoft is testing an early version of its Copilot for Gaming assistant, which integrates with Xbox accounts to offer gameplay tips, manage achievements, and install games via voice or text within the Xbox mobile app. The AI-powered assistant, eventually coming to Xbox consoles and PCs, may evolve into a full gaming guide using Microsoft’s Copilot Vision. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues expanding its reach by making Xbox games like Sea of Thieves and Avowed available on Battle.net, signaling a broader push to integrate Game Pass into more PC platforms. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • USS Truman hosts Passover events in Red Sea as strike group continues fight against Houthis

  • Aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, sailors observed Passover with a traditional Seder on April 12, 2025, while conducting daily operations against Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea. Led by Navy Rabbi Lt. Cmdr. Yonatan Warren, the observance provided both Jewish and non-Jewish crew members with spiritual connection and reflection amid combat deployments. The ceremony highlighted themes of liberation and freedom, echoing the carrier group’s mission to protect maritime navigation. More Seders are planned across the strike group, with Easter services also upcoming. Click here to read more.

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

  • Huge ransomware campaign targets AWS S3 storage: attackers have thousands of keys

  • Security researchers have uncovered a ransomware campaign leveraging over 1,200 unique leaked AWS credentials to encrypt S3 buckets using Amazon’s own server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C). Victims find ransom notes demanding 0.3 BTC (~$25,000) but often remain unaware as data isn’t deleted or exfiltrated—only encrypted silently. The stolen keys were likely harvested from public code repositories, misconfigured CI/CD pipelines, or forgotten IAM credentials. Experts warn this campaign marks a new, dangerous simplicity in cloud-targeted ransomware. Click here to read more.

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

  • Grossi warns Iran is ‘not far’ from nuclear bomb

  • IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran is “not far” from building a nuclear bomb, emphasizing that the country already has all the necessary components. His comments come ahead of a second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks set for this weekend in Rome, following earlier positive negotiations in Oman. Key sticking points include Iran’s refusal to end uranium enrichment and debate over who will oversee any new deal, with Iran backing the IAEA and Israel pushing for U.S. oversight. Grossi also arrived in Tehran Wednesday and may attend the Rome talks. Click here to read more.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/8/25

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

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

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

 

— Often attributed as a Japanese proverb

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

  • Navy Is About To Go Big On Massive Joint War Training Across The Pacific

  • The U.S. Department of Defense is shifting from isolated service-specific drills to fully integrated joint rehearsals in preparation for a potential large-scale conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific. This new approach, outlined by Vice Adm. Michael Boyle at the Sea-Air-Space Conference, aims to identify and refine operational requirements through tactical-level joint training that includes the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Cyber Command. Exercises like REFORPAC and Bamboo Eagle are key to stress-testing U.S. forces’ readiness for sustained combat across vast distances, logistics under attack, and coordination with allies. These changes mark a strategic pivot to ensuring U.S. forces can fight and win as a unified team in future high-threat environments. Click here to read more.

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

  • Most Americans don’t trust AI — or the people in charge of it

  • A new Pew Research Center report reveals a growing trust gap between AI experts and the general public, with technologists largely optimistic about artificial intelligence while most Americans remain skeptical and uneasy. While 75% of AI experts believe the technology will benefit them personally, only 25% of U.S. adults agree. Concerns over job displacement, lack of regulation, and skewed representation in AI design are driving public distrust — especially among Gen Z, who, despite high engagement with tools like ChatGPT, report more anxiety than excitement. The data highlights a critical need for transparent, inclusive governance as AI becomes embedded in everyday life. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Georgia Becomes 30th State to Pass Religious Freedom Restoration Act

  • Georgia has become the 30th U.S. state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a law aimed at shielding individuals from government actions that may infringe upon their religious exercise. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp after passing both Republican-controlled chambers of the state legislature, the law allows individuals to seek legal protection if their religious beliefs are burdened, unless the government can prove it is pursuing a compelling interest by the least restrictive means. Supporters, like Alliance Defending Freedom, hail the measure as a vital safeguard for faith-based living, while critics warn of potential legal conflicts over civil rights. Click here to read more.

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

  • US Treasury bank regulators’ emails accessed for years in “major” hacking incident

  • Hackers gained access to over 100 email accounts belonging to top U.S. banking regulators at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), exposing more than 150,000 sensitive messages from June 2023 to February 2025 in a breach only recently disclosed to Congress. The attackers infiltrated through a single administrative account, targeting high-level regulatory communications and financial oversight data. The OCC, part of the U.S. Treasury, has labeled the breach a “major incident” and is now under internal and third-party investigation amid public concern over systemic vulnerabilities. Click here to read more.

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

  • Kazakhstan textbooks promote tolerance, respect for Judaism, Israel – IMPACT report finds

  • A new report by IMPACT-se highlights Kazakhstan’s school curriculum as a model of religious tolerance, offering a respectful portrayal of Judaism and a nuanced view of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Textbooks describe Judaism as a foundational faith, acknowledge Jewish cultural contributions, and promote interfaith harmony. While Holocaust education remains limited and some younger-grade materials adopt critical tones toward Israel, high school curricula present a more balanced perspective on the conflict, naming groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations. Kazakhstan’s approach to pluralism is praised as a potential model for the region. Click here to read more.

     

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