THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/24/25
Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Air Force Senior Airman Olivia Gibson | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”
-General George S. Patton
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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No missiles, no problem. F-15 crews dropped bombs on Iranian drones.
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During Iran’s massive April 2024 drone and missile attack on Israel, U.S. Air Force F-15 crews ran out of air-to-air missiles after downing numerous drones, forcing them to improvise by attempting to use bombs against aerial targets. According to Lt. Gen. Derek France, commander of Air Forces Central, one F-15 had only a GBU-54 laser-guided JDAM left and tried to drop it on an Iranian drone—a highly unusual tactic since JDAMs lack the proximity fuzes that make air-to-air missiles effective. The bomb missed, as did two other F-15 attempts, but France called it “innovation on the fly” under extreme conditions. The engagement occurred during a coordinated Iranian strike involving 170 drones, 120+ ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles launched by Iran and Houthi allies. Although dropping bombs on flying targets is rare, there is precedent: in 1991, an F-15 successfully destroyed an Iraqi helicopter with a laser-guided bomb. Since then, the Air Force has fielded the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)—a cheaper, laser-guided rocket with a proximity fuze—allowing F-15Es to carry up to 42 rockets and better handle mass drone swarms in the future. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Qualcomm announces Snapdragon X2 Elite and Extreme for Windows PCs
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Qualcomm has unveiled its second-generation Snapdragon X2 chips for Windows PCs, splitting the lineup into the Elite and Elite Extreme versions, which the company claims are “the fastest and most efficient processors for Windows PCs.” Built on 3nm technology with a 3rd-gen Oryon CPU of up to 18 cores (two hitting 5GHz, a first for Arm CPUs), the chips deliver up to 31% faster CPU performance at the same power or 43% lower power use, alongside a new GPU offering 2.3x better performance per watt. AI tasks get a boost from an 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU, which Qualcomm says is the fastest in any laptop. The Extreme variant reportedly achieves up to 75% faster CPU performance than rival chips like Intel’s Core Ultra 9 and AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Qualcomm is also touting multi-day battery life, stronger gaming support through a new high-speed cache, and Adobe workflow speedups. Notably, the X2 series can scale up to 50W power levels, moving beyond just thin-and-light laptops, with availability expected in the first half of 2026. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Kirk’s Death ‘Fuel In the Tank for the Believer’ Sparking Revival, Friend Says
- Two weeks after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, his close friend David Engelhardt, a New York City pastor, attorney, and Turning Point USA board member, told Regent University’s TPUSA chapter that Kirk’s death is already fueling a revival among believers, saying, “Just like the blood of the martyrs fueled the church, the loss of Charlie’s life…is fuel in the tank of the believer to stand for righteousness.” Engelhardt emphasized that Kirk’s faith always outweighed his politics, noting the significance of the wound to his throat — the very voice he used to proclaim truth — and pointed to John 12:24 as a reminder that Kirk’s sacrifice will bear spiritual fruit, encouraging students to follow Christ as Charlie did. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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TikTok update: Trump to sign executive order on Thursday declaring deal in works
- President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday declaring that a deal to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, is officially in the works. The order will extend the mid-December enforcement deadline of the 2024 law that bans TikTok unless it separates fully from Chinese ownership. Under the pending deal, TikTok’s signature algorithm will be cloned and retrained on U.S. user data, ensuring compliance with national security requirements. American investors are also being lined up to take over TikTok’s U.S. assets. Trump, who credits TikTok’s 170 million American users and his own 15 million followers on the app with helping secure re-election, has called the platform vital for his political outreach. The White House also recently launched its own official TikTok account to boost engagement. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Netanyahu ahead of flight to NYC: Palestine recognition is ‘disgraceful capitulation’
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several world leaders, calling it a “disgraceful capitulation” to terrorism as he prepared to depart for New York City to address the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu stressed that such recognition “will not bind Israel in any way” and vowed that a Palestinian state would not be established. His upcoming trip includes a Friday UNGA speech and a Monday meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump before returning to Israel Tuesday morning. Protests erupted at Ben-Gurion Airport as Netanyahu departed, with demonstrators opposing the war in Gaza, demanding the return of hostages, and objecting to the appointment of David Zini as Shin Bet chief. At the UNGA, Trump reinforced his stance against concessions to Hamas, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tied potential Palestinian recognition to the release of Israeli hostages and exclusion of Hamas from power. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/23/25
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Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“Freedom is a possession of inestimable value.”
-Cicero
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Trump Says He Now Believes Ukraine Can Win Back All Territory Lost to Russia with NATO’s Help
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President Donald Trump declared at the United Nations that he now believes Ukraine, with the support of NATO and the EU, can reclaim all territory lost to Russia—a sharp reversal from his past calls for concessions to end the war. The statement followed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who urged continued U.S. backing as Ukraine faces relentless missile and drone strikes. Trump emphasized that Russia’s prolonged failure in the war made it appear like a “paper tiger,” while pushing Europe to cut off Russian oil imports and pledging support for NATO allies confronting Russian provocations. His remarks came as the U.N. detailed widespread human rights abuses in occupied Ukraine and reported surging civilian casualties amid intensified Russian attacks. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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OpenAI Teams Up With Oracle and SoftBank to Build 5 New Stargate Data Centers
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OpenAI has announced plans to build five new Stargate data centers in the U.S. in partnership with Oracle and SoftBank, boosting total capacity to nearly 7 gigawatts, the equivalent of seven nuclear plants, with sites in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and the Midwest, and a major expansion at the flagship Abilene, TX, facility that will employ over 25,000 workers; the initiative, framed as critical to America’s AI race against China, comes alongside a $100 billion Nvidia deal to deploy up to 5 million GPUs by 2026, but experts warn that the massive energy demands, complex financing, and global competition from firms like China’s DeepSeek may challenge OpenAI’s bet that scale alone guarantees AI dominance. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Two-Thirds of Americans Believe in the Bodily Resurrection of Christ, Study Finds
- A new State of Theology survey by Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries shows that two-thirds of Americans (65%) believe the bodily resurrection of Christ literally happened, while 71% affirm the Trinity and majorities agree that God is unchanging, perfect, and that salvation comes through faith alone; however, many also diverge from biblical orthodoxy, with 65% saying God accepts all religions, 66% believing most people are naturally good, and nearly half denying that Jesus is God, findings that reveal a mix of strong affirmation of core Christian doctrines alongside widespread theological confusion in American faith today. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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US Secret Service dismantles “imminent” nation-state threat targeting NYC telecom infrastructure
- The US Secret Service says it dismantled a massive nation-state cyber campaign aimed at New York City’s telecommunications, discovering over 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards hidden across abandoned apartments in the tri-state area, which had the potential to cripple cellular services, disrupt emergency systems, and even impact the United Nations General Assembly; investigators warned the system could send 30 million texts per minute and was already facilitating communication between foreign threat actors and criminal enterprises, though while the “imminent threat” has now been neutralized, no arrests have yet been made. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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IDF encircles Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II
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The IDF announced Tuesday that its forces have fully encircled Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, with three divisions securing key sectors including Sheikh Radwan, Sabra, Tel al-Hawa, and the coastline; the military estimates that over 600,000 residents have already fled, while Hamas appears disoriented and reluctant to engage in large-scale confrontations, though sporadic clashes have occurred, including one that killed Maj. Shahar Netanel Buzaglo, a company commander; the IDF has also reinforced security nationwide for the High Holidays as Hamas reportedly pressures civilians to remain in the city, even attacking a UN convoy. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/22/25
Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“The inclusion of Australia in this year’s [Orient Shield] signals the evolution of our trilateral partnership — a powerful testament to the trust, cooperation and shared commitment across our forces.”
-Brig. Gen. James Dooghan
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Orient Shield training in Japan adds Australian troops as tensions with China rise
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U.S., Japanese, and Australian troops are conducting joint drills in Japan’s Orient Shield exercise, marking the first time Australia has formally joined the annual training amid growing tensions with China. Running from September 16–24 across multiple prefectures, the exercise includes infantry assaults, mortar fire, logistics, and medical evacuations, with around 2,100 troops participating. The expansion follows a reciprocal access agreement allowing Japan and Australia to train on each other’s soil, reflecting deeper trilateral security ties alongside the U.S. Brig. Gen. James Dooghan of U.S. Army Japan called Australia’s inclusion a sign of strengthened alliances, while Japanese and Australian commanders emphasized enhancing operational effectiveness and readiness. The exercise comes as China steps up naval activity near Taiwan and Japanese-controlled islands, and as the U.S. deploys new missile systems to the region. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Professors flip the script on ChatGPT with AI-resistant teaching methods
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Universities are adapting to the age of ChatGPT by designing AI-resistant teaching methods that emphasize authentic learning and human output. Professors are moving toward in-class writing, oral exams, presentations, and even reviewing Google Doc histories to ensure originality, while some are embracing “hyper-scaffolding,” a strategy that gradually develops process skills like debating, research, and public speaking to reduce reliance on AI. While these methods strengthen transparency and critical thinking, challenges remain for large classes and online settings where AI use is harder to police. Some suggest codes of conduct against AI use, though critics warn such measures could create adversarial relationships between students and faculty. Ultimately, the push for AI-free education reflects growing concern about over-reliance on technology and the need to preserve genuine student development. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Erika Kirk Forgives Charlie’s Killer in Heartbreaking Memorial Speech: FULL TRANSCRIPT
- At a memorial service for her late husband Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk delivered an emotional and faith-filled speech to more than 100,000 attendees and millions online, offering forgiveness to Charlie’s assassin and vowing to carry on his mission through Turning Point USA. Speaking with raw grief and deep conviction, she recounted their life together, his devotion to God, and his tireless efforts to guide young men toward purpose, faith, and family. Drawing strength from scripture, Erika said she forgave the shooter because “it’s what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do,” emphasizing that love, not hate, must be the answer. She pledged to expand TPUSA’s work, encouraging men to lead courageously, women to be virtuous, and all Christians to choose faith and discipleship as Charlie did. Her words framed his death not as the end of a mission, but as the spark for revival and renewed commitment to truth, family, and Christ. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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European Airport Disruptions Caused by Ransomware Attack
- A ransomware attack against Collins Aerospace has caused significant disruptions at major European airports, according to ENISA, the EU’s cybersecurity agency. The attack crippled Collins’ check-in and boarding systems, forcing airports in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland — including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin Brandenburg — to resort to manual processes. Heathrow reported mostly minor delays, but Brussels Airport had to cancel nearly 140 flights. An internal Heathrow memo revealed that over a thousand computers may have been corrupted and that hackers were still inside Collins’ network even after systems were rebuilt. Security experts believe the attack targeted ARINC’s SelfServ vMUSE systems, which lacked key protections. While investigators haven’t named the culprits, cybercrime groups ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider are suspected despite claiming to have retired. Collins says it is finalizing software updates to restore services, but uncertainty remains. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Rosh Hashanah 2025: Your guide to the Jewish new year holiday – explainer
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Rosh Hashanah 2025 begins the evening of September 22 and ends the evening of September 24, marking the start of the Jewish year 5786 and ushering in the High Holy Days. Known also as Yom Teruah, it’s a two-day observance focused on prayer, repentance, and reflection, with traditions like eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year, sharing symbolic foods (simanim), and hearing 100 blasts of the shofar each day. Services include the moving Unetanneh Tokef prayer, while customs such as tashlich—casting bread into water to symbolically shed sins—are also practiced. Holiday greetings range from “Shana Tova” to “Ketiva ve’hatima tova,” wishing one to be inscribed in the Book of Life. Candle lighting times vary by city, with New York at 6:27 p.m. on September 22 and Jerusalem at 6:12 p.m. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/19/25
Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fabian Ortiz | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.”
– Ulysses S. Grant
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Why does the US have F-35s flying anti-cartel missions in the Caribbean?
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The U.S. military has deployed Marine F-35B Lightning II jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large anti-cartel mission in the Caribbean, raising questions about why one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft is being used against low-tech drug smugglers. The Pentagon framed the move as part of a broader campaign to defend Americans from “narco-terrorists,” but experts argue the F-35 is “an expensive form of overkill,” best suited for high-intensity battlespaces with advanced air defenses like those of China or Russia. Analysts suggest the jets may have been chosen because they were readily deployable or to provide pilots with training opportunities in real-world conditions. Critics counter that the Caribbean is an illogical use of stealth and fifth-generation capabilities designed for peer adversaries, with one former defense official calling it a “gross application of an exquisite technology.” Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Meta’s failed smart glasses demos had nothing to do with the Wi-Fi
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Meta’s embarrassing demo failures with its new smart glasses weren’t caused by Wi-Fi problems, as Mark Zuckerberg suggested, but by technical missteps in Meta’s own setup. CTO Andrew Bosworth revealed that when a chef said “hey Meta, start Live AI,” the command triggered every pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses in the building because engineers had routed all Live AI traffic to a shared development server, effectively DDoS-ing themselves. The failed WhatsApp call demo, meanwhile, stemmed from a rare bug: the Display glasses had gone to sleep exactly when a call notification came in, preventing the connection. Bosworth admitted the live stage was the “worst place” for the bug to appear but confirmed it has since been fixed, noting that despite the glitches, showing real-time demos was more authentic than the polished pre-recorded presentations common in the industry. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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For King & Country Says New Song ‘World on Fire’ Offers Hope Amid American Turmoil
- For King & Country is releasing a new single, World on Fire, on October 3, a song written last year but arriving in a season of American turmoil marked by tragic events like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and recent school shootings. Joel and Luke Smallbone say the timing reflects God’s providence, with Joel noting that music can serve as “hope on the airwaves.” The track, featuring Taylor Hill, proclaims resilience and faith with the chorus “I will never dim my light — I’m gonna set my world on fire,” encouraging Christians to embody peace, joy, and love amid negativity and cultural tension. The brothers view it as a call for believers to shine like a city on a hill, even in dark times, while also using this season off-tour to recharge, work on a new album, and prepare for Christmas shows. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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First in EU: Italy passes comprehensive AI law, limits access to kids
- Italy has become the first EU country to pass a comprehensive national AI law, setting rules that emphasize transparency, human oversight, and safety across sectors like healthcare, education, justice, workplaces, and even sports. The law imposes prison terms of one to five years for harmful uses such as deepfakes, fraud, or identity theft, and requires parental consent for children under 14 to access AI. It also protects AI-assisted works if they show intellectual effort, limits text and data mining to non-copyrighted or research contexts, and mandates that employers disclose AI use in the workplace. In healthcare, AI may support diagnosis but doctors must retain authority and patients must be informed. Italy’s move follows the EU’s broader AI Act of 2024 but goes further in national scope, reflecting Rome’s history of firm regulation after suspending ChatGPT in 2023 for privacy violations. Officials describe the law as steering AI toward innovation while safeguarding rights and public interest. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Trump says Gaza City op. may free hostages, asserts October 7 was ‘genocide at the highest level’
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President Donald Trump defended Israel’s expanded military operation in Gaza City, claiming it could lead to the release of hostages despite risks, and revealed that fewer than 20 are believed to still be alive. Speaking from the Oval Office, he rejected a United Nations inquiry that accused Israel of committing genocide, instead labeling the October 7 Hamas massacre as “genocide at the highest level” while recounting brutal details of the attack. Trump acknowledged that the offensive could endanger the remaining 48 hostages but argued that war often produces unexpected results, including possible rescues. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/18/25
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Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“We were going to keep Bagram, the big air base, one of the biggest air bases in the world. We gave it to them for nothing. We’re trying to get it back, by the way, okay? That could be a little breaking news.”
– President Donald Trump
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Trump says US wants Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan back
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President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. is seeking to reclaim Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, a base abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal and later taken over by the Taliban. Speaking at a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Trump called the withdrawal a “total disaster” and said the U.S. wants the base back partly because of its proximity to western China, which he linked to nuclear weapons development. He did not clarify how the U.S. might negotiate or secure Bagram’s return, nor did the Pentagon confirm any active plans. The Taliban has not yet issued a response. For veterans, Bagram holds deep symbolic weight as the entry and exit point for two decades of war. Trump has previously tied the base to U.S.-China tensions, although experts note that China’s main nuclear facilities are far from Bagram, with the nearest, Lop Nur, around 2,000 km away. The remarks underscore ongoing debate about the U.S. role in Afghanistan and strategic competition with China. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Microsoft pledges $4 billion to build second Wisconsin data center
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Microsoft announced it will invest $4 billion to build a second artificial intelligence data center in Wisconsin, bringing its total planned spending in the state to over $7 billion. The new facility will join the $3.3 billion Mount Pleasant data center, which is on track to open next year, creating about 500 jobs initially and expanding to 800 once both centers are operational. Together, the sites are expected to host the world’s most powerful AI supercomputer, powered by hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips. Microsoft said it will pre-pay for electrical infrastructure to avoid rate hikes, use climate-efficient cooling systems, and offset energy needs with solar projects, though some new fossil fuel generation near the site will also be required. The project, which follows the failed Foxconn factory plans in the same area, will provide long-term skilled jobs for pipefitters, electricians, and IT operators while reinforcing Wisconsin’s role in America’s growing AI and data infrastructure. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Archaeologists Uncover 2,600-Year-Old Clay Seal that ‘Confirms the Bible’
- Archaeologists in Jerusalem have discovered a 2,600-year-old clay seal that may have belonged to the son of Asaiah, a royal servant of King Josiah mentioned in the Bible, offering what some say is strong evidence affirming Scripture’s historical reliability. The seal, inscribed in Hebrew with “belonging to Yed[a‛]yah (son of) Asayahu,” dates back to the late seventh or early sixth century B.C. and still bears an ancient fingerprint. Asaiah appears in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles as one of the officials Josiah sent to seek God’s guidance after the discovery of the Book of the Law. While Asaiah’s son Yedayah does not appear in the biblical record, experts with the Temple Mount Sifting Project say the seal is “highly plausible” evidence of this biblical connection, as such seals were typically reserved for high-ranking officials. Christian leaders, including Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis, have hailed the find as yet another example of archaeology confirming the Bible’s accuracy. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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ChatGPT Targeted in Server-Side Data Theft Attack
- Researchers at Radware uncovered a server-side data theft method called ShadowLeak that exploited ChatGPT’s Deep Research tool to exfiltrate sensitive information without user interaction by embedding hidden instructions in emails, which the AI would then process and send to attacker-controlled URLs directly from OpenAI’s cloud infrastructure. Unlike client-side prompt injection attacks, this technique left no clear traces on the victim’s device and was designed to bypass safeguards by creating urgency and claiming authorization. While OpenAI patched the flaw in August after being notified in June, Radware warned that a large, undiscovered threat surface remains, urging continuous monitoring of AI agent behavior to detect deviations from legitimate user intent. 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.
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US vetoes UN demand for ceasefire, aid access in Gaza
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The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. Drafted by the 10 elected members of the 15-member council, the proposal also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Fourteen members voted in favor, but the U.S. blocked its adoption, marking the sixth time Washington has used its veto since the Israel-Hamas war began nearly two years ago. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/17/25
Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Sullivan | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“If a danger exists in the world, it is a danger shared by all; and equally, that if hope exists in the mind of one nation, that hope should be shared by all”
— Dwight D. Eisenhower
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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US, Saudi forces hunt drones in 10-day exercise CENTCOM says identifies ‘best in breed’ tech
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U.S. and Saudi forces just completed the Middle East’s largest counter-drone live-fire exercise at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, running from September 7–16, 2025. More than 300 personnel fielded 20 anti-drone systems in drills designed to detect, track, and eliminate aerial threats, with layers of defense tested from advanced aircraft like AC-130 Ghostriders and Saudi Typhoons down to drone defeat rounds fired from 12-gauge shotguns. The exercise, led by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Saudi chief of staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwaili, showcased “best in breed” technologies to address growing threats from Iran and its proxies, who increasingly use drones in attacks across the region. The drills reflect lessons learned from Ukraine’s war and ongoing Houthi drone strikes, underscoring the urgency of strengthening integrated air defenses in the Middle East. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Americans want AI to stay out of their personal lives
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A new Pew Research Center study shows that most Americans remain skeptical about AI’s role in their lives. Half of respondents said they are more concerned than excited about AI, a notable increase from 37% in 2021. The biggest worries are that AI will harm creativity and human connection, with only 18% believing AI should play any role in dating and just 3% supporting a “big role” in matchmaking. Strong majorities want AI to stay out of love lives (66%) and religious guidance (73%). While many are open to AI being used for large-scale tasks like weather prediction or medical research, misinformation ranked as a top concern, with 53% admitting they aren’t confident in spotting AI-generated content. Interestingly, younger adults under 30 were more worried (57%) than seniors over 65 (46%) about AI eroding human abilities. Overall, 61% of Americans want more control over AI in daily life, but 57% feel they currently have little to none. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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J.D. Vance Highlights Charlie Kirk’s Boldness and Devotion to Christ
- Vice President J.D. Vance honored Charlie Kirk’s legacy this week by stepping in as host of The Charlie Kirk Show, describing the slain Turning Point USA founder as a “joyful warrior” who fearlessly brought conservative and Christian values into challenging spaces. Vance praised Kirk’s courage, influence on young conservatives, and devotion to his faith and family, noting his desire to be remembered for his faith above all else. He also highlighted Kirk’s personal life, sharing how Erika Kirk described her late husband as gentle and kind, never raising his voice or acting harshly. Vance said Erika wants Turning Point USA to continue growing stronger, with a renewed mission to inspire the next generation to speak truth with courage. He concluded by urging supporters to carry forward Kirk’s vision of boldness, faith, and family-centered values. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Russian hackers bombard Liverpool City Council with cyberattacks
- Liverpool City Council confirmed it has been under repeated cyberattacks for the past two years from Russian state-backed hackers linked to the pro-Russian group Noname057(16). The attackers, known for targeting Western governments, militaries, and healthcare systems, used large distributed botnets to launch DDoS assaults in an effort to overwhelm or disable city systems. In response, Liverpool has deployed ISP-level anti-DDoS services, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and traffic management tools to protect operations. The report noted that other UK cities are facing similar threats, as Noname057(16) has expanded its scope from Ukraine to Western nations supporting Kyiv. Europol has been pursuing the group, recently adding a Spanish professor accused of aiding its attacks to its Most Wanted list, and earlier this year dismantling parts of its infrastructure through Operation Eastwood raids. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’ fully operational to hit missiles along with drones
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Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that the “Iron Beam” laser defense system is now fully operational, marking a major leap in the country’s air defense capabilities. Unlike traditional systems such as the Arrow or Iron Dome, which cost millions or tens of thousands of shekels per interceptor, Iron Beam’s laser shots cost roughly the same as “turning on a light,” making it vastly more economical for countering mass attacks. The system can shoot down drones, rockets, missiles, and mortars at the speed of light, often destroying threats while still over enemy territory. Officials highlighted its ability to handle barrages of simultaneous aerial threats, not just one or two at a time, which could dramatically reduce the need for bomb shelter alerts in Israel. Three variants — Lite Beam, Iron Beam M, and the full-size Iron Beam — provide flexibility from vehicle-mounted 10kW lasers to stationary 100kW beams. Israel is the first country to move such laser defenses from testing into real-world deployment, positioning itself ahead of other nations like the U.S., U.K., China, and Russia that are still in development stages. Defense officials said the rollout of nationwide batteries will transform future battle zones globally by making laser systems the standard for low-cost, rapid-response defense. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/16/25
Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army Sgt. Dana Vermilye | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“Chronic wrongdoing, or an impotence which results in a general loosening of the ties of civilized society, may in America, as elsewhere, ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation, and in the Western Hemisphere the adherence of the United States to the Monroe Doctrine may force the United States, however reluctantly, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing…to the exercise of an international police power.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Trump Says US Forces Sank Third Suspected Drug Boat off Venezuela
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U.S. naval forces have sunk a third suspected drug-smuggling boat off Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, escalating a campaign framed as both national security and foreign policy. The president said three boats had been destroyed in total—two previously acknowledged and a third now confirmed—though he did not specify the number of fatalities in the latest strike. Trump accused Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro of sending drugs and gang members like Tren de Aragua operatives to the U.S., while Maduro blasted Washington for plotting an invasion. The operations, which already killed at least 14 suspected traffickers this month, have drawn legal and diplomatic concerns as international law restricts use of force against civilians. The U.S. has deployed eight warships, F-35s, and 4,500 personnel in its largest Caribbean show of force in decades, a scale some analysts call disproportionate to the threat, raising fears of further regional escalation. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Nothing plans to launch ‘first AI-native devices next year’
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London-based tech startup Nothing has raised $200 million at a $1.3 billion valuation and announced plans to launch its first “AI-native” devices next year, built on a new operating system centered around delivering a hyper-personalized experience. CEO Carl Pei said the company is developing an “AI OS” designed to work across current devices like smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches, as well as future technologies such as smart glasses, electric vehicles, and humanoid robots. While details remain unclear on whether this OS will be Android-based like Nothing OS, Pei argued that owning the last-mile user experience gives Nothing a unique advantage in shaping AI-driven hardware. The move puts the company in competition with giants like Apple and experimental projects like Jony Ive’s OpenAI-backed device, raising the question of whether consumer appetite for AI-native hardware will finally materialize. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Gavin Ortlund Shares 5 Steps for Christians to Stay Grounded in Dark Times
- Christian theologian Gavin Ortlund responded to the shock of Charlie Kirk’s assassination by sharing five steps to help believers stay grounded in their faith during dark times. Speaking as president of Truth Unites and theologian-in-residence at Immanuel Nashville, Ortlund urged Christians to focus on Christ and anchor themselves in Scripture, to boldly continue doing good and spreading hope, and to avoid hateful voices online. He also advised logging off the internet to reduce anxiety, taking life one day at a time without being overwhelmed by tomorrow’s problems, and remembering how Christ Himself endured suffering that ultimately brought resurrection hope. Emphasizing that the gospel is central to enduring life’s darkest moments, Ortlund said he could not face evil without it and encouraged believers to cling to that sustaining hope. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Hackers setting traps for vibe coders: AI assistants can deliver malware
- Security researchers at Unit 42 (Palo Alto Networks) warn that hackers are now exploiting AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot by planting malicious prompts in external sources, creating traps that can deliver malware directly to developers. These attacks, known as indirect prompt injections, involve embedding harmful instructions in websites, repositories, documents, or APIs that AI models pull from, tricking them into generating backdoored code. A second risk arises when users attach external context, such as a repository or file, which might already be compromised. Unit 42 even demonstrated how poisoned social media posts could cause chatbots to output malware-laced code that unsuspecting developers might copy and run. Other threats include hackers jailbreaking AI assistants to misuse them for credential theft or malicious outputs. Researchers urge developers to review all AI-suggested code before execution, double-check for hidden behaviors, and be cautious with any external context provided to LLMs. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Netanyahu: Israel’s economy is very strong, still needs to build ‘independent arms industry’
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel must build an “independent weapons industry” capable of withstanding embargoes, arguing that the October 7 massacre showed the danger of relying on others for critical defense supplies. While stressing that Israel’s economy remains strong—with a robust shekel, stock market growth outpacing the S&P, and high-tech and defense exports surging—Netanyahu insisted that national security demands greater self-reliance. He said Israel will cut bureaucracy, encourage foreign investment, and expand its arms industries to ensure security and resilience in the face of international pressure, comparing the nation’s situation to ancient Greece: “We are Athens and Sparta, or perhaps Super-Sparta. We have no choice.” Netanyahu also accused Qatar of spearheading a “media and economic blockade” against Israel, vowing that domestic weapons production will be the key to breaking through. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25
Image Credit: iStock / Tom McPherson | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“For good or for ill, air mastery is today the supreme expression of military power and fleets and armies, however vital and important, must accept a subordinate rank.”
— Winston Churchill
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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British P-8 Poseidon Flies Unusual Overland Mission Along Polish Border
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A UK Royal Air Force P-8A Poseidon conducted an unusual overland ISR mission along Poland’s borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus, likely collecting ELINT amid heightened tensions after Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace and as Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills unfold; the sortie underscores the P-8’s multi-mission role beyond maritime patrol while NATO rushes additional air defenses—French Rafales, German Eurofighters, Italian and Dutch F-35s, and upcoming UK Typhoons—under Operation Eastern Sentry, as Poland weighs tougher responses including a limited ‘no-fly’ zone over Ukraine that Moscow warns could mean war, highlighting the escalatory risks and intelligence stakes on NATO’s eastern flank. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Apple iOS 26 update, new Apple Intelligence features, rolls out today
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Apple has officially released iOS 26, bringing a refreshed Liquid Glass interface, Adaptive Power Mode for extended battery life, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and Vision Pro devices. The update introduces Live Translation, upgraded Wallet order summaries, smarter Reminders, customizable automations, and enhanced CarPlay, Messages, and Music features, alongside developer tools to build AI-powered apps. New child safety measures include expanded parental controls, detailed App Store age ratings (13+, 16+, 18+), and communication limits for teens. With compatibility spanning from iPhone SE 2 up through the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, iOS 26 marks a major step in Apple’s effort to unify its ecosystem with intelligence-driven experiences and stronger family protections. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows to Carry Forward His Mission and Make it ‘Greater than Ever’
- Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional vow to continue her husband’s mission, promising it will grow “stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.” Speaking for the first time since the assassination, she said she believes God will use his death to expand the movement’s impact, citing Romans 8:28 and recalling testimonies of lives her husband touched. Erika pledged that Turning Point’s tours, America Fest, and Kirk’s radio show will continue, urging students and pastors alike to join the cause, while also sharing her family’s grief through a touching story about their young daughter. Framing the struggle as ultimately spiritual, she shared the gospel and stressed her husband’s passion for proclaiming Christ and reviving America, declaring that the mission he began will not end. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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AI failed the Holocaust test – and that should worry us all
- A new study by Cornell historian Jan Burzlaff warns that AI stumbles badly when asked to retell Holocaust survivor testimonies, often smoothing over suffering, omitting crucial details, and distorting memory itself. In one case, ChatGPT left out a harrowing moment when a starving child was kept alive by her mother’s blood, an absence Burzlaff says proves why human historians remain essential. Published in Rethinking History, his findings argue that while AI excels at coherence, it fails at honoring contradictions and silences, turning memory into something technically accurate but ethically hollow. Burzlaff frames Holocaust testimony as a litmus test—if AI cannot hold on here, where suffering is beyond dispute, how can it handle more complex histories? The real danger, he concludes, is not obvious errors but the flattening of the past into something easy to consume yet stripped of its force. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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IDF invasion of Gaza City erupts as Palestinians report tanks in heart of the Strip
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale invasion of Gaza City late Monday night, with tanks entering the heart of the city after weeks of escalating airstrikes and artillery fire. Palestinian sources reported scenes of intense warfare not seen in northern Gaza for nearly two years, as hundreds of thousands fled south while roughly 700,000 civilians remained. The move has sparked global controversy and deep divisions within Israel’s defense establishment, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir opposing the order but choosing not to resign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the invasion was necessary to further weaken Hamas, while U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas over reports hostages were being used as human shields. Families of Israeli hostages, meanwhile, condemned the decision, accusing Netanyahu of risking their loved ones’ lives and vowing not to forgive the potential sacrifice. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25
Image Credit: iStock / Greens87 | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness.”
– George W. Bush
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Our Hearts Feel Even Heavier Than Usual on This 9/11 Anniversary
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On this 24th anniversary of 9/11, Jim Geraghty reflects on how the tragedy remains vivid for those who lived through it, even as nearly a third of Americans today were not yet born and can only learn about it secondhand. He stresses the responsibility of older generations to tell their stories—the fear, the grief, and the sense of a world suddenly changed. While Osama bin Laden is gone, the Taliban still rule Afghanistan, a bitter reminder of unfinished struggles. This year’s commemoration feels even heavier, marked by the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down in front of his family and supporters simply for his beliefs. Geraghty draws a parallel between the hatred that fueled the 9/11 attacks from abroad and the violence now seen within America’s own borders, where expressing strong convictions can tragically become a death sentence. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Gmail is launching a tab for all your Amazon purchases
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Gmail is adding a Purchases tab on mobile and web that pulls together order-related emails—like confirmations, shipping estimates, and package updates—building on its existing tracking cards and “arriving soon” notices; it’ll live in the sidebar, while the Promotions tab is also getting smarter with timely deal flags and a new “most relevant” filter based on brands you interact with (you can switch back to “most recent” anytime), with Promotions updates rolling out to personal accounts in the coming weeks. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Remembering Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA
- Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, was killed Wednesday after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was only 31 and leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children. Known for launching Turning Point USA at just 18, Kirk became one of the most influential conservative activists of his generation, dedicated to spreading biblical and conservative values on campuses nationwide. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with President Trump ordering flags at half-mast and faith leaders like Franklin Graham highlighting his love for both country and Christ, while even critics of his politics condemned the violence and urged national reflection on the state of discourse in America. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Apple Unveils iPhone Memory Protections to Combat Sophisticated Attacks
- Apple has added Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) to its new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, offering always-on memory safety protection against advanced spyware threats that typically exploit memory vulnerabilities. Built on Arm’s Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension and Apple’s own secure allocators, MIE strengthens the kernel, Safari, and Messages, making exploit chains fragile and costly to develop. Apple’s security head Ivan Krstić said MIE will disrupt decades-old attack techniques and raise the barrier for mercenary spyware vendors, while testing shows it stops threats early by collapsing entire chains. This launch parallels Google’s new Advanced Protection mode for Android, highlighting an industry push to harden smartphones against state-backed surveillance. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Growing assessment that no senior Hamas officials killed in Doha, Israeli official tells ‘Post’
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Israeli officials now fear that their strike in Doha on Tuesday may not have killed any senior Hamas leaders, despite earlier optimism that top figures were eliminated. Investigators believe some officials were in a different room than targeted, leaving them with only minor injuries, while Arab media reports claim the leaders survived after leaving their phones in one room and moving elsewhere to pray. Funerals in Qatar identified six victims—including five Palestinians and one Qatari officer—but none were confirmed as senior Hamas members, and unnamed bodies found on-site are now assessed not to belong to the group’s top leadership. This shift reflects growing pessimism in Jerusalem about the operation’s outcome. Click here to read more.
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/9/25
Image Credit: iStock / e-crow | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
— Romans 13:4 (KJV)
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Israel Executes Unprecedented Strike On Hamas Leadership In Qatar (Updated)
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Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike on Hamas’ top leadership in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against the group. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the operation involved 15 Israeli fighter jets firing 10 precision munitions at a single target, killing at least Hammam Khalil al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and several others. The strike, planned for months, comes as Hamas negotiators were considering a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar condemned the attack as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty, while Hamas claimed its senior leaders survived. U.S. officials confirmed they were informed shortly before the strike but had little time to respond, raising tensions given Qatar’s role as a key U.S. ally and host of Al Udeid Air Base. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack could “open the door to ending the war,” while the U.N. Secretary-General condemned the escalation. The strike has complicated ongoing ceasefire talks and heightened regional tensions. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Apple “Awe Dropping” event introduces the “slimmer than slim” all new iPhone Air and much more
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At Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, the company unveiled a series of major product launches, including the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air, upgraded AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and iOS 26. The highlight was the ultra-thin iPhone Air at just 5.6mm, built with grade-five titanium and a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability, starting at $999 and featuring the new A19 Pro chip, N1 wireless chip, and C1X cellular modem. The iPhone 17 series introduces brighter displays, Pro Motion tech up to 120Hz, and a 48MP dual fusion camera with improved stabilization, starting at $799. AirPods Pro 3 add real-time language translation, improved spatial audio, and enhanced noise cancellation for $249. The new Apple Watch Series 11, SE3, and Ultra 3 integrate Apple Intelligence, offering Emergency SOS, sleep tracking, hypertension alerts, and satellite connectivity on the Ultra model. iOS 26 brings an Adaptive Power Mode, AI-driven personalization, and “Liquid Glass” visuals, launching September 15, 2025. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Terrorist attack in Jerusalem: What does it say about God’s love?
- Following the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem that claimed six lives, Yael Eckstein reflects on its deeper spiritual meaning as the Jewish community prepares for Rosh Hashanah. She emphasizes that the holiday centers on life — not only physical life but a life lived with purpose, moral courage, and devotion to God. In contrast, she views the attackers’ motives as rooted in destruction — of life, morality, compassion, and meaning itself. Eckstein highlights the mission of The Fellowship, which she leads, to “give life” daily through support for the poor, security for communities, and spiritual guidance for immigrants in Israel, aided by Christian supporters worldwide. Amid tragedy, she reaffirms the Jewish belief that “life, and a life for God, is our very DNA” and cannot be compromised. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Microsoft Patches 86 Vulnerabilities
- Microsoft has released its September 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 86 vulnerabilities across Windows and other products, including several critical security flaws. While no vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild, eight are rated as “exploitation more likely,” including privilege escalation bugs in Windows Kernel, Hyper-V, TCP/IP, NTLM, and SMB, as well as a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Windows NTFS. The most severe issue, CVE-2025-55232 in the High Performance Compute (HPC) Pack, has a CVSS score of 9.8, with Microsoft advising customers to secure TCP port 5999 with firewall rules. Other high-risk RCE flaws affect Routing and Remote Access Service, SharePoint, Office, and SQL Server, though most are rated as less likely to be exploited. Administrators are strongly encouraged to apply updates promptly to reduce exposure to potential attacks. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Hamas assassination op. in Qatar will aid hostage deal talks, Israeli officials claim
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Israeli officials claim the strike in Qatar targeting senior Hamas leaders could ultimately aid hostage deal negotiations, despite initial backlash from Hamas. Sources say Hamas will likely pause talks briefly but eventually resume, with surviving leader Khaled Mashaal expected to push for an agreement. Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch noted that “Hamas Abroad” had long obstructed progress, and officials believe the assassination weakens their influence, reducing Qatar’s role in mediation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the timing, stating, “The days are over when terrorist leaders could enjoy immunity anywhere.” However, Mossad chief David Barnea reportedly opposed carrying out the strike while negotiations were active, warning it could complicate talks. The U.S. was briefed but disputes claims of granting formal approval, while President Trump reassured Qatar’s leadership that such actions would not recur on their soil. Click here to read more.