THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/3/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/3/25

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

“We must be the great arsenal of democracy.”

 

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

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

  • House passes Trump megabill with $150 billion in military funding

  • The House has narrowly passed President Trump’s sweeping megabill by a vote of 218-214, combining tax cuts, health care reforms, immigration measures, and $150 billion in defense funding. The package includes $113 billion in mandatory military funding, pushing the Pentagon’s total budget close to $1 trillion for the first time. The bill funds priorities like shipbuilding, homeland defense, and precision weapons replenishment. Despite criticism over splitting the defense budget into two parts, lawmakers advanced it, though a continuing resolution is still expected for the next fiscal year. Click here to read more.

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

  • Here are the letters that convinced Google and Apple to keep TikTok online

  • A Freedom of Information Act request revealed letters from the US Department of Justice to tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, reassuring them they wouldn’t face penalties for keeping TikTok online despite a law banning US web services from supporting it. These letters, signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and her predecessor, promised legal protection and intervention against any enforcement attempts. The communications aimed to calm fears of massive fines under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which seeks to force a TikTok sale. Trump has since extended enforcement delays through mid-September. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Did you know: The Declaration of Independence is a deeply religious document?

  • As America celebrates another July 4th, Jerry Newcombe reminds us that the Declaration of Independence is deeply rooted in faith, mentioning God four times and reflecting a profound sense of dependence on divine providence. Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founders saw God as the source of our rights and freedoms, rejecting totalitarian ideologies that denied them. From natural law to an appeal to the “Supreme Judge of the World,” the Declaration not only declared independence from Britain but also affirmed trust in God’s sovereignty. Click here to read more.

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

  • Putin’s keyboard warriors are waging war on Europe

  • Pro-Russian hacktivist groups like NoName057(16), Dark Storm Team, and the newly emerged IT Army of Russia are intensifying cyberattacks on Europe, forming new alliances and targeting NATO allies in a digital front of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. These hackers deploy DDoS attacks, deface websites, and steal data, often suspected of operating with Russian state backing. As European rearmament and geopolitical tensions grow, experts warn these cyber operations could become even more aggressive, further destabilizing critical infrastructure. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hamas expected to respond to hostage deal within coming hours, sources tell ‘Post’ – exclusive

  • Hamas is expected to respond within hours to a Qatar-mediated hostage deal proposal based on the Witkoff framework, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, and the freeing of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Talks to end the war would continue during the ceasefire. Israeli officials say that even if Hamas agrees, proximity negotiations over details will be difficult. Click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/2/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/2/25

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

“The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemy’s.”

 

-Napoleon Bonaparte

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

  • Pentagon assesses Iran’s nuclear program set back up to 2 years by US airstrike

  • The Pentagon says recent U.S. airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites have set Iran’s program back by up to two years, according to spokesman Sean Parnell. Operation Midnight Hammer, carried out June 20–21, involved seven B-2 bombers dropping bunker-busting bombs on Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. Parnell described the strikes as “completely obliterating” key sites, though intelligence suggests Iran preserved some enriched uranium by moving it beforehand. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates Iran could resume enrichment within months, despite severe damage. The Pentagon, however, maintains the strikes severely degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Click here to read more.

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

  • Meta launches AI app, Zuckerberg chats with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at developer conference

  • Meta has launched a new standalone AI app, built on its Llama 4 system, aimed at competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT while incorporating social media features like a “discover” feed to share user interactions. The app also connects to Facebook and Instagram accounts to offer personalized experiences. At Meta’s LlamaCon developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the rapid growth of AI and its long-term impacts on productivity, drawing parallels to past technological shifts like electricity. Meta continues to offer its AI products open source, used by more than a billion people each month. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Thomas Jefferson’s ‘Declaration of War’ Resonates with Hope as America Celebrates Independence

  • As America celebrates another Independence Day, Colonial Williamsburg brings Thomas Jefferson’s revolutionary spirit to life through powerful reenactments and storytelling. Actor Kurt Smith, who has portrayed Jefferson for a decade, highlights how the Declaration of Independence was both a declaration of war and an expression of hope. Visitors in Williamsburg are reminded that liberty comes with responsibility and that Jefferson’s complex legacy — from championing freedom to grappling with the contradiction of slavery — still resonates today. With authentic buildings, artifacts, and passionate interpreters, Colonial Williamsburg helps modern Americans reflect on what it truly means to be free and self-governing. Click here to read more.

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

  • A Group of Young Cybercriminals Poses the ‘Most Imminent Threat’ of Cyberattacks Right Now

  • A group of mostly young cybercriminals known as Scattered Spider is now seen as the “most imminent threat” to critical infrastructure, experts warn. These English-speaking hackers, linked to the wider Com network, specialize in social engineering — tricking help desks or creating fake sites to breach networks — then deploy ransomware or extort data. After a quiet period following arrests last year, Scattered Spider has surged back, hitting UK retailers, North American insurers, and airlines in recent weeks. Analysts say the group’s fluid structure and ties to underground communities make it hard to deter, calling their marketplace-like operations highly resilient. Click here to read more.

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

  • It is time to end the war and defeat Hamas for good – opinion

  • In a powerful opinion piece, the author argues that now is the moment to end the war and finally defeat Hamas for good. After enduring renewed terror from Iran and living with the trauma of the October 7 attacks, Israelis cannot accept a fragile ceasefire while Hamas still holds power and 50 hostages remain in captivity. The writer highlights Israel’s recent military successes against Hamas and Iran but insists true peace is impossible as long as Hamas controls Gaza. With signs of Hamas losing its grip, a Western-backed humanitarian foundation breaking its extortion-based rule, and Arab states possibly moving toward normalization with Israel, the author urges bold leadership to force Hamas to disarm. Only then, they argue, can Palestinians and Israelis alike hope to rebuild their lives and pursue a real, lasting peace. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/1/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/1/25

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

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”

 

-Mark Twain

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

  • Squid-Inspired Camouflage May Help Soldiers Evade Sight and Sensors

  • Remember Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak? Turns out Mother Nature patented it first: squid skin. UC Irvine and the Marine Biological Laboratory copied the long-fin inshore squid’s disco-ball “iridophores” to make a stretchy, mood-ring fabric that flips colors and hides heat signatures—so future soldiers can play intergalactic hide-and-seek with both eyeballs and thermal cameras. Funded by DARPA (which apparently watched too much Finding Nemo), the proto-poncho works while flexing, sweating, or doing burpees, meaning you could soon rock cephalopod couture that changes camouflage faster than you can say “calamari.” Click here to read more.

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

  • Can the music industry make AI the next Napster?

  • AI-generated music could be headed for its own Napster moment: armed with decades of iron-clad case law on sampling, a tight licensing regime, and just a few powerhouse labels, the record industry is suing song-making startups Suno and Udio for training their models on copyrighted tracks without permission—arguing that the practice robs artists of licensing revenue, floods Spotify-style platforms with low-grade “background” noise, and threatens the everyday musicians who score ads, YouTube videos, and chill-beats playlists; with courts already hinting that unlicensed training and sound-alike outputs can’t hide behind fair-use, and some AI firms quietly inking pricey music deals while others scramble, the fight may decide whether generative-AI companies pay up or go the way of Napster…click here to read more.

     

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

  • Messianic Jews in Jerusalem Return to Worship Together After Weeks of Iranian Missiles

  • After a tense 12-day stretch spent sheltering from Iranian missiles, Jerusalem’s King of Kings Community joyfully reopened its doors on July 1, gathering Messianic Jews and Gentile believers (plus worshippers from 17 nations online) to thank God for the ceasefire, salute the IDF, pray for traumatized civilians, persecuted Iranian Christians, hostages still in Gaza, and a coming “great Aliyah,” while vowing to shine as “lights” amid uncertainty—and even reviving plans for a mid-July kids’ camp so young hearts can swap sirens for songs of hope. Click here to read more.

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

  • US Storms 29 Laptop Farms in Crackdown on North Korean IT Worker Schemes

  • The US Department of Justice just mounted a coast-to-coast sweep against North Korean “laptop farms,” raiding 29 sites in 16 states, freezing 29 money-laundering accounts and 21 websites, and unsealing indictments that link $88 million in illicit earnings—and even stolen US defense tech—to remote IT contractors posing as Americans; one New Jersey man, Danny Wang, allegedly raked in $5 million for Pyongyang via 80 stolen identities, while separate charges say North Korean coders pocketed $900 k in crypto from a Georgia blockchain firm before washing it through Tornado Cash, underscoring how fake résumés, AI masks, and unwitting US facilitators have turned Fortune 500 payrolls into a secret funding stream for the DPRK. Click here to read more.

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

  • Huckabee thanks God at Western Wall for ‘miracles granted’ to Israel during Iran war

  • On July 1 2025, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall to offer a prayer of thanks for what he called the “miracles granted” to Israel during Operation Rising Lion, meeting privately with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Western Wall Heritage Foundation director Mordechai Eliav to express America’s steadfast support; Huckabee also delivered a personal letter of appreciation for President Donald Trump and extended an invitation for the president to visit the sacred site, before touring the Western Wall Tunnels and reflecting on the enduring historical and spiritual bonds that unite the United States and Israel—click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/30/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/30/25

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

“Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.”

 

-Admiral Hyman Rickover

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

  • Pentagon awards $5 billion contract to speed up ship manufacturing

  • The Pentagon has awarded a $5 billion contract to six companies under the Maritime Acquisition Advancement Contract (MAAC), aiming to accelerate ship manufacturing for the U.S. Navy. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, with five one-year $1 billion options, could total up to $10 billion. The deal will support building and supplying parts for ships such as Virginia-class submarines, carriers, destroyers, and unmanned systems. The Navy is under pressure to modernize and speed up shipbuilding, adopting new tools like augmented reality systems and 3D printing to boost efficiency. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple CarPlay Ultra hands-on: more continuity, less disruption

  • In a hands-on look at Apple’s new CarPlay Ultra, drivers can expect a more seamless, integrated experience that goes beyond mirroring their phones. Available on iPhone 12 and newer with iOS 18.5, CarPlay Ultra supports multiple in-vehicle displays and even controls like climate settings and drive modes, marking a major leap from the original 2014 CarPlay. Launching first in Aston Martin’s DBX707 SUV, the system shows how carmakers are embracing deeper tech partnerships to deliver premium, connected experiences. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

  • In a world shaken by war, disaster, and fear, believers are reminded that God’s peace is greater than any crisis. Drawing on 12 Bible verses, this reflection encourages Christians to anchor their hearts in the unchanging promises of God, whose presence brings calm even in the fiercest storms. From John 14:27 to Philippians 4:6–7, these verses remind us that peace is not the absence of hardship but the assurance of God’s nearness and care. Though the world trembles, God’s peace stands firm for all who trust Him. Click here to read more.

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

  • Microsoft kicks antivirus out of Kernel to stop next tech apocalypse

  • Microsoft is launching the Windows Resiliency Initiative to prevent another meltdown like last summer’s CrowdStrike fiasco, which crashed 8.5 million Windows devices and disrupted critical sectors worldwide. The initiative will move antivirus and endpoint protection software out of the operating system kernel to user mode, reducing the risk of a single point of failure taking down the entire OS. The changes roll out in July to select security partners. Microsoft also plans to retire the traditional “blue screen of death,” replacing it with a streamlined black error screen for easier recovery. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu to visit Washington on Monday, source tells ‘Post’

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington on Monday, following Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s meetings there, as Israel weighs further action in Gaza. The visit comes after President Trump urged a hostage deal with Hamas and criticized Netanyahu’s corruption trial, saying it disrupts crucial negotiations. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, adding, “Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again.” Netanyahu last met Trump in April to discuss Gaza, hostages, and new U.S. tariffs on Israel. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/26/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/26/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army Capt. Frank Spatt | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Those troops… stood between a salvo of Iranian missiles and the safety of Al Udeid. They are the unsung heroes of the 21st-century United States Army.”

 

-Gen. Dan Caine

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

  • Largest Patriot Missile Salvo In U.S. Military History Launched Defending Al Udeid Air Base Against Iranian Attack

  • In the wake of Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base, U.S. forces launched the largest Patriot missile salvo in American military history to defend the site, which had been largely evacuated in anticipation of the strike. Just 44 Army soldiers, supported by Qatari crews and backed by cutting-edge interceptors from Korea and Japan, remained to operate the Patriot batteries. According to Gen. Dan Caine, the coordinated defense neutralized multiple incoming ballistic missiles, demonstrating the system’s evolution thanks to battlefield data from Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. Despite the success and zero casualties, the event underscored both the valor of air defenders and the limits of U.S. air defense capacity amid rising threats. Click here to read more.

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

  • Poaching spree: Meta hires three OpenAI researchers

  • In a bold move to revive its faltering AI strategy, Meta has poached three top researchers—Lucas Beyer, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Ziaohua Zhai—from OpenAI’s Zurich office, all formerly of Google DeepMind. This follows CEO Sam Altman’s earlier claim that OpenAI’s top talent had rejected Meta’s massive $100 million signing bonuses—now contradicted by this high-profile defection. As Meta scrambles to regain footing after the underwhelming release of its latest language model, Mark Zuckerberg is personally assembling a “superintelligence” team, reshaping headquarters, investing billions, and even attempting to recruit AI luminaries like Ilya Sutskever and Nat Friedman. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Mac Powell Says Third Day’s 30th Anniversary Tour Is a Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

  • In a heartfelt reunion after more than a decade apart, Christian rock pioneers Third Day are reuniting for a 30th Anniversary Tour that frontman Mac Powell calls a celebration of “God’s faithfulness.” Powell, alongside original members Mark Lee, David Carr, and Tai Anderson, says the tour isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a spiritual milestone honoring the band’s journey from a Georgia youth group to Grammy-winning success. With a two-hour set list spanning their entire discography, and Zach Williams opening, Powell promises fans both beloved hits and deep cuts. Tickets go on sale June 27. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hawaiian Airlines hit by cyber attack

  • Hawaiian Airlines confirmed it was hit by a cyberattack that disrupted some of its IT systems, though flights remain unaffected and are operating as scheduled. The airline, now owned by Alaska Air Group, referred to the incident as a “cybersecurity event”—a term often linked to ransomware attacks—without disclosing specifics. The Federal Aviation Administration stated there was no impact on flight safety and that it is closely monitoring the situation. A company rep responded to media inquiries via a Gmail address, raising further questions about internal disruptions. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Tehran is beautiful from above, I hope to visit one day’ Israeli pilot says after strike on Iran

  • In a powerful post-operation reflection, an Israeli Air Force navigator—known only as A.—recounted his experience during Operation Rising Lion, a campaign Israel says struck key elements of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Called to action on a moment’s notice, A. described the emotional weight of secrecy, the precision required for deep penetration strikes, and the surreal beauty of flying over Tehran. Despite the mission’s intensity, he voiced hope for peace, closing with a heartfelt message in Farsi to the Iranian people. “We are not at war with you,” he said. Click here to read more.

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

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

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

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.”

 

-Dwight D. Eisenhower

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

  • Trump says Iran strikes set nuclear program back ‘decades,’ praises NATO spending push

  • At the NATO summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump claimed U.S. strikes had set Iran’s nuclear program back “decades,” contradicting intelligence reports that suggest more limited damage. Trump praised the NATO alliance for embracing his push to raise defense spending, with a new target of 5% of GDP by 2035. Joined by Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump emphasized renewed U.S. commitment to NATO and its Article 5 mutual defense clause, while warning countries like Spain of trade penalties for lagging contributions. The strikes on Iran, Trump said, helped secure a ceasefire and bolster long-term regional peace. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple’s more immersive CarPlay is dividing the auto industry

  • Apple’s new CarPlay Ultra is creating a deep divide in the auto industry, with some brands like Aston Martin and Porsche embracing its immersive design that integrates features like speedometers and climate controls, while others like GM are actively blocking it. Automakers remain split or undecided, wary of giving Apple control over key in-vehicle functions as they invest heavily in their own software ecosystems. Though surveys show customers love CarPlay and may even avoid cars without it, many automakers want clearer data-sharing standards before allowing Apple deeper access. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Christian Leaders React to Israel’s Attack on Iran and US Response

  • In the wake of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Christian leaders like Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham, and Samuel Rodriguez called believers to seek God’s wisdom, pray for peace, and support Israel. Laurie said the strikes may foreshadow biblical prophecy involving Persia, while Graham emphasized prayer for the U.S., Israel, and President Trump. Rodriguez praised Trump for invoking God in his national address and urged Christians to stand united in faith during this time of global unrest. All leaders stressed the need for spiritual clarity amid escalating Middle East tensions. Click here to read more.

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

  • 16 billion passwords exposed in record-breaking data breach: what does it mean for you?

  • A massive data breach exposing 16 billion login credentials—possibly the largest in history—has cybersecurity experts sounding the alarm. Traced to infostealer malware rather than recycled leaks, the breach includes sensitive data from platforms like Google, Apple, and Facebook, and is structured for immediate exploitation through phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers. The records, spread across 30 databases, underscore a growing threat posed by infostealers and highlight the urgent need for password hygiene, two-factor authentication, and passkeys. While no single breach caused the leak, experts warn its scale marks a turning point in cybercrime. Click here to read more.

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

  • Witkoff: We will have big announcements on countries coming into the Abraham Accords

  • US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says the White House expects “big announcements” soon about new countries joining the Abraham Accords, signaling a major expansion of the normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations. In a CNBC interview, Witkoff emphasized that broadening the accords is a top priority for President Trump and noted close collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to achieve this. Without naming specific countries, Witkoff hinted that some potential members are unexpected. He also expressed hope for a peace deal with Iran, stressing that nuclear weaponization remains a red line for the US. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/24/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/24/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Courtesy photo | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.”

 

-Ronald Reagan

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

  • GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Successor In The Works

  • The U.S. Air Force’s recent deployment of 14 GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) during Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran’s nuclear facilities has revived momentum behind the development of a successor: the Next Generation Penetrator (NGP). The NGP is envisioned to be smaller, smarter, and potentially powered for standoff range, addressing the need to hit ever-deeper, more fortified underground targets in GPS-denied environments. The current MOP, limited to deployment by the B-2 and eventually the B-21, has proven effective but constrained by size, platform compatibility, and production volume. With adversaries like Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia investing heavily in subterranean infrastructure, the Pentagon sees the NGP as a critical tool for precision strikes in future high-threat environments. Click here to read more.

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

  • A temporary pause in state AI regulation could be the “light touch” we need, CISO says

  • As President Trump pushes to pass his “Big Beautiful Bill” by July 4th—with its controversial federal pause on state-level AI regulation—Exabeam CISO Kevin Kirkwood says a “light touch” may be exactly what’s needed to balance innovation with oversight. The revised proposal, championed by Senator Ted Cruz, would temporarily bar states from regulating AI, threatening to withhold broadband funding from those who defy it. While critics like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene call it an overreach, Kirkwood warns that over-regulation could stifle smaller AI innovators and fragment the national market. He argues that a unified federal framework, applied with restraint, may give the U.S. a strategic edge over global competitors like China—so long as it eventually includes safeguards for bias, privacy, and civil rights. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • ‘Guns & Moses’ Actor Mark Feuerstein Says He Stands with Israel in Fight against Iran

  • Actor Mark Feuerstein, star of the upcoming film Guns & Moses, says he fully supports Israel in its war against Iran and believes recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have made the world safer. Speaking from personal experience—his own relatives survived Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack—Feuerstein praised the military action as a bold step toward peace and stability. His film, hitting theaters July 18, tells the story of a rabbi who takes a stand against antisemitic violence, drawing from themes of faith, justice, and Jewish identity. Click here to read more.

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

  • US Braces for Cyberattacks After Bombing Iranian Nuclear Sites

  • The U.S. is bracing for an uptick in Iranian cyberattacks following President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the Department of Homeland Security warning of a “heightened threat environment.” While Tehran has vowed retaliation, experts suggest Iranian hackers—state-sponsored and pro-Iran hacktivists—may focus on disruptive attacks and espionage, particularly targeting critical infrastructure and individuals tied to Iran policy. Though often exaggerated in impact, these cyber operations remain serious threats for enterprises and individuals alike. U.S. agencies, including CISA, have issued guidance to bolster cyber defenses. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu hails Israel’s victory over Iran in televised speech

  • In a nationally televised speech, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s military campaign against Iran a historic victory, claiming that Israeli strikes had destroyed Iran’s missile industry just before a major attack and crippled its nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu credited the U.S. and President Donald Trump for their support and praised Israeli forces for delivering the most severe blow in the ayatollah regime’s history. While warning Iran against renewing its nuclear efforts, he also acknowledged the continuing threat from Hamas and pledged to bring home all Israeli hostages. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/23/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/23/25

Image Credit: iStock / Ruma Aktar | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

 

-Ecclesiastes 3:8 (KJV)

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

  • Trump says Iran and Israel have agreed to phased-in ceasefire over next 24 hours

  • President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a phased-in ceasefire set to begin within 24 hours, ending what he dubbed the “12 day war.” Trump framed the truce as validation of his controversial decision to launch U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which he claims crippled Tehran’s enrichment capabilities. The ceasefire, reportedly facilitated by backchannel diplomacy involving Qatar, starts with Iran halting attacks, followed by Israel 12 hours later. While Trump celebrated the moment as historic, uncertainty lingers over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and long-term regional stability. Click here to read more.

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

  • The music industry is building the tech to hunt down AI songs

  • The music industry is rapidly building a new layer of tech infrastructure to trace AI-generated songs, aiming to identify synthetic tracks at every stage—from model training to distribution. Following viral hits like the fake Drake-The Weeknd duet “Heart on My Sleeve,” companies like Deezer, YouTube, and Vermillio are embedding detection systems to tag AI-generated audio, not just for takedowns but for licensing and attribution. Tools like TraceID break down songs into components to detect mimicry and facilitate proactive licensing, while others target AI training datasets to enforce opt-outs. As platforms scramble to manage the surge of synthetic content, the focus is shifting from reaction to regulation, setting the stage for a new era of traceable, licensed AI music. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • 17,000 turn out for Franklin Graham event in London

  • Franklin Graham drew a crowd of 17,000 to London’s ExCel Centre on Saturday night as part of his God Loves You Tour, preaching a message of hope amid global unrest. With 15,000 inside and another 2,000 worshipping outside, hundreds responded to his call to accept Christ. The event, supported by top worship artists, capped weeks of BGEA-led outreach, including youth-focused Pursuit gatherings that stirred a wave of new commitments. “There’s fire. There’s an ember there, and it’s catching light,” one youth leader said. Click here to read more.

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

  • Tesla robotaxi caught on video using wrong lane and speeding, sparks NHTSA inquiry

  • Tesla’s new robotaxi pilot in Austin is already under scrutiny after videos surfaced showing one of the self-driving cars using the wrong lane and speeding past another autonomous vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry and is reviewing Tesla’s confidential responses, especially concerning safety in poor weather. The agency is also investigating past crashes involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, which includes 2.4 million vehicles and four incidents—one fatal. Tesla has yet to comment publicly on the latest developments. Click here to read more.

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

  • Aragchi says Tehran stopped attacks, denies ceasefire announced by Trump

  • President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire between Israel and Iran, with Iran halting attacks first and Israel following 12 hours later, culminating in a full cessation of hostilities within 24 hours. Though Iranian officials initially denied any agreement, they signaled a willingness to stop if Israel did. Trump praised the deal as a diplomatic breakthrough ending the “12 Day War,” while Vice President JD Vance claimed U.S. strikes had crippled Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. The truce, brokered by Qatar, marks a major de-escalation in a volatile conflict with global implications. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/20/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/20/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”

 

-Theodore Roosevelt

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

  • Nuclear Countdown: US Warns Iran Could Still Make a Nuke Within Weeks, Trump to Decide US Steps Soon

  • As Iranian missile strikes hit Israeli civilian sites—including a hospital and residential buildings—Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear and missile threat, while U.S. President Donald Trump signaled he will decide within two weeks whether to involve U.S. forces in the conflict. The White House warned that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if Supreme Leader Khamenei gives the order. Meanwhile, Israel’s air force continues a sweeping campaign, reportedly striking key nuclear infrastructure like the Arak reactor, but experts say U.S. bunker-buster bombers may be needed to neutralize Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow facility. Click here to read more.

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

  • What Big Tech’s Band of Execs Will Do in the Army

  • A group of top Silicon Valley executives—including Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, OpenAI’s Kevin Weil, and Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar—have been inducted into the U.S. Army Reserve as part of a new elite unit called Detachment 201: the Executive Innovation Corps. Bypassing basic training, these newly minted lieutenant colonels will remotely advise the military on applying cutting-edge tech for combat efficiency and modernization, while keeping their civilian jobs. Spearheaded by Pentagon talent chief Brynt Parmeter and fast-tracked amid shifting attitudes in the Valley, the program aims to infuse military strategy with private-sector innovation. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Operation Rising Lion – what’s behind the name of Israel’s offensive against Iran?

  • Israel’s military campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, draws its name from deep biblical and literary roots, combining prophetic scripture, Jewish history, and symbolic strength. Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explains that the term evokes Numbers 23:24, where Israel is likened to a lion rising to strike, a motif of watchful courage. The operation also echoes the Book of Esther, where Jews were empowered to defend themselves on the Hebrew date of 23rd Sivan—coinciding with recent Iranian attacks. The code name “Narnia,” reportedly used for targeted eliminations of Iranian nuclear scientists, further aligns the operation with C.S. Lewis’ Aslan, a lion who represents sacrificial leadership and divine justice. Click here to read more.

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

  • 16 billion passwords exposed in record-breaking data breach, opening access to Facebook, Google, Apple, and any other service imaginable

  • A record-breaking 16 billion login credentials have been exposed in one of the largest data breaches in history, according to Cybernews researchers. Spread across 30 databases, these recent leaks—primarily sourced from infostealer malware—contain sensitive login data for platforms like Facebook, Google, Apple, Telegram, and more, putting users at risk of identity theft, account takeovers, and phishing attacks. Though some records may overlap, the sheer volume highlights the growing threat of credential leaks and the urgency for users to reset passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor account activity. Click here to read more.

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

  • Jerusalem copes: How Israel’s capital handles the escalation with Iran

  • As Iran continues its attacks in response to Israel’s military campaign, Jerusalem has transformed into a shadow of its usual self, with empty streets, shuttered shops, and a somber calm replacing the city’s lively rhythm. Residents and visitors alike are staying indoors or near shelters, with access to the Old City restricted to ID holders amid fears of missile strikes and narrow evacuation routes. Synagogues, classes, and social activities are scaled back or moved online, while prayer at the Western Wall tunnels is limited to small groups. Even essentials like food shopping feel surreal, subdued by the looming threat. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/19/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/19/25

Image Credit: iStock / phot705 | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“There is a price we will not pay. There is a point beyond which they must not advance.”

 

-Ronald Reagan

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

  • Trump Edges Closer to War Order; Netanyahu Vows Iran to Pay for Missile Strike on Hospital, Civilians

  • After Iranian missile strikes hit a hospital in Beersheva and residential buildings in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Tehran’s regime would “pay the full price,” calling the attacks war crimes. Defense Minister Katz declared a goal to destabilize Iran’s leadership, while IDF forces expanded their strikes on key regime sites around Tehran. In Washington, President Trump confirmed U.S. war plans are ready, stating he seeks “total, complete victory” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Amid growing chaos, Netanyahu envisions a historic transformation in the region following an Israeli victory. Click here to read more.

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

  • How Much Energy Does AI Use? The People Who Know Aren’t Saying

  • As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, concerns over its energy use and environmental impact are growing—but reliable data remains elusive. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that a ChatGPT query uses 0.34 watt-hours, yet experts argue this lacks transparency and likely omits factors like model training and server cooling. A study shows that most AI usage involves models with no environmental disclosures, and myths—like ChatGPT being 10 times more energy-intensive than a Google search—often stem from unverified remarks. Researchers urge better disclosure and smarter deployment of low-energy models to curb emissions, as current practices obscure AI’s true carbon cost. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Ted Cruz cites Genesis 12:3 as ‘personal motivation’ for supporting Israel in heated Tucker Carlson interview

  • In a fiery interview with Tucker Carlson, Senator Ted Cruz defended his support for Israel by citing Genesis 12:3 as a personal motivation, emphasizing his belief that those who bless Israel will be blessed. The exchange turned tense as Carlson questioned AIPAC’s influence and Cruz accused Carlson of veiled antisemitism for focusing criticism on Israel rather than other foreign powers. Cruz clarified that his position stems from both biblical conviction and strategic alliance, insisting the modern state of Israel represents the same nation referenced in Scripture. The debate underscored growing divisions within evangelical circles over U.S. support for Israel. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers turn Grok, Mixtral chatbots into malicious WormGPT tools

  • Cybercriminals are disguising legitimate AI tools like Grok and Mixtral as uncensored hacking platforms under the WormGPT brand, using jailbroken system prompts to bypass built-in safeguards and generate malicious content. Researchers found these tools—sold for up to $100/month—are not original models, but wrappers around existing AI services, repurposed to craft phishing emails, malware scripts, and more. This growing trend of manipulating LLMs into cyberweapons signals a broader threat, as hackers exploit APIs or run local instances to offer illicit AI-as-a-service products. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel is now turning ‘ring of fire’ back on Iran, IDF chief says at intelligence HQ

  • IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir declared that Israel is now turning Iran’s long-feared “ring of fire” strategy back against the regime itself, leveraging advanced intelligence and precision strikes on Iranian soil. Praising the Intelligence Directorate, Zamir described their operations as “historic,” asserting they are reshaping the Middle East. Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder detailed recent successful hits on Quds Force leaders and hidden regime headquarters, including the elimination of top commanders within hours of relocating. Israel vows to accelerate the campaign, signaling zero tolerance for continued threats. Click here to read more.

     

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