THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

by | Sep 15, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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.

  • British P-8 Poseidon Flies Unusual Overland Mission Along Polish Border

  • 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.

  • Apple iOS 26 update, new Apple Intelligence features, rolls out today

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • IDF invasion of Gaza City erupts as Palestinians report tanks in heart of the Strip

  • 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.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

by | Sep 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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.

  • Our Hearts Feel Even Heavier Than Usual on This 9/11 Anniversary

  • 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.

  • Gmail is launching a tab for all your Amazon purchases

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Growing assessment that no senior Hamas officials killed in Doha, Israeli official tells ‘Post’

  • 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.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/9/25

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

by | Sep 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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.

  • Israel Executes Unprecedented Strike On Hamas Leadership In Qatar (Updated)

  • 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.

  • Apple “Awe Dropping” event introduces the “slimmer than slim” all new iPhone Air and much more

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Hamas assassination op. in Qatar will aid hostage deal talks, Israeli officials claim

  • 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.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

by | Sep 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Navy Seaman Andrew Eggert | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Make no mistake about it, what you’re doing right now, it’s not training. This is the real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America.”

 

— Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Top U.S. Military Leaders Visit Puerto Rico As Caribbean Operations Aimed At Venezuela Heat Up

  • Top U.S. military leaders, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, visited Puerto Rico as tensions rise with Venezuela and operations in the Caribbean intensify. Puerto Rico is serving as a key staging ground for equipment and personnel as the Trump administration targets Venezuelan-backed drug cartels, labeling leader Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist.” During the visit, Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers and toured the USS Iwo Jima, part of ongoing amphibious exercises involving 4,500 Marines and sailors. The deployment includes MQ-9 Reaper drones, warships, and F-35 fighter jets, signaling a strong show of force amid increased cartel-related strikes and growing confrontations with Venezuelan forces. While officials maintain the mission focuses on counter-narcotics, analysts believe it sends a broader message to Maduro’s regime. Click here to read more.

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

  • Google admits the open web is in ‘rapid decline’

  • In a recent court filing, Google admitted that “the open web is already in rapid decline,” contradicting its public claims that search traffic is healthy and expanding. The statement came as part of Google’s defense against a U.S. Department of Justice proposal to break up its advertising business, which the company argues would further harm publishers reliant on open-web display ads. Google later clarified that it was referring specifically to open-web display advertising, not the open web overall, citing shifting investments toward connected TV, retail media, and other formats. Still, publishers report declining traffic linked to Google’s search algorithm changes and the rise of AI-powered summaries, despite Google insisting it continues to drive “billions of clicks” daily. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Latest Blood Moon Sparks End Times Reflection and Talk of Biblical Prophecy

  • A blood moon over the weekend has reignited conversations among Christians about biblical prophecy and the end times. While total lunar eclipses like this occur naturally about once every two to three years per location, many believers cite verses from Joel, Revelation, Matthew, and Acts linking blood moons to significant prophetic events. Pastor John Hagee and others see potential divine signals, referencing historical “tetrads” connected to major milestones in Jewish history, while theologians like Albert Mohler urge caution, emphasizing Scripture over astronomical speculation. This latest blood moon was the second in a series of four consecutive eclipses, fueling renewed debate over their spiritual meaning. Click here to read more.

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

  • China is blurring the lines between civilian AI and military power

  • China is increasingly integrating civilian AI technologies into its military infrastructure, blurring the lines between commercial innovation and defense applications, according to a recent CSET report. Everyday tools like voice recognition apps, drones, and satellite mapping software are being adapted for battlefield use, enabling functions like surveillance, swarm coordination, and missile targeting. Over 1,500 Chinese organizations, including startups, universities, and tech giants like iFlytek and PIESAT, have secured PLA contracts since 2023. Because many of these companies remain unsanctioned, they still access Western chips, research, and academic partnerships, raising concerns about potential technology leakage. The U.S. faces a dilemma between tightening controls to protect sensitive innovations and avoiding stifling its own AI development. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza,’ UK government concludes

  • The UK government has officially concluded that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, marking a significant shift from its previous stance that only international courts could determine such matters. In a letter dated September 1, Deputy Prime Minister and then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that while the humanitarian situation is “utterly appalling,” Israel’s actions do not meet the Genocide Convention’s threshold, which requires a “specific intent to destroy” a protected group. The decision follows the International Court of Justice’s assessment, which warned of genocide risks but has not ruled Israel in breach. Critics, including former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, accused the government of quietly releasing the ruling, while Lammy also emphasized maintaining the UK’s role in the global F-35 defense program, despite halting direct F-35 parts exports to Israel. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/5/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/5/25

by | Sep 5, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army National Guard Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs
| Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We are the War Department.”

 

— Pentagon’s official X account

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Trump signs executive order renaming Defense Department the Department of War

  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the U.S. Department of Defense back to its original title, the Department of War, marking a symbolic shift in military posture. Joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, Trump said the move reflects a “warrior ethos” and an emphasis on “offense, not just defense.” While it’s unclear if Congress must approve the change, Republican lawmakers have introduced the Department of War Restoration Act to make it permanent. The Pentagon has already begun updating communications and titles, including renaming Hegseth’s role to “Secretary of War.” Supporters argue the change restores historical tradition, while critics question its necessity and legality. Click here to read more.

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

  • What would actually make the Apple Watch better?

  • As Apple prepares for its next big event, questions remain about how the Apple Watch can evolve after a decade of dominance. While it remains the world’s most popular smartwatch, shipments fell 19% year-over-year in 2024, marking five straight quarters of decline due to fewer compelling upgrades, limited model choices, and decreased consumer demand. To regain momentum, industry watchers suggest integrating advanced AI features, similar to moves by Samsung and Google, could unlock new possibilities in health tracking, personalization, and productivity. However, Apple faces the challenge of introducing meaningful innovations that make upgrading worthwhile without compromising the watch’s simplicity and usability. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Zach Williams Says ‘People Are Gonna Hate You for Loving God’ But That’s OK

  • Christian artist Zach Williams is preparing to release his deeply personal new album Jesus Loves on September 19, featuring 12 tracks that speak to “renegades, rebels, and runaways” while reminding listeners that God’s love is unconditional. One of the standout songs, Hate, emphasizes that “being loved by the world is overrated” and encourages believers to stay true to their faith even when facing rejection. Inspired by John 15:18, Williams says he’d “rather be hated for loving Jesus” than compromise his values, as the gospel’s message extends to everyone regardless of their past. The album also serves as an invitation to misfits, prodigals, and churchgoers alike, offering hope and restoration. Williams will kick off a fall tour on October 1 alongside We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford. Click here to read more.

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

  • Spotify users are freaking out as song sharing exposes identities: “That’s craaaaaaazzzzzzyyyyyyyy”

  • Spotify users are expressing outrage after discovering that the platform’s new direct messaging feature exposes their identities when sharing songs. Unique tracking links tied to users’ accounts have revealed connections even across platforms like Discord, leading to fears of doxxing and unwanted exposure. Some users reported that Spotify backfilled years of link-sharing history, potentially linking anonymous profiles to real names, photos, and friends. While many are hiding profile details or changing display names, Spotify has yet to provide an opt-out option, and privacy experts warn that user data could still remain vulnerable. Cybernews advises disabling the messaging feature, removing personal information, and switching to aliases for added safety. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump says US in ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas, urges release of hostages

  • President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. is in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas, urging the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza while warning of “tough” consequences if they are not freed. Alongside these talks, Trump signed an executive order enabling Washington to designate countries as state sponsors of wrongful detention, imposing sanctions, export controls, and travel bans on offenders. The policy targets nations like China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia, aiming to curb “hostage diplomacy” and secure the return of Americans held abroad. Officials revealed that the administration has already brought home 72 detained Americans this year and hopes the new measures will create strong pressure for compliance. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/4/25

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

by | Sep 4, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Senior Airman Sarah Williams | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“A rocket-armed F-15E has the ability to provide a much more persistent counter-air screen with a huge magazine depth against drones and some cruise missile types.”

 

— Joseph Trevithick

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

  • F-15E Strike Eagle Fires Drone Killing Laser-Guided Rockets In New Images

  • Newly released images show a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle firing air-to-air optimized APKWS II rockets, marking a major step in its counter-drone and cruise missile capabilities. With the ability to carry up to 42 of the low-cost, laser-guided rockets alongside traditional missiles, the Strike Eagle is evolving into a powerful “weapons truck” for persistent defense. This air-to-air variant, dubbed AGR-20F or FALCO, uses specialized guidance and a proximity fuze to intercept drones at a fraction of the cost of AMRAAMs or Sidewinders. The system, already combat-proven in the Middle East, could expand to other U.S. aircraft and may soon feature dual-mode guidance for even greater flexibility. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI to launch new jobs platform, and promises to teach you the AI skills to get hired on it

  • OpenAI is launching a new Jobs Board and Certification program aimed at preparing Americans for AI-driven careers, with a goal to upskill 10 million people by 2030. The initiative, part of OpenAI’s “Expanding Economic Opportunity with AI” effort, will help companies find AI-fluent candidates while offering training through the OpenAI Academy. Certifications will cover all levels of AI skills, from basic workplace tools to advanced roles like prompt engineering, and can be integrated into employer training programs. Partners including Walmart, John Deere, and Accenture will support the rollout, reflecting a broad push to make AI literacy accessible and connect workers to emerging opportunities. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Daily Bible Reading Linked to Strong Self-Identity among Americans, Study Finds

  • A new study by the American Bible Society finds that daily Bible reading is strongly linked to a sense of self-identity among Americans. Based on interviews with 2,656 adults, 69% of daily Bible readers reported a strong sense of who they are, compared to just 38% of those who rarely or never read Scripture. Researchers attribute this to the Bible’s teachings on human identity, emphasizing being created in God’s image, redeemed in Christ, and valued as God’s masterpiece. The report also notes that occasional Bible readers, such as those reading only once a month, show weaker self-identity, suggesting consistent engagement with Scripture reinforces confidence in faith and personal values. Click here to read more.

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

  • Everyone can find your car, phone or other WiFi: what can you do about it?

  • Your WiFi and Bluetooth devices are constantly broadcasted and mapped by public services like Wigle.net and major tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, allowing anyone to track your location using MAC/BSSID identifiers, signal strength, and historic data. This includes phones, cars, and other smart devices, and even devices with some privacy protections can be located through WPS (WiFi Positioning System) and public APIs. To reduce exposure, users can rename WiFi networks to include _nomap, disable WiFi/Bluetooth when not in use, upgrade to WPA3 encryption, and periodically randomize MAC/BSSIDs; advanced users can configure routers to randomize identifiers at boot or when moved. While complete privacy is nearly impossible, these steps can significantly limit tracking risks. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel Is not committing genocide: Exposing the distortion of law and truth – opinion

  • Despite repeated accusations, Israel’s military actions in Gaza do not meet the legal definition of genocide, which requires specific intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Experts Arsen Ostrovsky and John Spencer argue that Israel is acting in self-defense against Hamas, targeting the group’s military and governing structures while taking extensive measures to minimize civilian harm and facilitate humanitarian aid. Civilian suffering, they note, results largely from Hamas’s tactics, including the use of human shields, and does not indicate genocidal intent. Mislabeling Israel’s operations as genocide, they warn, undermines international law, trivializes real genocides, and politically shields Hamas from accountability. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/3/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/3/25

by | Sep 3, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / lloyd-horgan | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We demonstrated that the Apache continues to be relevant and effective in the face of evolving UAS threats.”

 

— Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York

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

  • Apache helicopters can still deliver, Army says after anti-drone demo

  • The U.S. Army demonstrated that AH-64E Apache helicopters remain effective against modern threats, successfully defeating various drones during a recent drill in North Carolina. The exercise highlighted the Apache’s ability to detect, track, and destroy unmanned aerial systems, offering mobile and flexible counter-drone options where ground-based systems are limited. Despite growing global interest in cheaper unmanned platforms, the Army maintains that Apaches provide critical capabilities, rapidly deploying into threatened areas. The demonstration comes as allies like Poland prepare to integrate the helicopter into their forces, underscoring its continued relevance on the modern battlefield. Click here to read more.

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

  • This Robot Only Needs a Single AI Model to Master Humanlike Movements

  • Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas has taken a major step forward, learning to walk and manipulate objects using a single AI model. Developed with the Toyota Research Institute, the model integrates visual, proprioceptive, and language inputs, allowing Atlas to perform coordinated leg and arm movements naturally. Remarkably, the robot demonstrates emergent behaviors, like instinctively recovering dropped items, without explicit training. Researchers compare this to breakthroughs in large language models, suggesting robots could soon generalize skills across diverse tasks—from household chores to industrial work—without extensive retraining. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Portland Pastor Says God ‘Is Moving’ in the Secular Stronghold

  • In Portland, a city often seen as one of America’s most secular, over 3,200 people reportedly turned to Christ during the PDX Crusade this summer, attended by 35,000 people. Led by Pastor Brett Meador of Athey Creek Church, the multi-session event featured worship from major Christian artists and mobilized nearly 3,900 volunteers to pray with attendees. Despite Portland’s reputation for chaos and moral decline, Meador says there is a growing openness to the gospel, describing signs of a spiritual awakening similar to those in California. The crusade aimed to connect new believers with local churches, reflecting strategies from the historic Billy Graham Crusades. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers threaten to feed data to AI if their demands aren’t met

  • The artist-platform Artists & Clients has been hit by a ransomware attack from the group LunaLock, which is demanding $50,000 in exchange for deleting stolen data and allowing users to decrypt their files. The hackers threatened to release sensitive user information—including artwork, messages, and payment details—to the public or submit it to AI companies for training datasets if the ransom isn’t paid. While users are concerned about both their personal data and creative work, many are taking precautions like changing emails, updating passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. The attack highlights growing risks to digital creators amid the rise of AI-driven content platforms. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump: ‘IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages’

  • President Donald Trump demanded on Truth Social that Hamas immediately release all 20 presumed-living hostages, warning that partial releases would not suffice and asserting, “IT WILL END!” His statement focused only on those believed alive, while the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged him to secure the return of all 48 hostages, including those killed during captivity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly supports Trump’s stance against partial deals, emphasizing the need for a full resolution. Families of hostages staged a symbolic protest in Tel Aviv, urging the U.S. to leverage its influence to bring the captives home. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/2/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/2/25

by | Sep 2, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / BlueBarronPhoto | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For where no law is, there is no freedom.”

 

— John Locke

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

  • U.S. Strikes Venezuelan Drug Boat In The Southern Caribbean (Updated)

  • The U.S. military has carried out its first lethal strike against a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 suspected members of the Tren de Aragua cartel, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization. President Trump confirmed the operation, sharing declassified video of the strike and warning other traffickers to “beware.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the targeted vessel was following a common smuggling route and indicated that more operations will follow. This marks a major escalation in U.S. counter-narcotics efforts in the region since warships were deployed earlier this year. Click here to read more.

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

  • Google gets to keep Chrome, judge rules in search antitrust case

  • A federal judge has ruled that Google can keep its Chrome browser despite being found guilty of illegally monopolizing online search, rejecting the Justice Department’s push for a breakup. Instead, Judge Amit Mehta ordered Google to share some search data with rivals and barred it from making exclusive distribution deals, while still allowing it to pay partners like Apple and Mozilla for default placement. The decision marks the most significant antitrust remedies ruling against a tech giant in decades, though critics argue it fails to meaningfully curb Google’s dominance. Google now has the chance to appeal, with the case potentially headed to the Supreme Court. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Jesus: The most ambitious person to ever walk the Earth

  • In this op-ed, Russ Ewell reflects on the dangers of selfish ambition and contrasts it with what he calls “spiritual ambition,” embodied perfectly by Jesus. While selfish ambition leads to brokenness, insecurity, and disorder, Jesus’ ambition was rooted in love and God’s glory, aiming to save the world through humility and sacrifice. Ewell urges readers to follow Christ’s model by rejecting self-centered pursuits, embracing quiet and humble leadership, and devoting energy to building character and serving others. True ambition, he argues, is found in glorifying God and seeking healing for both ourselves and the world. Click here to read more.

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

  • PA Attorney General hit by ransomware attack, data impacted still a mystery as court delays continue

  • Nearly three weeks after a ransomware attack crippled the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, officials say network restoration is underway but remain silent on what data may have been compromised. The breach forced 1,200 staff across 17 offices to switch to manual workarounds, delayed some court cases, and knocked out email, phones, and the agency’s website. While Attorney General Dave Sunday confirmed no ransom has been paid and prosecutions remain on track, concerns linger over whether sensitive legal files were accessed. The full scope of the attack and its impact on state systems is still unclear. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Remnants of Houthi leadership’ are fleeing Sanaa, abandoning residents, Katz says

  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that senior Houthi leaders are fleeing Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, for fortified hideouts in Saada, Amran, and other areas under their control, following deadly Israeli airstrikes. Katz accused the Houthis of abandoning residents to protect themselves, comparing their actions to Hamas leaders in Gaza and Qatar. Reports from Asharq al-Awsat confirm that top officials, including Mohammed Ali al-Houthi and Abdul Karim al-Houthi, have recently disappeared from the capital, with families evacuated by bus amid fears of further strikes. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 8/29/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 8/29/25

by | Aug 29, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Photo Illustration by Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth
| Imagery Disclaimer

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

“There are known knowns… known unknowns… and unknown unknowns.”

 

— Donald Rumsfeld

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

  • New Pentagon Task Force Aims To Accelerate Drone Defense At Home And Abroad

  • The Pentagon has stood up Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) to accelerate counter-drone (C-sUAS) development and fielding, giving its director procurement authority (up to $50M per effort), consolidating RDT&E, absorbing “Replicator 2,” and pulling the Army’s C-sUAS University at Fort Sill under its wing—with a test/training range to be designated in 30 days and a 36-month review set. Framed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as “speed over process,” the push comes amid rising small-UAS threats at home and abroad, but persistent legal limits—especially in the U.S. homeland—still constrain kinetic defenses, keeping the near-term focus on electronic and cyber “soft-kill” options. Click here to read more.

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

  • What’s really happening with the hires at Meta Superintelligence Labs

  • Meta’s “Superintelligence Labs” hiring swirl looks less like an exodus and more like a reorg-and-pause: despite splashy reports, only one active member of the elite “TBD Lab” has departed, two never started, and other exits came from elsewhere in the broader org. After a costly Scale AI stake and a wave of marquee hires (many from OpenAI), Meta has imposed a temporary, budget-planning hiring freeze—exceptions for “business critical” roles—while restructuring around four teams: the small, high-visibility TBD Lab (training/scaling frontier models), FAIR as an innovation feeder, Products & Applied Research to tie research to user features, and MSL Infra for GPUs, data, and tooling. Leadership insists investment is ramping, with some model efforts (like Behemoth) sidelined in favor of newer runs as Meta chases superintelligence with consumer-first goals. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • J.D. Vance Defends Prayer after MSNBC Host Mocks Christians Responding to Church Shooting

  • Vice President J.D. Vance rebuked MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki after she dismissed “thoughts and prayers” following the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that killed two children and injured 17. Vance argued prayer is a source of comfort and a catalyst for action, asking why anyone would attack people for praying amid grief. Current White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also called Psaki’s remarks insensitive to millions of believers, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the moment required more than prayers, noting the victims were praying when attacked. Authorities say the suspected shooter, 23-year-old Robin (Robert) Westman, died by suicide at the scene; motives remain unknown as investigators execute multiple search warrants and recover additional firearms. Click here to read more.

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

  • Taco Bell AI drive-thru rollout stalls after trolls order 18,000 water cups

  • Taco Bell’s voice-AI drive-thru pilot—live in 500+ stores since 2023 with over 2 million orders—hit a snag after a viral troll ordered 18,000 water cups, exposing reliability gaps and prompting the chain to rethink rollout. Chief Digital Officer Dane Matthews says Taco Bell is shifting to “hybrid” lanes where staff monitor and jump in during peak times, using AI as assistive support rather than full automation. The episode spotlights both the promise of faster service and the pitfalls of prankable, imperfect AI at the speaker box. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF invasion of Gaza City could be on the way, military ends protection for aid groups in area

  • The IDF signaled a major escalation on Friday by declaring Gaza City a “full-fledged war zone,” ending the special protection it had granted humanitarian groups in the area for the past month. While localized ceasefires remain in place in al-Muwasi and parts of central and southern Gaza, the move suggests an invasion of Gaza City may be imminent. The military has been urging civilians to evacuate with limited success, as it intensifies operations across the Strip—eliminating Hamas operatives, destroying command posts, and consolidating control in Khan Yunis. This shift marks a possible turning point in Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 8/28/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 8/28/25

by | Aug 28, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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.

“To conquer the command of the air means victory; to be beaten in the air means defeat and acceptance of whatever terms the enemy may be pleased to impose.”

 

— Giulio Douhet

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

  • YFQ-42 ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft Has Flown For The First Time

  • General Atomics’ YFQ-42A “fighter drone” has completed its first flight, marking a major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Developed in just 16 months from contract to flight, the YFQ-42A—derived from the XQ-67A experimental drone—will compete with Anduril’s YFQ-44A, which is slated to begin testing soon. The Air Force plans to choose between the two designs for Increment 1 production in FY2026, with an initial buy of 100–150 drones and a long-term goal of fielding over 1,000 CCAs. Seen as essential for future conflicts, especially against China, the program aims to expand reach, flexibility, and lethality through human-machine teaming. Click here to read more.

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

  • Microsoft AI launches its first in-house models

  • Microsoft has unveiled its first in-house AI models: MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview. The MAI-Voice-1 speech model can generate a minute of audio in under a second using just one GPU and already powers features like Copilot Daily’s AI news recaps and podcast-style explainers. Users can also try it in Copilot Labs, adjusting voice and speaking style. Meanwhile, MAI-1-preview—trained on 15,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs—offers a text-based model for following instructions and providing helpful responses, giving a glimpse of Microsoft’s future consumer-focused AI inside Copilot. The company says its goal is to build specialized models tailored to everyday users rather than solely enterprise cases. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Christian Leaders React to Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

  • After the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and 17 wounded, Christian leaders across denominations responded with grief, prayer, and calls to trust God in suffering. Pastor Greg Laurie called the attack “pure evil,” answering the shooter’s mocking question, “Where is your God?” with Psalm 34:18: “God is with the suffering.” Franklin Graham urged prayer for grieving families and the wounded, while Pope Leo XIV sent condolences and an apostolic blessing to the community. Pastors Jack Graham and Samuel Rodriguez also pointed to God’s presence in tragedy, with Graham sharing his own experience of loss and Rodriguez pledging to “double down on prayer” for children’s protection. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hundreds of Swedish municipalities and regions are down because of a cyberattack

  • A massive ransomware attack on Swedish IT provider Miljödata has crippled services across roughly 200 municipalities and regions, exposing large amounts of sensitive personal data, including medical records, rehabilitation plans, and workplace injury reports. Impacted areas include Region Gotland, Halland, Kalmar, Umeå, Luleå, Kiruna, and others. Authorities say systems were isolated to contain the breach, while police and the Swedish data protection authority investigate. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirmed the government’s involvement and hinted at a forthcoming cybersecurity law to tighten requirements. No group has claimed responsibility, though attackers are reportedly demanding 1.5 bitcoin (~€144,000). Click here to read more.

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

  • WATCH: Smotrich outlines plan to defeat Hamas, end Gaza war by 2026

  • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich laid out a hardline plan to defeat Hamas and end the Gaza war by 2026, insisting “the state of Israel will not surrender to Hamas.” At a press conference, he said victory requires isolating Hamas from “their weapons, their money, their people, and their land,” while tightening the IDF’s control on the ground. Smotrich called for an ultimatum—Hamas must surrender by releasing hostages, disarming, and exiling leaders, or face continued war. He further urged permanent Israeli control of Gaza, including a security perimeter and “voluntary immigration.” He framed the strategy as essential for Israel’s security, justice for victims, and the defense of the Western world. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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