by NETPRAETOR | May 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Cpl. Iyer Ramakrishna | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.”
— Rudyard Kipling
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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US special operators due for changes in doctrine and tactical units, top defense official says
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The Pentagon is revamping its special operations doctrine to better align with Indo-Pacific priorities and modern threats, according to Colby Jenkins, acting assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict. Speaking at the 2025 Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Jenkins emphasized a shift toward more agile, cyber-capable teams and called for integrating AI and sharpening core skills without compromising SOF’s warrior ethos. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the importance of maintaining elite physical standards, while the broader strategy reflects a global posture review and evolving missions like border security and counter-cartel operations. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Figma’s CEO on his new approach to AI
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Figma CEO Dylan Field unveiled the company’s largest product expansion to date at Config 2025, announcing new AI-powered tools including a prototyping assistant, website builder, ad design platform, and Adobe Illustrator competitor. In a conversation with journalist Alex Heath, Field explained how Figma has rethought its AI integration strategy after a rocky start last year, now emphasizing design quality and user control. While he declined to comment on IPO plans, Field framed the expansion as a strategic move to make Figma a comprehensive platform for the creative industry, directly challenging incumbents like Adobe and Canva. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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How Christians Marked VE Day in 1945
- Eighty years after VE Day, the Christian response to Victory in Europe on May 8, 1945, remains a powerful reminder of faith amid global conflict, with church bells ringing for the first time in five years and services of thanksgiving held across the UK. King George VI, a devout Christian, led the nation in prayer and reflection, emphasizing gratitude and the need for peace. Churches welcomed the end of war with both celebration and solemn calls for reconciliation, ultimately helping lay moral foundations for post-war recovery, including hosting the first UN meeting. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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North Korean ‘IT worker scams’ take on female personas, expand to Europe, Japan
- North Korea’s hacker group Nickel Tapestry is evolving its IT worker scams by impersonating female applicants and professionals from various Asian countries to evade detection, with new targets in Europe and Japan beyond the U.S. tech sector. According to Sophos, the group now uses generative AI to forge resumes and LinkedIn profiles, engages in prolonged Zoom sessions, and steals intellectual property for extortion after termination. These tactics, part of the broader “Wagemole” fraud campaign, are believed to fund the DPRK’s military and nuclear programs, prompting urgent calls for enhanced identity verification and insider threat monitoring by global employers. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Hamas cannot be contained, it must be completely dismantled – opinion
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Israel must fully dismantle Hamas—militarily, politically, and administratively—to secure its future and prevent Gaza from remaining a launchpad for future attacks, argue military experts Col. (res.) Gabi Siboni and Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Wiener. They advocate for a sustained IDF presence in captured zones, replacing the ineffective “raid method” with a model of territorial control, civilian separation, and humanitarian zones managed by vetted international bodies. These zones could enable voluntary emigration for those wishing to escape Hamas rule. The success or failure of this strategy, they warn, will send critical signals to Iran and its proxies. Click here to read more.
by NETPRAETOR | May 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“All for one, and one for all.”
— Alexandre Dumas
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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This 53-aircraft ‘elephant walk’ in Japan might be the largest we’ve ever seen
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In a massive show of force and readiness, 53 U.S. military aircraft and two Army Patriot missile batteries lined up on the runway at Kadena Air Base in Japan on May 6 for the largest and most diverse “elephant walk” in Air Force history. The display included 24 F-35As, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, six HH-60 Pave Hawks, drones, tankers, reconnaissance jets, electronic warfare aircraft, and even a submarine-hunting P-8 Poseidon. The exercise aimed to showcase joint-force interoperability and strategic deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the message that U.S. forces are unified, capable, and mission-ready. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Apple’s Eddy Cue: ‘You may not need an iPhone 10 years from now’
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Apple executive Eddy Cue warned that artificial intelligence could render the iPhone obsolete within a decade, comparing its potential decline to the iPod’s demise. Speaking during the Google Search antitrust remedies trial, Cue emphasized that major tech shifts like AI can unseat even dominant players, noting that Apple once had to “kill the golden goose” by ending the iPod. Despite the iPhone still generating over half of Apple’s revenue, Cue described AI as a transformative force likely to redefine how people interact with technology. He hinted that future AI-powered wearables, such as glasses or AirPods, could eventually replace the smartphone. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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The New Pope Has Been Revealed – Pope Leo XIV
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born member of the Augustinian order and naturalized Peruvian citizen, has been elected pope and will serve as Pope Leo XIV—the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday, signaling the end of the papal conclave and prompting jubilant cheers from the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. In his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity, peace, and bridge-building, speaking in Italian and Spanish and invoking Catholic teachings on social justice. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away in April. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Your old router is likely to hide cybercriminals – FBI urges replacing it
- The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting outdated Linksys routers—specifically 13 end-of-life models—to proxy their attacks and conceal their true locations. The attackers are deploying TheMoon malware, which requires no password, uses open ports to infect devices, and enables proxy services for criminal activity like cryptocurrency theft and illegal contracting. The FBI urges users to replace unsupported routers, disable remote administration, apply security updates, and use strong passwords to reduce risk. Suspected breaches should be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Iran’s hidden nuclear facility uncovered by satellite imagery – report
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New satellite images obtained by Fox News reveal a covert Iranian nuclear weapons facility in Semnan Province, disguised as a chemical company named “Diba Energy Siba.” Spanning over 2,500 acres and operational for more than a decade, the site—code-named the “Rainbow Site”—is reportedly focused on extracting tritium, a radioactive isotope used to boost nuclear weapons. The revelation comes days before a new round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks and follows Iran’s recent assertion that it has a right to fully control the nuclear fuel cycle under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Click here to read more.
by NETPRAETOR | May 7, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“In war, truth is the first casualty.”
— Aeschylus
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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China’s PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Appears To Have Been Used In Combat For The First Time
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The escalating air conflict between India and Pakistan has likely seen the first operational use of China’s advanced PL-15 air-to-air missile by Pakistani forces, with debris reportedly found in Indian territory. Pakistan claims to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including a Rafale fighter, though confirmations remain murky amid conflicting accounts and propaganda. Meanwhile, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror-linked sites across Pakistani territory using BrahMos cruise missiles, asserting preemptive action following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir. With civilian casualties mounting on both sides, and each accusing the other of aggression, tensions between the nuclear-armed nations are dangerously high. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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OpenAI and the FDA Are Holding Talks About Using AI In Drug Evaluation
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The FDA has been meeting with OpenAI and others to explore how AI could help streamline drug approvals, including a possible tool called “cderGPT” to assist in scientific reviews. While the agency recently completed its first AI-assisted review, sources say broader ambitions include reducing drug review times and improving efficiency using generative AI from OpenAI, Meta, and others. Former and current officials emphasize the importance of safeguards and clarity around AI model performance and data training. OpenAI has yet to comment, and no contracts have been signed, but the collaboration could mark a significant shift in regulatory science. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Christian Leaders Call for Global Prayer as India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates
- As India and Pakistan edge closer to war following deadly airstrikes and mounting rhetoric, Christian leaders are calling on believers worldwide to fast and pray for peace. Citing terrorism, water disputes, and decades-old religious tensions as drivers of the crisis, church leaders in Pakistan, including Bishop Nadeem Kamran and Reuben Qamar, warned that war would only bring destruction and suffering. American theologian Albert Mohler highlighted the religious roots of the divide, dating back to the 1947 partition. As tensions escalate, the global church is being urged to respond with unified prayer. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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REAL ID is ‘giant bullseye for every hacker in the world,’ security expert warns
- As the May 7th REAL ID deadline arrives, U.S. travelers must now show the federally standardized ID for domestic flights and access to federal facilities. While intended to boost security and streamline identity checks through facial recognition, experts warn it also consolidates biometric and biographic data into a massive database, making it a tempting target for hackers and a potential surveillance risk. Proponents say REAL ID enhances trust and lays the groundwork for secure digital identity, but critics stress the need for transparency, opt-out options, and user control. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Police thwart Iranian plot to target London’s Israeli embassy – report
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British authorities foiled an alleged Iranian terror plot targeting the Israeli embassy in London, arresting eight individuals—seven of whom are Iranian nationals—just hours before they were reportedly set to launch an attack, according to The Telegraph. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called it “one of the biggest counterterror operations in recent years.” One of the suspects is said to have strong ties to the Iranian regime, with family reportedly operating major businesses in Iran. All were detained under the UK’s National Security Act 2023. Iran’s foreign ministry has denied involvement. Click here to read more.
by NETPRAETOR | May 6, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“Strength respects strength.”
-Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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India Strikes, Pakistan Responds (Updated)
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India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking nine alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir in retaliation for an April 22 attack that killed 26 people. India framed the strikes as “measured” and non-escalatory, avoiding military or civilian targets, but Pakistan condemned them as an “act of war,” claiming civilian deaths and launching retaliatory attacks. Unconfirmed reports claim downed Indian aircraft and casualties, while India has neither confirmed nor denied losses. A state of emergency has been declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and airspace has been closed amid rising tensions. Global leaders, including the U.N. Secretary-General, are calling for restraint to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed nations. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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IBM CEO pushes into AI market, seeks increased US investment
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IBM unveiled new tools on Tuesday aimed at helping businesses manage and integrate multiple AI agents, including those from providers like Salesforce, Workday, and Adobe. CEO Arvind Krishna said IBM sees an opportunity to support customers in combining and customizing AI capabilities across platforms, offering tools that allow companies to create their own AI agents in under five minutes using IBM’s Granite models or those from Meta and Mistral. With $6 billion already generated from generative AI, IBM is positioning itself as a key player for clients using multi-cloud or on-premise infrastructure. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Duffy hangs replica of controversial USMMA Jesus painting in DOT office: ‘It looks beautiful’
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Tuesday that he has hung a replica of the 1944 painting Christ on the Water in his Department of Transportation office, following controversy over the artwork’s removal from a prominent position at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The original painting by Hunter A. Wood, which depicts Jesus saving sailors at sea, had hung in Wiley Hall for 76 years before being relocated to a basement chapel after a complaint from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Duffy’s call to “bring Jesus up from the basement” received enthusiastic support from midshipmen, prompting him to display the painting himself and advocate for its restoration. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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A massive Chinese phishing cartel unveiled: 2 million SMSes sent daily
- A Chinese cybercrime group is behind a vast SMS phishing operation using a tool called “Panda Shop” to send up to 720 million smishing messages annually via Apple iMessage, Google RCS, and SMS. The toolkit, offered as a crime-as-a-service on Telegram, enables identity theft and credit card fraud by impersonating major brands and collecting victims’ data through spoofed websites. Researchers link the group to the Smishing Triad and say its operators, based in China, act without fear of U.S. law enforcement. The operation highlights how geopolitical tensions hinder effective countermeasures. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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IDF strikes shut down Sanaa International airport
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The IDF conducted a series of airstrikes on Tuesday across Yemen, targeting Sanaa International Airport, power stations, and infrastructure such as the al-Imran cement factory used by the Houthis for tunnel construction. These strikes, coordinated with ongoing U.S. operations, marked Israel’s seventh such operation since July 2024 and came in response to a recent Houthi ballistic missile attack near Ben-Gurion Airport. Notably, the IDF issued a rare pre-strike warning to civilians at the airport, underscoring the sensitivity of the location. Click here to read more.
by NETPRAETOR | May 5, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fabian Ortiz | Imagery Disclaimer
Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.
“The only constant in life is change.”
— Heraclitus
I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Electronic Warfare Lessons From Ukraine Informing Air Force Special Operations Future
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Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is rethinking training, technology, and acquisition strategies based on hard-won lessons from Ukraine’s high-intensity conflict, particularly around operating in electronic warfare-heavy environments. AFSOC aims to ensure its personnel and aircraft can function in GPS-denied zones, emphasizing the need for resilient communication and navigation tools. The command is also reevaluating its procurement philosophy—shifting from rigid “programs of record” to more agile “programs of capability”—enabling faster adaptation to rapidly evolving battlefield tech. It is focusing on flexible, modular systems with open architecture to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure quick software-driven upgrades, while exploring cheaper, expendable systems for some missions. The overarching goal is to remain adaptable, resilient, and combat-relevant in a potential future conflict with a great power like China. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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US tariffs vs EU regulations: What’s next for big tech?
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Big tech companies are increasingly caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between the United States and the European Union, with escalating tariffs and strict regulations forcing them to make tough choices about supply chains, compliance, and global strategy. While Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies have spurred a scramble to shift manufacturing from China to India and Vietnam, the EU’s expanding regulatory regime—especially around digital markets and artificial intelligence—is also putting immense pressure on innovation and operational freedom. Attempting to satisfy both sides risks security vulnerabilities and production disruptions, leaving tech giants with no easy path forward. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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‘We’re Getting Baptized!’ 7,752 Declare New Life in Christ, Including Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano
- In what organizers call a “spiritual awakening,” thousands of Christians gathered on Huntington Beach this past Saturday for Baptize California, a record-setting event where 7,752 people were baptized in a single day. Building on last year’s momentum, nearly 500 churches came together to witness nearly 30,000 worshipers celebrate their faith, including testimonies of healing, restoration, and redemption—like that of former mobster Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Pastor Mark Francey, who led the effort, says this is just the beginning, with plans to launch Baptize America on June 8, 2025. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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Year of the Twin Dragons: Developers Must Slay the Complexity and Security Issues of AI Coding Tools
- As generative AI tools like ChatGPT accelerate software development, they’re also introducing unprecedented levels of code complexity and security vulnerabilities—especially when used without proper oversight. Although these tools increase coding speed, studies show they often create flawed or insecure code, which many developers fail to properly vet. This rapid code churn, coupled with rising copy-paste practices, is inflating long-term maintenance costs and exposing organizations to greater risks. Experts argue the solution lies in upskilling developers with hands-on security training, instilling a security-first culture, and prioritizing early intervention in the software development lifecycle. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Israel, US joint counterstriking Houthis in Yemen following Ben-Gurion Airport hit
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Israel and the United States launched a major joint airstrike against Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday night, following a ballistic missile attack near Ben-Gurion Airport. Nearly 20 Israeli Air Force jets dropped around 50 munitions on key Houthi sites, including the Hodeidah seaport and a concrete factory used for tunnel construction. This marks Israel’s sixth strike on the Houthis since July 2024 and underscores a shift in strategy as previous U.S.-led strikes alone have not deterred Houthi aggression. Click here to read more.
