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.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/18/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/18/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Cpl. Landon Lingle | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

 

-Thomas Jefferson

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

  • Loose Nukes In Iran Is A Scenario U.S. Special Operators Have Been Training For

  • As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran, concerns grow over the security of Iran’s enriched uranium and nuclear assets—especially in the event of regime collapse or sudden dispersal. U.S. special operations forces, long trained for “loose nuke” scenarios, may be called into action to locate, secure, or destroy sensitive nuclear materials if needed. Elite units like Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, alongside nuclear disablement teams, are prepared for operations targeting hidden or underground nuclear facilities. These forces have been rehearsing such missions for years in anticipation of precisely this kind of crisis. Click here to read more.

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

  • Google tests real-time AI voice chats in Search

  • Google is testing Search Live, a new feature that allows real-time voice conversations with its Gemini AI directly within the Google Search app on Android and iOS. Currently available to Labs users in the U.S., the tool lets users ask spoken questions, receive audio responses, and view relevant links—all while continuing conversations across apps. Future updates will include camera integration, allowing users to point at objects and ask questions out loud. Users can also view transcripts or respond by typing, with conversations saved in their AI Mode history. The move positions Google alongside rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic in the race to build seamless AI voice interfaces. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • 6 reasons for Israel’s strike based on Just War Theory

  • A Christian analysis of Israel’s June 13 strike on Iran concludes that it satisfies the six criteria of Just War Theory, offering a moral framework for its justification. The operation had a just cause in Israel’s self-defense against Iran’s escalating threats and proxy aggression, particularly the nuclear threat. It showed right intention by focusing on disabling Iran’s nuclear weapons program rather than seeking revenge or conquest. The proportional objectives were clear: targeting military and nuclear infrastructure, not civilians. With Iran’s air defenses previously degraded, Israel had a reasonable chance of success. The attack was ordered by legitimate authority—Israel’s elected government—and came only after diplomatic efforts failed to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For Christians, the strike highlights both the tragic necessity of war in a fallen world and the ongoing call to pray for peace and reconciliation. Click here to read more.

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

  • Pro Israeli hacker group targets Iranian crypto exchange, destroys $90 million

  • As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, a pro-Israeli hacking group called Gonjeshke Darande (“Predatory Sparrow”) has claimed responsibility for destroying nearly $90 million in cryptocurrencies from Iran’s Nobitex exchange, allegedly to disrupt IRGC-linked financial activities. The hackers, believed to be linked to Israel, rendered the funds unrecoverable—effectively “burning” them—and threatened to leak the exchange’s source code. Nobitex, accused of aiding Iran’s sanctions evasion and supporting hostile groups like Hamas and the Houthis, has gone offline following the breach. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel proved the world wrong with IDF’s overwhelming might in Iran – what happens next? – analysis

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion has stunned the world by reasserting the IDF’s dominance, executing a complex and daring air campaign deep into Iran—long believed to be logistically and defensively out of reach. By reopening an aerial corridor through Syria and Iraq and decimating Iran’s air defenses, Israel achieved unprecedented air superiority, striking as far as Mashhad. Even more striking is Hezbollah’s near silence—crippled militarily and politically constrained, it did not respond with the expected barrage. Meanwhile, the targeted assassinations of key Iranian nuclear scientists dealt a critical blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, not just physically but intellectually, setting back the program for years. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/17/25

Image Credit: Gizem Gecim | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war… with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us… against a monstrous tyranny.”

 

-Winston Churchill

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

  • Speculation Mounts that US Could Join Iran War; Netanyahu Says Israel Changing ‘Face of the Middle East’

  • Amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Iran, speculation is mounting that the U.S. could join the conflict after President Trump abruptly left the G7 Summit and warned Iran that it “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel now controls the skies over Tehran and has destroyed a third of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers. Meanwhile, Iran is signaling a willingness to resume nuclear talks—if the U.S. stays out. As the conflict deepens, Israeli leaders claim they are reshaping the Middle East, while Christians urge prayer for Iran’s growing underground church. Click here to read more.

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

  • California is trying to regulate its AI giants — again

  • After vetoing California’s ambitious AI safety bill last year, Governor Gavin Newsom tasked experts with drafting an alternative—and now their new report proposes a sweeping framework to regulate powerful AI models. The “California Report on Frontier Policy” outlines 19 key recommendations, including third-party safety testing, whistleblower protections, and transparency mandates for AI developers. As Congress weighs a decade-long moratorium on state-level AI laws, the report pushes back, arguing California can lead in crafting smart, flexible oversight amid the risks of fast-evolving technologies. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Joe Rogan opens up about going to Christian church: ‘It’s really nice’

  • Joe Rogan has revealed he’s been regularly attending a non-denominational Christian church, describing the experience as “very nice” and filled with people simply trying to be better. On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, he confirmed his growing interest in faith, linking it with a broader personal transformation that includes quitting alcohol and embracing deeper spiritual conversations. His openness about exploring Christianity—combined with his candid take on the Resurrection and recent dialogue with Christian thinkers—reflects a growing curiosity about faith among public figures. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers are attacking some of the most popular TP-Link routers. Are you affected?

  • Hackers are actively exploiting a severe vulnerability in several popular TP-Link routers, prompting a warning from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The affected models—TL-WR940N (V2/V4), TL-WR841N (V8/V10), and TL-WR740N (V1/V2)—are widely used and still available online, but all are outdated and no longer receive security updates. The flaw, rated 8.8/10 in severity, allows attackers to inject commands remotely via the routers’ web interface. CISA urges users to stop using these models immediately, as proof-of-concept exploits are already circulating. Click here to read more.

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

  • US official to ‘Post’: It’s clear what Trump wants, he won’t hesitate to do what’s needed

  • The IDF has issued a stark evacuation warning for civilians in Tehran as tensions escalate and President Trump signals that the U.S. may join Israel in a full-scale strike against Iran’s nuclear program. According to The Jerusalem Post, Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and is prepared to launch a significant military operation—targeting sites like the deeply buried Fordow uranium facility—if Iran refuses a deal. While the U.S. mobilizes fighter jets and bombers across the Middle East, behind-the-scenes diplomacy is unfolding, with Oman and Qatar mediating potential talks. Tehran has reportedly sent messages indicating a willingness to negotiate, but Israeli officials believe Trump’s decision to act militarily has already been made. Click to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/11/25

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

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

“Force is never more operative than when it is known to exist but is not brandished.”

 

-Alfred Thayer Mahan

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

  • E-2 Hawkeye Replaces USAF E-3 Sentry, E-7 Cancelled In New Budget

  • In a major shift, the U.S. Air Force plans to replace its aging E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft not with the advanced E-7 Wedgetail as expected, but with the Navy’s smaller E-2D Hawkeye, according to the Trump administration’s new defense budget proposal. The surprising decision cancels the E-7 program—citing cost, timeline delays, and survivability concerns—and allocates $1.55 billion for joint-service E-2D deployment, including five aircraft by 2026. While the Hawkeye lacks the range, size, and scalability of the E-7, its ruggedness, lower cost, and potential for Agile Combat Employment may offer strategic benefits. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple Home is expanding its energy management features

  • While Apple’s WWDC keynote didn’t spotlight smart home updates, a new developer video quietly unveiled a major expansion: Apple Home is moving toward full energy management. With the introduction of EnergyKit in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, developers can now access real-time energy data—like usage, rates, and clean energy forecasts—to help devices like thermostats and EV chargers operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Though still limited, this positions Apple to eventually transform its Home app into a full-fledged home energy management system, signaling a bold shift toward smarter, greener living. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Jon Reddick’s No. 1 Hit ‘No Fear’ Became a Personal Anthem during His Wife’s Cancer Fight

  • Christian artist Jon Reddick’s chart-topping hit No Fear became more than just a song—it turned into a personal anthem during his wife’s battle with colon cancer. As the song climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, Reddick was living its message while facing fear and uncertainty, caring for his wife and their seven children. Now, the song resonates with fans walking through their own hardships, offering hope and strength through faith. Reddick credits God—and a timely push from Sheryl Crow—for keeping him in music to share that message. Click here to read more.

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

  • NIST touts 19 ways to build ‘off the shelf’ Zero Trust Architecture in new guidance

  • NIST has released new guidance showing how to build a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) using off-the-shelf commercial technologies, offering 19 real-world implementation examples in its latest publication, SP 1800-35. Developed over four years with industry partners, the guidance aims to help organizations move beyond outdated perimeter-based security models by adopting ZTA’s least-privilege, segmented access approach. Recognizing the complexity of modern networks—especially with cloud services and remote work—the guide serves as a practical, adaptable starting point for enterprises looking to secure their systems more effectively. Click here to read more.

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

  • US warns against attending UN conference on Israel-Palestinian two-state solution

  • The U.S. is warning allies against attending a UN conference next week focused on advancing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, labeling the gathering “counterproductive” and threatening diplomatic consequences for countries taking “anti-Israel actions” afterward. The move puts Washington at odds with France and Saudi Arabia, co-hosts of the event, where French President Macron has hinted at recognizing a Palestinian state. The U.S. maintains that unilateral recognition undermines peace efforts and could embolden Israel’s adversaries during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/10/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/10/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We shall not allow any enemy to develop weapons of mass destruction against the people of Israel.”

 

-Menachem Begin

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

  • Trump, Netanyahu Huddle as Iran Deadline Looms; Huckabee Counsels Religious Party Leaders

  • As tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a critical call ahead of a looming U.S. deadline for a deal. Trump warned that negotiations may fail, while Iran threatens retaliation if provoked. Amid this, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged ultra-Orthodox party leaders to consider the consequences of toppling Netanyahu’s government over military conscription reforms—suggesting such a move could usher in a more hostile, liberal leadership and destabilize Israel’s standing. Click here to read more.

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

  • “This feels like an SNL sketch:” users question how relevant Apple’s Workout Buddy really is

  • Apple’s new AI-powered “Workout Buddy” feature for watchOS 26, designed to deliver personalized motivational pep talks during exercise, is drawing mixed reactions—many of them skeptical. While Apple presented it as an inspiring enhancement, users online mocked it as unrealistic or outright annoying, with some likening the concept to a parody skit. Critics argue it disrupts workout focus, duplicates existing app features like Nike Run Club, and lacks practicality—especially for runners who leave their phones behind. For many, it seems more performative than helpful. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Nicole Scherzinger’s Pro-God, Pro-Life Speech Goes Viral After Her Big Tony Award Win

  • Nicole Scherzinger’s emotional acceptance speech at the Tony Awards for Best Lead Actress in Sunset Boulevard is going viral—not just for her win, but for boldly proclaiming her faith, gratitude for life, and pro-family convictions. Fighting back tears, she thanked God and her mother who chose life at 18, inspiring many with her message of hope and purpose. Scherzinger, who has long been outspoken about her Christian faith, encouraged others who feel like outsiders not to give up. Her unapologetic pro-God, pro-life stance is drawing praise—and some controversy—across social media. Click here to read more.

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

  • Spanish minister says private power firms slow to share information in blackout probe

  • Spain’s Energy Minister Sara Aagesen has criticized private power firms for slowing the flow of critical information needed to uncover the cause of a massive blackout that left around 60 million people in Spain and Portugal without electricity. While companies initially responded quickly, Aagesen says data is now trickling in slowly, hampering investigations that involve cybersecurity experts, intelligence services, and multiple probes. As speculation over the blackout’s cause grows, including possible cyberattacks or power plant failures, tensions mount between government agencies and energy providers. Click here to read more.

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

  • Huckabee: US no longer endorses Palestinian state, can be formed ‘elsewhere’ in Middle East

  • U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has sparked controversy by stating that the United States no longer fully supports the creation of a Palestinian state, suggesting it could instead be formed in other Middle Eastern countries due to “no room” in the West Bank. In an interview with Bloomberg, Huckabee said significant cultural changes would be required—changes he doubts will happen “in our lifetime.” He also criticized France’s push for a UN conference recognizing a Palestinian state, sarcastically suggesting they offer part of the French Riviera instead. Click here to read more.

     

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