THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/11/25

by | Apr 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / viti | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Bold policy changes and significant resources are now needed to restore deterrence and prevent a fight.”

 

— Representative John Moolenaar

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

  • Trump Considering Buying Foreign Ships To Make Up Gap With China

  • Frustrated by America’s lagging shipbuilding industry, President Donald Trump is considering purchasing ships from foreign allies like South Korea and Japan to quickly bolster U.S. naval capabilities—a move that would mark a major policy shift. His remarks followed the signing of a sweeping executive order aimed at revitalizing domestic shipbuilding, which he says can no longer meet national defense demands as China vastly outpaces U.S. production. While the proposal could ease immediate strain on the Navy and expand long-term capacity, it’s likely to spark intense debate in Congress over industrial policy and national security. Click here to read more.

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

  • Cheap Laptops on the Chopping Block: With Tariffs Looming, Should You Buy Now?

  • President Trump’s aggressive new tariffs—reaching as high as 145% on imports from China—are poised to shake the laptop market, sending prices skyrocketing and potentially eliminating the most affordable models. Major brands like Acer and Framework have already paused orders or raised prices, and industry experts warn that low-end laptops, especially Chromebooks, may vanish as profit margins collapse. Supply chains remain heavily reliant on China and Taiwan, and while some manufacturers are shifting production elsewhere, relief is unlikely to come quickly. Budget-conscious consumers are urged to buy soon, before the pre-tariff inventory runs out. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Rabbi Urges Jews, Christians Celebrating Passover to Remember ‘Special Sovereignty’ Over Biblical Land

  • This Passover, Rabbi Tuly Weisz of Israel365 is calling on Jews and Christians alike to reflect not only on the ancient Exodus from Egypt but also on modern themes of sovereignty in Israel. Weisz emphasizes that the Seder, a celebration of the journey from slavery to freedom, is a fitting moment to discuss Jewish sovereignty in the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria—often referred to as the West Bank. With political momentum rising and support from U.S. leaders like President Trump and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, the conversation around sovereignty is taking center stage. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Foreign adversaries can no longer use commercial backdoors to access Americans’ data

  • The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a new Data Security Program aimed at blocking foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran from acquiring Americans’ sensitive data through commercial channels. Announced April 8, the initiative restricts access to biometric, genomic, financial, health, and geolocation data, which officials warn could be exploited for espionage or military development. The program, led by the DOJ’s National Security Division, includes a 90-day rollout period, compliance guidance, and forthcoming restrictions on high-risk foreign entities. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Iranian officials urge Khamenei to negotiate with US, claim that war could topple regime – NYT

  • Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly agreed to enter nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration after senior officials warned that refusing could trigger U.S. military strikes and risk the regime’s collapse, according to The New York Times. The talks, beginning as indirect negotiations in Oman, are driven by fears of strikes on key nuclear sites like Natanz and Fordow and the devastating consequences of potential war with the U.S. or Israel. With Iran’s economy in crisis, Tehran sees diplomacy as a necessary path forward. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/10/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/10/25

by | Apr 10, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army 2nd Lt. Jamie Douglas | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

 

— William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene 3

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

  • ‘Warfare’ puts realistic carnage of Iraq War in theaters

  • In his directorial debut Warfare, decorated Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza brings an unflinching, real-time portrayal of a harrowing 2006 firefight in Ramadi that earned him the Silver Star and left a lifelong mark on all involved. Based entirely on firsthand accounts, the film—co-created with filmmaker Alex Garland—eschews traditional Hollywood narrative for raw authenticity, capturing the chaos, humor, and trauma of modern combat. With no creative liberties taken, Warfare stands as one of the most accurate depictions of the Iraq War and its enduring emotional toll. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple airlifts 600 tons of iPhones from India

  • In a bold move to sidestep soaring U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, Apple chartered cargo planes to ship 600 tons—or roughly 1.5 million—iPhones from India to the U.S., according to sources familiar with the strategy. Facing a 125% tariff on Chinese-made devices, Apple ramped up production at its Foxconn plant in Chennai, secured expedited customs clearance with Indian authorities, and utilized Sunday shifts to boost output. The shipments reflect Apple’s growing reliance on India, now supplying a fifth of U.S. iPhone imports, as the company works to shield consumers from steep price hikes. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Shrewsbury festival to celebrate landmark Christian anniversary

  • Shrewsbury will host a landmark cultural and spiritual festival this spring to commemorate 1,700 years since the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Organized by Shrewsbury Orthodox Church under the banner ‘Nicaea 2025’, the event features sacred art exhibitions, concerts, pilgrimages, and a theological symposium, all centered around the Nicene Creed—an enduring declaration of Christian faith. Highlights include an iconography exhibit at St Julian’s Church and a performance of ancient sacred music at Shrewsbury Cathedral. The festival honors a council that helped define Christian doctrine for centuries to come. Click here to read more.

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

  • Ransomware gangs go whale hunting with Fortune 500 companies

  • Ransomware attacks exploded in Q1 2025, with Cybernews reporting a staggering 101.8% increase in known victims compared to last year—2,028 organizations hit in just three months. Top gangs like Cl0p, Akira, and newcomer RansomHub are leading a more targeted, high-stakes assault, shifting away from mass attacks to focus on billion-dollar companies like Sam’s Club, HP, and HCA Healthcare. The manufacturing, retail, and tech sectors bore the brunt, while the U.S. remained the top target globally. Ransomware has evolved into a precision weapon—and the global risk is only accelerating. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel holds ‘positive’ first talks with Turkey on Syria, still in early stages

  • Israel and Turkey have initiated direct talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed at easing long-standing tensions by establishing a mechanism to prevent military friction in Syria. Led by Israeli National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, the talks addressed Israel’s red lines—particularly Turkish plans to establish a drone base at the strategically sensitive T-4 Airbase. While Israel is open to Turkish influence in Syria, it insists on preserving its operational freedom against Iranian threats. Azerbaijan has offered to mediate, with President Aliyev and Ambassador Mammadov expressing strong support for positive bilateral ties. Click here to read more.

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

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

by | Apr 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Roberto Galan | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The man in charge must concern himself with details. If he does not consider them important, neither will his subordinates.”

 

— Admiral Hyman G. Rickover

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

  • Navy secretary says Trump told him to ‘fix the damn rust’ on warships

  • Navy Secretary John Phelan has vowed to tackle the long-standing issue of rust on U.S. Navy ships, responding to a direct mandate from President Donald Trump to “fix the damn rust” and accelerate shipbuilding. Speaking at the Sea-Air-Space 2025 conference, Phelan acknowledged the corrosive toll of saltwater and operational tempo on the fleet, which has left many vessels visibly deteriorated. With limited shipyard capacity and a shortage of skilled workers hampering maintenance, Phelan stressed the urgency of revitalizing the maritime industrial base to support both naval readiness and morale. Click here to read more.

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

  • Users shocked to find WhatsApp has AI assistant now

  • Meta has quietly begun embedding its AI chatbot into WhatsApp, signaling a potential turning point in how billions of people interact with artificial intelligence daily. Unlike the fanfare around ChatGPT or Google Gemini, Meta’s LLaMA-powered assistant has been rolled out with little publicity, blending seamlessly into users’ messaging experiences since 2023. Though still basic in performance, experts believe the long-term goal is to make AI agents integral to everyday tasks like scheduling and list-making—without users needing to switch apps. If successful, WhatsApp could become the world’s most-used AI interface. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Has the Real Mount Sinai Been Found? Shocking Evidence Points Here, in Saudi Arabia

  • A growing number of researchers, including biblical scholar Joel Richardson, are challenging the traditional belief that Mount Sinai is located in Egypt, instead pointing to Jabal al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia as the true biblical site. In a recent No Longer Nomads podcast episode, Richardson presented striking evidence aligning this mountain with scriptural accounts: a scorched summit, a massive split rock, golden calf petroglyphs, and remnants of an ancient sacrificial altar. With Saudi Arabia now open to tourists, interest in visiting the proposed real Mount Sinai is growing. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • DNS: The Secret Weapon CISOs May Be Overlooking in the Fight Against Cyberattacks

  • As AI-driven cyber threats grow more evasive and scalable, Chief Information Security Officers are being urged to rethink DNS not as a background utility, but as a powerful, underutilized frontline defense. A new industry report highlights how protective DNS can thwart phishing, block malware command-and-control communications, and detect data exfiltration via DNS tunneling—all before attacks succeed. With AI helping threat actors spin up polymorphic malware and endless malicious domains, traditional right-of-“Boom” defenses are no longer enough. CISOs are now called to reassess DNS’s role in security architecture. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Vance meets with former hostages, families of hostages in Washington

  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with former Hamas hostages and families of those still held captive, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to their return. The meeting included Keith and Aviva Siegel and Iair Horn, who publicly credited President Trump’s efforts with saving their lives during the NRCC dinner. Vance echoed the administration’s stance, stating the reunification of remaining hostages should have happened long ago. The event highlighted the emotional toll on families and the political urgency the White House is placing on their safe return. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/8/25

by | Apr 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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

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

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

 

— Often attributed as a Japanese proverb

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

  • Navy Is About To Go Big On Massive Joint War Training Across The Pacific

  • The U.S. Department of Defense is shifting from isolated service-specific drills to fully integrated joint rehearsals in preparation for a potential large-scale conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific. This new approach, outlined by Vice Adm. Michael Boyle at the Sea-Air-Space Conference, aims to identify and refine operational requirements through tactical-level joint training that includes the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Cyber Command. Exercises like REFORPAC and Bamboo Eagle are key to stress-testing U.S. forces’ readiness for sustained combat across vast distances, logistics under attack, and coordination with allies. These changes mark a strategic pivot to ensuring U.S. forces can fight and win as a unified team in future high-threat environments. Click here to read more.

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

  • Most Americans don’t trust AI — or the people in charge of it

  • A new Pew Research Center report reveals a growing trust gap between AI experts and the general public, with technologists largely optimistic about artificial intelligence while most Americans remain skeptical and uneasy. While 75% of AI experts believe the technology will benefit them personally, only 25% of U.S. adults agree. Concerns over job displacement, lack of regulation, and skewed representation in AI design are driving public distrust — especially among Gen Z, who, despite high engagement with tools like ChatGPT, report more anxiety than excitement. The data highlights a critical need for transparent, inclusive governance as AI becomes embedded in everyday life. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Georgia Becomes 30th State to Pass Religious Freedom Restoration Act

  • Georgia has become the 30th U.S. state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a law aimed at shielding individuals from government actions that may infringe upon their religious exercise. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp after passing both Republican-controlled chambers of the state legislature, the law allows individuals to seek legal protection if their religious beliefs are burdened, unless the government can prove it is pursuing a compelling interest by the least restrictive means. Supporters, like Alliance Defending Freedom, hail the measure as a vital safeguard for faith-based living, while critics warn of potential legal conflicts over civil rights. Click here to read more.

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

  • US Treasury bank regulators’ emails accessed for years in “major” hacking incident

  • Hackers gained access to over 100 email accounts belonging to top U.S. banking regulators at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), exposing more than 150,000 sensitive messages from June 2023 to February 2025 in a breach only recently disclosed to Congress. The attackers infiltrated through a single administrative account, targeting high-level regulatory communications and financial oversight data. The OCC, part of the U.S. Treasury, has labeled the breach a “major incident” and is now under internal and third-party investigation amid public concern over systemic vulnerabilities. Click here to read more.

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

  • Kazakhstan textbooks promote tolerance, respect for Judaism, Israel – IMPACT report finds

  • A new report by IMPACT-se highlights Kazakhstan’s school curriculum as a model of religious tolerance, offering a respectful portrayal of Judaism and a nuanced view of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Textbooks describe Judaism as a foundational faith, acknowledge Jewish cultural contributions, and promote interfaith harmony. While Holocaust education remains limited and some younger-grade materials adopt critical tones toward Israel, high school curricula present a more balanced perspective on the conflict, naming groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as terrorist organizations. Kazakhstan’s approach to pluralism is praised as a potential model for the region. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/7/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/7/25

by | Apr 7, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / designer491 | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile—hoping it will eat him last.”

 

— Winston Churchill

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

  • Netanyahu, Trump Meet to Address US Tariffs, Iran Threat, Gaza Crisis

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington to meet President Trump for high-level talks centered on Iran’s nuclear threat and U.S.-Israel economic ties. The Oval Office meeting comes after Netanyahu discussed a controversial 17% U.S. tariff on Israeli goods with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Netanyahu said confronting Iranian aggression would top his agenda with Trump. This follows Israel’s release of intercepted Hamas documents allegedly proving Iran funded the October 7 terror attack. Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed a THAAD missile defense system to Israel, signaling deepening military coordination. The visit could shape future U.S.-Israel responses to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Click here to read more.

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

  • Garmin Connect+ announcement leaves users outraged. Some are calling “the Pope to intervene”

  • Garmin users are pushing back against the company’s new paid subscription service, Garmin Connect+, by launching a petition demanding its removal. The backlash stems from frustration that premium smartwatch owners—many of whom paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars for high-end devices like the Fenix or Epix—are now being asked to pay extra for new features. The petition, shared widely on Reddit, calls for scrapping the paywall, unifying software across devices, and disabling subscription ads. While some users sympathize, others doubt Garmin will change course. The controversy highlights growing resistance to the rising trend of hardware-plus-subscription pricing. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Archaeologists Discover Ancient Garden at Site of Christ’s Burial, Backing Biblical Narrative

  • A new archaeological study at Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre has uncovered traces of a 2,000-year-old garden with olive trees and grapevines—supporting the Gospel of John’s description of Jesus’ burial site. Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, the research used archaeobotanical and pollen analysis beneath the ancient church floor and revealed a cultivated area that likely predates Roman occupation. The discovery was made during major renovations of the basilica, the first since 1808, and adds historical weight to the biblical account of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Click here to read more.

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

  • Fake AI ‘subject matter experts’ are infiltrating your news stream

  • Major media outlets have unknowingly quoted dozens of fake AI-generated “experts” in hundreds of articles, according to a new investigation by journalist Rob Waugh. News organizations including The Guardian, BBC, Fortune, Newsweek, and Vogue cited these digital personas, created for brand promotion and SEO. Some “experts” had fake names, AI-generated photos, and unverifiable credentials, yet were featured commenting on everything from psychology to climate science. Waugh traced many of the fake profiles to media networking platforms like Qwoted and ResponseSource, which are now working to remove them. The discovery raises urgent concerns about trust in mainstream media during the rise of generative AI. Click here to read more.

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

  • US and Iran will meet for high-level nuclear talks, Araqchi and Trump say

  • The United States and Iran will hold indirect high-level nuclear talks in Oman on April 12, marking the first such engagement since President Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. While Iranian officials initially denied the talks would be direct, both Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Trump confirmed the meeting, which will involve mediators shuttling messages between delegations. Trump warned Iran faces “great danger” if talks fail, insisting it must never obtain nuclear weapons. Iran is unlikely to agree to dismantle its advanced nuclear infrastructure, which experts say could enable bomb production within months. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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