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

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

by | Mar 3, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / TonyBaggett | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

 

— Benjamin Disraeli

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

  • Fort Moore renamed Benning, this time for a corporal who fought heroically in WWI

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that Fort Moore, Georgia, will be renamed Fort Benning once again, this time honoring World War I hero Cpl. Fred G. Benning. The change, part of Hegseth’s broader effort to restore historic base names, follows last month’s decision to rename Fort Liberty as Fort Bragg. Originally named for Confederate Gen. Henry L. Benning, the base was redesignated in 2023 for Lt. Gen. Harold “Hal” Moore and his wife, Julie. The new designation recognizes Cpl. Benning’s valor in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the installation’s long history of training warfighters. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The Oscar goes to: can chatbots predict an Academy Award winner?

  • Elon Musk’s Grok AI came closest to accurately predicting the 2025 Academy Award winners, correctly selecting five out of six categories, only missing Best Actress. Other AI models like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI used media speculation and awards season trends but were less precise, while Claude and DeepSeek struggled due to outdated data. This experiment highlights AI’s growing ability to analyze industry buzz rather than truly predict outcomes. As AI continues to evolve, could it become a reliable tool for forecasting future award winners? Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Franklin Graham Urges ‘Pray for the People of Ukraine’ and ‘an End to this Terrible War’

  • After a tense White House meeting between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended without a signed mineral deal, evangelist Franklin Graham is calling on Christians to pray for Ukraine and an end to the war. The meeting, which was expected to solidify U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for aid repayment, turned confrontational when Zelenskyy sought security assurances, leading to a heated exchange. While Trump later indicated he remains open to signing the deal, his allies pushed back against claims that he is siding with Russia. Meanwhile, Samaritan’s Purse continues its extensive humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Click here to read more.

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

  • CISA: No Change on Defending Against Russian Cyber Threats

  • The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has reaffirmed its commitment to detecting and disrupting Russian cyber threats, despite reports of a temporary halt on offensive cyber operations against Moscow under the Trump administration. CISA dismissed claims that its stance has shifted, labeling such reports as false and detrimental to national security. The pause, reportedly directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is intended to support negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war, though critics warn it could leave U.S. infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats. As leadership changes at CISA unfold, the agency continues monitoring Russian-linked advanced persistent threats (APTs) and issuing cybersecurity alerts. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel might return to war in 10 days if no agreement reached

  • Negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza have stalled, with Hamas neither accepting nor rejecting the proposal put forth by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli officials indicate that without progress, military operations in Gaza may resume within a week and a half, escalating with potential cuts to water and electricity supplies. While Witkoff is not expected to visit the region unless a deal is imminent, discussions continue on potential exchanges involving hostages, prisoners, and humanitarian aid. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/28/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/28/25

by | Feb 28, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Ruma Aktar | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“America does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy.”

 

— John Quincy Adams

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

  • ‘Gambling with World War III’: Zelenskyy Leaves White House After Trump Calls Him ‘Disrespectful’

  • President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House ended in a heated exchange, derailing a planned economic deal granting the U.S. a share of Ukraine’s mineral profits in exchange for aid. When Zelenskyy pushed for a U.S. security commitment, Vice President JD Vance rebuffed him, prompting Trump to accuse him of “gambling with World War III.” The disagreement led to the cancellation of a press conference, and Zelenskyy left without signing the agreement. This setback raises uncertainty about U.S.-Ukraine relations and future peace negotiations. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Google’s co-founder tells AI staff to stop ‘building nanny products’

  • Google co-founder Sergey Brin has issued a high-pressure call to action for Google DeepMind (GDM) employees, emphasizing the urgency of winning the race to artificial general intelligence (AGI). In a memo, Brin urged AI teams to work longer hours (suggesting 60-hour weeks), return to the office daily, and prioritize speed and simplicity in development. He also criticized excessive filtering in AI products, advocating for more user trust. Brin’s message signals a major push within Google to accelerate AGI efforts as competition in the field intensifies. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • The House chaplain matters

  • Speaker Mike Johnson may soon appoint a new House chaplain, with reports suggesting author and pastor Becky Tirabassi is a top contender to replace acting chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben. This potential shift reflects broader trends in Congress, where more members identify as non-denominational Protestants rather than traditional denominations. As a Southern Baptist and outspoken conservative, Johnson’s decision could bring an evangelical influence to the chaplaincy, emphasizing biblical principles and moral clarity. The selection carries significant weight, shaping spiritual guidance for lawmakers and reinforcing faith’s role in governance. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers can turn any Bluetooth device into an AirTag and track its location

  • A newly discovered loophole in Apple’s Find My network allows attackers to turn any Bluetooth-enabled device into an AirTag-like tracker, potentially compromising user privacy worldwide. Researchers from George Mason University demonstrated that attackers can exploit this flaw without advanced hacking skills or root access, achieving a 90% success rate in minutes. The vulnerability, which affects Linux, Windows, and Android devices, relies on Bluetooth permissions and precomputed encryption key tables to track locations through Apple’s vast network of iPhones. Apple has released patches, but the risk persists as long as unpatched devices remain in use. Click here to read more.

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

  • Amid truce concerns, US plans emergency $3 billion Israel arms deals

  • The Trump administration has approved nearly $3 billion in emergency weapons sales to Israel, marking the second such approval this month. The packages include thousands of general-purpose and bunker-busting bombs, with some deliveries potentially sourced from U.S. stock for immediate deployment. A separate $675 million sale will provide guided bomb kits, while $295 million is allocated for Caterpillar D9 bulldozers. This comes days after the administration removed a Biden-era requirement to report potential violations of international law by U.S. allies. The move follows ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/27/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/27/25

by | Feb 27, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army Pfc. Brent Lee | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“When all is said and done, and statesmen discuss the future of the world, the fact remains that people fight these wars.”

 

-Eleanor Roosevelt

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

  • New Scout Unit That Heavily Leverages Drones, Electronic Warfare Tested By U.S. Army

  • The U.S. Army has been testing a new Multi Purpose Company (MPC) unit designed to integrate drones, electronic warfare, and advanced firepower into a more agile and lethal battlefield force. Inspired by lessons from Ukraine’s ongoing war, the MPC aims to reduce command layers and accelerate targeting efficiency. The unit, part of the Transformation in Contact (TIC) initiative, recently completed evaluations in Germany, with other divisions conducting similar tests. While its future under the Pentagon’s new leadership remains uncertain, the concept aligns with efforts to modernize U.S. military strategy. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • OpenAI releases a ‘more thoughtful’ and ‘less hallucinogenic’ GPT-4.5

  • OpenAI has unveiled GPT-4.5, its most advanced AI model yet, featuring enhanced emotional intelligence, improved reliability, and reduced hallucinations. CEO Sam Altman describes it as the first AI that feels like a “thoughtful person,” excelling in natural conversation and intuitive responses. While GPT-4.5 outperforms previous models in user engagement, its high computational costs limit availability. OpenAI plans to scale up GPU resources to expand access in the coming weeks. The model is currently available to ChatGPT Pro users, with broader rollout expected soon. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Christian Identity in the U.S. Holds Steady after Years of Decline, Pew Finds

  • A new Pew Research Center survey suggests that Christianity in America may no longer be in decline, with 62% of Americans identifying as Christian—showing stability after years of steady decline. The survey, which interviewed 39,000 people, found signs of growth among younger generations, particularly those born between 2000 and 2006. Meanwhile, belief in spirituality remains high, with 86% of Americans believing in a soul and 83% believing in God or a universal spirit. The percentage of religiously unaffiliated Americans has also plateaued at 29%, indicating a potential shift in religious trends. Click here to read more.

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

  • Home routers under constant barrage: who’s scanning them 6,000 times a day?

  • Internet routers face constant probing—up to 6,000 unsolicited connection attempts daily—posing potential security risks, especially for outdated or unpatched devices. While some scans originate from legitimate mapping tools like Shodan, others come from cybercriminals searching for vulnerabilities. Experts warn that network scanning activity has surged 94% in the past year, with botnets actively hunting exploitable routers. While users can’t prevent these scans, enabling firewalls, keeping firmware updated, and blocking unwanted traffic can help protect home networks from potential breaches. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump says ongoing Gaza talks are ‘pretty good’

  • President Donald Trump stated that “pretty good talks” were ongoing regarding Gaza but provided little detail on whether a second phase of the hostage deal would materialize. The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, has facilitated the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. With the first phase set to expire in two days, Israeli negotiators are heading to Cairo for discussions on an extension. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, while Trump’s controversial proposal for U.S. control of Gaza has faced global criticism. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/26/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/26/25

by | Feb 26, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there.”

 

-Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC

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

  • US Marines join effort to track suspected saboteurs in Baltic Sea

  • A team of U.S. Marines has been deployed to coastal Finland as part of NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry, an initiative to track potential saboteurs targeting undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The Marines, from the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, are supporting Finnish forces with small drones and surveillance equipment. This mission follows a series of suspected sabotage incidents affecting undersea energy and communication cables, with Russia’s shadow fleet among the suspected culprits. NATO’s increased vigilance highlights growing concerns over maritime security and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Boston Dynamics Led a Robot Revolution. Now Its Machines Are Teaching Themselves New Tricks

  • Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert is pushing the boundaries of robot intelligence, leveraging AI advancements like reinforcement learning to make robots more independent and capable. While Boston Dynamics’ robots have long impressed with parkour and agility, the next frontier is autonomy—allowing machines like Spot and Atlas to learn complex behaviors without meticulous human programming. As competition in the humanoid and quadruped robot space heats up, real-world applications and self-learning capabilities will determine which robots become truly useful in industries and homes. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Former vice presidential candidate gets baptized: ‘I am a Jew for Jesus’

  • Nicole Shanahan, former vice presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur, has publicly announced her baptism into Christianity after practicing Judaism for over a decade. In an emotional post, Shanahan described a spiritual awakening following personal loss and an overwhelming sense of “heaviness” that led her to seek Jesus. Her baptism took place in her backyard just before President Trump’s inauguration. Reflecting on her past, including her father’s struggles and her political journey, she now sees the world through the lens of spiritual warfare and acknowledges Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation. Click here to read more.

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

  • AI-generated code is serving up serious security risks, say researchers

  • The rise of AI-assisted coding has revolutionized software development, but new research warns of serious security risks. A study by Apiiro, backed by Gartner, found that AI-generated code leads to a surge in vulnerabilities, including a 3X increase in repositories containing sensitive data and a 10X rise in APIs lacking authorization controls. With over 150 million developers using GitHub Copilot, the rapid growth in AI-powered coding has outpaced security reviews, leaving businesses exposed. Experts urge companies to adopt automated security processes to mitigate these risks before they escalate further. Click here to read more.

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

  • Empire State Building, other int’l landmarks light up orange in honor of Bibas family

  • New York’s Empire State Building and 14 other landmarks across the state were lit in orange to honor the slain Bibas family—mother Shiri and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir—following their funeral. Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative also included Niagara Falls, 1 World Trade Center, and other iconic sites. The tribute extended internationally, with landmarks such as Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Budapest’s Chain Bridge, and Paris’ National Assembly building also illuminated in orange. The global show of solidarity underscores widespread mourning and remembrance for the victims. Click here to read more.

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

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

by | Feb 25, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Joshua Conti, Space Force | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Whoever controls space will control the destiny of this Earth.”

 

-Rep. Bill Posey

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

  • Space Force will play ‘central role’ in Iron Dome, service chief says

  • The U.S. Space Force is taking a leading role in developing a homeland missile defense shield, dubbed the “Iron Dome for America,” following an executive order from President Trump. The initiative aims to counter advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, through space-based tracking and defense systems. An integrated planning team (IPT) is assessing existing capabilities, technological feasibility, and cost projections, with findings expected in the coming weeks. As the Pentagon evaluates its next steps, the Space Force stresses the importance of realistic goals to ensure effective and timely implementation. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Microsoft invests in cloud data firm Veeam Software to build AI products

  • Microsoft has made an undisclosed equity investment in Veeam Software as part of an expanded partnership to develop AI-driven data recovery and cybersecurity solutions. Veeam specializes in rapid data recovery after ransomware attacks or accidental losses, with a focus on immutable backups to prevent data manipulation by hackers. This move follows Microsoft’s previous investment in Rubrik, another cybersecurity firm. With Microsoft’s support, Veeam plans to enhance R&D and integrate AI into its products. The investment comes as Veeam continues to grow, following a $15 billion valuation in late 2024. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • John Piper Warns Pastors against Using AI for Sermons Calling It ‘Wicked’

  • Christian author and pastor John Piper strongly opposes the use of artificial intelligence in sermon writing and ministry newsletters, calling it “wicked” and “appalling.” He argues that AI-generated content lacks authenticity, emotional depth, and true worship, which is essential for glorifying God. Piper insists that pastors must possess the gift of interpreting Scripture personally and warns that using AI for composition risks deception. While he acknowledges AI’s value for research, he urges transparency if it is used. His strong stance comes amid increasing AI integration in churches, sparking debate over its role in ministry. Click here to read more.

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

  • Home Depot denies rumors that it was hacked

  • Ransomware gang Cl0p has claimed to have breached nearly 200 companies, including Home Depot Mexico, Marelli, Rackspace Technology, and Total Wine & More. However, Home Depot denies any compromise of its systems. Cl0p, infamous for past large-scale attacks like the MOVEit Transfer exploit, claims its victims ignored warnings of their breaches. The gang, which operates under a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, continues to demand that victims initiate contact. With previous exploits netting millions, Cl0p remains a major cybersecurity threat. Click here to read more.

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

  • Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal talks ‘stuck,’ Israeli officials tell ‘Post’

  • Negotiations for the release of additional hostages remain stalled, with Israeli officials acknowledging the deadlock but maintaining that a resolution is possible. While discussions and ideas have been exchanged, no real negotiation has taken place with Hamas. Israel has delayed the release of 600 prisoners until Hamas guarantees that the return of four murdered hostages will be handled respectfully. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has postponed his visit to Israel, signaling that further diplomatic efforts may be delayed. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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