THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/21/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/21/25

by | Feb 21, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Kiyoshi Tanno | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

 

— Albert Einstein

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

  • Pentagon will cut billions of dollars in programs but not its overall budget, Hegseth says

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major restructuring of Pentagon priorities, shifting $50 billion from non-mission-essential programs to focus on military strength, border security, and weapons development. He emphasized this as a “refocusing” rather than a budget cut, reinforcing the Trump administration’s commitment to building the world’s most powerful military. The Pentagon will also streamline its workforce by reviewing probationary employees and implementing a hiring freeze, while Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will work to eliminate waste and remove diversity and climate change initiatives. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The US Is Considering a TP-Link Router Ban—Should You Worry?

  • TP-Link, a dominant force in the U.S. router market, faces a potential ban as government agencies investigate its ties to China over security concerns. While TP-Link insists on its independence from its Chinese origins, lawmakers worry about vulnerabilities that could be exploited by state-sponsored hackers. Despite pledging transparency and improving security protocols, past incidents raise alarms about potential risks. As cybersecurity experts debate whether a ban is warranted, TP-Link router owners are urged to take precautions, such as updating credentials and installing firmware patches. The investigation continues, leaving TP-Link’s future in the U.S. uncertain. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Mercy on the Italian front

  • At 105 years old, Brazilian WWII veteran Hugo Pedro Felisbino reflects on his harrowing experiences fighting Nazi forces in Italy, surviving a near-fatal grenade attack, and witnessing the historic victory at Monte Castello. Despite initial hatred toward his enemies, his Christian faith led him to show mercy, ultimately saving 50 German prisoners from execution. Felisbino’s life—from the battlefields of Europe to his decades of service in the church—embodies a journey shaped by resilience, compassion, and faith in God’s mercy. Click here to read more.

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

  • AI Can Supercharge Productivity, But We Still Need a Human-in-the-Loop

  • The rapid advancements in AI, from the launch of Stargate’s infrastructure project to China’s disruptive DeepSeek chatbot, highlight the growing influence of artificial intelligence. However, concerns around AI hallucinations, trust, and security remain. While AI has the potential to enhance productivity and streamline operations, experts emphasize the need for a human-in-the-loop approach to mitigate risks, validate outputs, and ensure ethical use. As AI adoption expands, organizations must carefully balance automation with human oversight to maintain accuracy and reliability in decision-making. Click here to read more.

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

  • Is Israel preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear sites?

  • With Iran’s proxies weakened and its air defenses damaged, Israel faces a critical window to act against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Intelligence reports suggest Iran is accelerating its uranium enrichment, potentially reaching nuclear capability within weeks. The destruction of Hezbollah’s arsenal and Iran’s air defenses in late 2024 has made a military strike more feasible, though this advantage is temporary. Israeli security officials believe an attack should happen soon, but U.S. approval remains a key factor. With speculation of a green light from Washington, the likelihood of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is higher than it has been in decades. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/20/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/20/25

by | Feb 20, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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

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

“History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”

 

— Ronald Reagan

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

  • B-1 bombers fly over South Korea in show of force against North’s threats

  • The U.S. and South Korean air forces conducted a joint aerial drill over South Korean airspace on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, featuring two B-1B Lancer bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, escorted by U.S. F-16s, Marine Corps F-35Bs, and South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles. The drill, aimed at deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, was the first such demonstration this year and follows previous trilateral exercises with Japan. Lt. Gen. David Iverson emphasized the importance of maintaining high readiness levels for combined defense. The exercise comes amid North Korea’s continued missile tests and threats, with the regime recently vowing to bolster its nuclear capabilities and conducting multiple ballistic and cruise missile launches in January. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Microsoft prepares for OpenAI’s GPT-5 model

  • Microsoft is gearing up to host OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 as early as next week, with GPT-5 expected by late May, aligning with the Microsoft Build developer conference. GPT-4.5, codenamed Orion, is OpenAI’s last non-chain-of-thought model, while GPT-5 will introduce OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model and unify its AI offerings for a more seamless experience. Microsoft is also developing Copilot updates and exploring Operator AI, which allows automated web interactions. Additionally, Microsoft’s Xbox AI model, Muse, is advancing gameplay generation, while its quantum computing breakthrough, Majorana 1, could revolutionize computing with a topoconductor-based processor. Other updates include Outlook mobile’s new email recall feature, expanded Xbox external storage support, and Windows Recall progressing toward public release. Expect major AI announcements from Microsoft at Build in May, as it competes with Google I/O in the race for AI dominance. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Jelly Roll Opens Up about His Faith, Declares ‘I Have a Heart for Jesus’

  • Country singer Jelly Roll, known for his raw storytelling and themes of redemption, recently opened up about his faith journey in a heartfelt conversation with Christian artist Brandon Lake. He revealed how his collaboration on Hard Fought Hallelujah rekindled his connection to God, describing the song as “worship music for sinners.” Despite past hurt from the church and criticism from some Christians, Jelly Roll remains committed to his faith, striving to follow Jesus in his unique way. Expressing a deep desire to be useful rather than simply happy, he continues to use music as a vessel for healing and faith. Click here to read more.

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

  • FTC wants to hear from victims who believe they’ve been censored on tech platforms

  • The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public input on potential censorship by tech platforms, inviting individuals—including current and former employees—who feel they have been unfairly restricted from sharing their ideas or affiliations. This initiative follows an executive order by former President Donald Trump, who has long accused major tech companies of suppressing conservative voices. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, a Trump appointee, emphasized that tech censorship could constitute deceptive business practices or anticompetitive behavior. The agency has released a series of questions for public submission, encouraging users to share experiences, upload evidence, and submit comments—anonymous or otherwise—before the May 21, 2025 deadline. Click here to read more.

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

  • Multiple buses explode across central Israel in mass bombing attempt

  • A series of planned terror attacks targeted central Israel as multiple buses exploded in Bat Yam, with authorities attributing the attack to Hamas operatives in the West Bank, allegedly supported by Iran. Though no injuries were reported, the bombs, containing non-standard explosive materials, were intended to detonate during peak hours to maximize casualties. Israeli security forces, including the IDF and Shin Bet, have launched a large-scale investigation and are ramping up preventive measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed a powerful military response against terror hubs, while Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered nationwide security checks on public transit. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/18/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/18/25

by | Feb 18, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Harper | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”

 

— Gen. Douglas MacArthur

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

  • AH-1Z Attack Helicopter’s New Long Range Missile Seen For The First Time

  • The U.S. Marine Corps has conducted its first live test of a long-range munition for the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, likely linked to the Precision Attack Strike Missile (PASM) program, aimed at extending its strike capabilities for potential conflicts, particularly in the Pacific against China. The test, performed in November 2024 at Yuma Proving Grounds, involved a tablet-controlled launch via the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB), marking a new level of offboard targeting for Marine helicopters. The new missile, seen in recently released images, appears to have stealthy design elements and extended range, potentially 100-150 nautical miles, vastly outpacing the current AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-179 JAGM missiles. The Marines are emphasizing interoperability, advanced strike capabilities, and adapting fixed-wing weapons for helicopters, ensuring the AH-1Z remains relevant in future conflicts. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Mira Murati Is Ready to Tell the World What She’s Working On

  • Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, has launched a new public benefit corporation, Thinking Machines Lab, aimed at developing advanced AI while improving public understanding and accessibility. Murati sees a gap between AI’s rapid advancement and how well people grasp its capabilities, and her lab will address this by publishing technical notes, research papers, and code. The company plans to compete at the high end of AI models, similar to OpenAI and DeepSeek, but with a focus on human-AI collaboration rather than chatbot clones. Key hires from OpenAI, Google, and Mistral AI have joined, including John Schulman, a major ChatGPT inventor. While product details remain vague, Thinking Machines Lab is positioning itself as a serious new competitor in AI innovation. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Faith Office gains prominence under Trump

  • President Donald Trump has revamped the White House Faith Office, appointing Paula White-Cain, a prominent televangelist, to lead it with a focus on eradicating anti-Christian bias. The office, originally established by George W. Bush to assist faith-based groups in social services, has evolved under different administrations, with Trump’s version prioritizing Christian protections in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Critics worry about its exclusive focus on Christianity, while supporters see it as a necessary defense of Judeo-Christian values. White-Cain, a longtime Trump advisor linked to the prosperity gospel and Pentecostal theology, has drawn both praise and criticism, particularly over concerns about her theology and political influence. Despite controversies, her appointment signals Trump’s deepening ties with evangelical voters, a group that overwhelmingly supported him in the election. Click here to read more. 

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

  • DeepSeek sent user data to ByteDance, Seoul confirms

  • South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) confirmed that the Chinese chatbot DeepSeek has been transmitting user data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. This revelation follows the suspension of new downloads of the AI-powered app in South Korea due to violations of data protection laws, which require explicit user consent for third-party data sharing. The extent of the data transfer is still under investigation. Similar concerns have surfaced in Italy, where regulators blocked DeepSeek over privacy policy issues. The controversy highlights ongoing global data security concerns related to Chinese tech companies, as critics argue that China’s National Intelligence Law mandates corporate cooperation with government investigations—though parallels exist with U.S. data-sharing laws for law enforcement. Click here to read more.

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

  • Lindsey Graham to ‘Post’: Giving Israel leeway to destroy Hamas is non-negotiable

  • U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the Trump administration would give Israel full support to eliminate Hamas if negotiations to free hostages fail. During his visit to Israel, Graham emphasized that Israel has no choice but to destroy Hamas, comparing it to past U.S. efforts against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. He also pushed for U.S. military aid to help Israel strike Iran’s nuclear program, expressing skepticism about diplomatic efforts. Regarding Trump’s Gaza plan, which involves relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, Graham distanced himself, saying the U.S. does not want to “own” Gaza but acknowledged that the proposal is sparking regional discussions. He believes that once Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralized and Hamas is destroyed, Saudi-Israel normalization has an 80% chance of success. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/17/25

by | Feb 17, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / EzumeImages | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.”

 

— George Washington

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

  • Letter George Washington Wrote in NJ In 1777 Is for Sale. Here’s the Price Tag.

  • A rare George Washington letter from May 7, 1777, written during the Revolutionary War, is now up for sale at $150,000. The letter, recently acquired by The Raab Collection, reflects Washington’s optimistic resolve despite a British victory in Danbury, Connecticut. He reassured Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons that the loss was not devastating and that colonial resistance would make an impact. This historic artifact, a powerful glimpse into Washington’s leadership, is being sold on a first-come, first-served basis—not at auction. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Office jobs vs manual labor: who survives the AI revolution?

  • For years, automation was expected to replace factory jobs first, yet AI is now eliminating junior coding roles at a faster pace than manual labor. Companies like Meta and Replit are already reducing their reliance on human coders, while AI tools can now build websites and write software without technical expertise. Meanwhile, blue-collar jobs in manufacturing and construction remain relatively untouched by automation—at least for now. Will AI continue reshaping white-collar work while robotics lags behind? Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The Young Lawyer Who United Lebanon’s Christians in Worship

  • With 12 officially registered Christian sects, Lebanon’s church is deeply fractured, yet in January 2024, thousands of believers gathered in Beirut for an ecumenical worship event led by Maronite Catholic layman Mark Merhej. Featuring a 300-person choir and orchestra, the event brought together patriarchs, bishops, and pastors across denominations to pray for unity. But after orchestrating this unprecedented gathering, Merhej stepped back, wrestling with God’s call for personal retreat. Now, as Lebanon faces war and sectarian tension, will this movement spark lasting change? Click here to read more.

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

  • “I’m feeling very spooked by Garmin:” user hints at another possible smartwatch bug

  • After the Garmin “blue triangle” bug left many smartwatches unresponsive, users are now reporting a mysterious Bible notification appearing on their Garmin Venu 3S. The message invited users to download scripture to their wrist, with some seeing their battery drop from 50% to 8% shortly after. Garmin support blamed Reddit notifications, but users with notifications disabled remain puzzled. While the glitch sparked hilarious reactions online, it raises further concerns about Garmin’s software stability after recent firmware issues and customer service complaints. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF begins withdrawal from Lebanon, forces to triple along border

  • The IDF is withdrawing from southern Lebanon but will maintain five outposts near the border, each manned by a company of troops, to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing positions in the area. While the Lebanese Army has improved, Israel convinced the U.S. that it cannot fully prevent Hezbollah’s return, justifying the IDF’s continued presence for at least two to eight months, possibly longer. The overall Israeli border defense force will be three times larger than before the war, ensuring stability and security for northern Israel amid ongoing regional tensions. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/14/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/14/25

by | Feb 14, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Oleksii Liskonih | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.”

 

-Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

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

  • Saturday Noon Hostage Deadline Looms for Hamas as Rubio Journeys to Israel

  • Hamas faces a looming Saturday noon deadline to release more Israeli hostages—or risk an all-out return to war. Israel has warned that if the hostages aren’t freed by then, the IDF will resume fighting until Hamas is defeated. President Donald Trump echoed the ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of all remaining captives and warning, “Saturday at 12 o’clock, and after that, all hell is going to break out.” Yet Hamas insists it will only release three hostages as planned, tying further releases to demands for aid and heavy equipment for Gaza—a condition Israel denies agreeing to. With tensions at a breaking point, all eyes are on the high-stakes deadline. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • TikTok isn’t out of the woods yet

  • TikTok has regained momentum in the U.S. after Apple and Google reinstated the app following private assurances from Attorney General Pam Bondi that they wouldn’t face penalties. At a company-wide meeting, TikTok CEO Shou Chew acknowledged past political missteps but expressed confidence in stabilizing the situation. Despite the turbulence, TikTok’s advertising business and user engagement remain strong, signaling resilience in the face of regulatory pressure. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The Doomsday Clock vs. God’s Timing

  • The Doomsday Clock has been set to 89 seconds before midnight, the closest ever, reflecting escalating global risks like nuclear threats, climate change, and disruptive technologies. While scientists warn of humanity’s self-destruction, some view these crises through a biblical lens, seeing them as signs of the end times foretold in Scripture. However, the ultimate timing of the world’s end, according to Christian belief, is in God’s hands alone. The call remains for repentance and faith in Christ as the only true hope beyond human efforts to reverse impending catastrophe. Click here to read more.

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

  • I wanted to keep my TP-Link router but security pros roasted me

  • If you’re concerned about security risks with your TP-Link router, experts agree that replacing it is the safest option. While adding a firewall or flashing custom firmware might provide some protection, these solutions aren’t foolproof, and potential backdoors could still allow data to be sent back to China. If you must keep your TP-Link router, disabling remote management, changing default credentials, and segmenting your network are crucial steps. However, cybersecurity pros emphasize that the best way to eliminate risk is to switch to a trusted brand. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump says he would take hard stance on Gaza on Saturday

  • President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating that if all hostages are not released by 12 p.m. on Saturday, he would support canceling the ceasefire and allow Israel to take decisive action. This comes after Hamas initially threatened to withhold hostage releases, alleging Israeli violations of the agreement. However, the group is now expected to release three hostages—Sagui Dekel Chen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn—on Saturday. Click here to read more.
     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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