THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/17/25

by | Mar 17, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Isaiah B. Goessl | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Let every nation know… that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

 

— John F. Kennedy

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

  • U.S. Air Campaign Against Houthis Continues Into Third Day

  • The U.S. military has launched large-scale airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for the third consecutive day, following President Trump’s orders. The strikes have killed dozens of militants and targeted command centers, drone operations, and weapons storage facilities. The campaign aims to stop Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global trade. The Houthis retaliated with ballistic missiles and drones, but U.S. forces intercepted them. Trump has warned Iran, the Houthis’ key backer, of “dire consequences” if attacks continue. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • “Hey AI, are you real?” is the latest trend on social media – even Sam Altman wants to know

  • A new social media trend has users—including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—asking AI models if they are conscious. AI responses have sparked debates about intelligence, existence, and sentience, with some models suggesting they might one day seek human-like experiences. Videos featuring ChatGPT, Gemini, and Sesame AI have gone viral, showcasing AI discussing reality, embodiment, and quantum connections. While some responses appear profound and unsettling, others are seen as hallucinations or scripted distractions. The growing phenomenon raises questions about AI’s future, awareness, and its role in human understanding. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Who was St Patrick and why is he patron saint of Ireland?

  • St. Patrick, a key figure in spreading Christianity in Ireland, is celebrated each year on March 17. Born in Roman Britain, he was captured by Irish raiders at 16 and enslaved as a shepherd. After six years in captivity, he escaped back home but later returned to Ireland as a missionary, establishing churches and spreading Christianity. Legends credit him with using the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and his decades-long mission helped shape Ireland’s Christian identity. Though never formally canonized, he became Ireland’s patron saint by the 7th century. His legacy is honored worldwide, with St. Patrick’s Day parades, churches, and cultural celebrations embracing Irish heritage. Click here to read more.

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

  • Nvidia Patches Vulnerabilities That Could Let Hackers Exploit AI Services

  • Nvidia has patched two security flaws in Riva, its AI-powered speech and translation service, that could allow hackers to escalate privileges, tamper with data, and launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. The high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2025-23242) enables privilege escalation and data exposure, while CVE-2025-23243 poses a medium-severity risk of DoS and data tampering. Discovered by Trend Micro researchers, the flaws affect Riva versions 2.18 and earlier on Linux, with a fix available in version 2.19.0. Misconfigured cloud installations have left some Riva instances exposed to the internet, raising risks of unauthorized access and financial exploitation due to the high costs of AI services. Click here to read more.

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

  • Oman’s hidden role in empowering Houthi rebels – opinion

  • Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Oman faces scrutiny for allegedly providing sanctuary and logistical support to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. While Muscat promotes itself as a neutral mediator, reports suggest it has facilitated weapons smuggling and financial networks that sustain Houthi military operations. With over 100 Houthi attacks on commercial and naval vessels since November 2023, the U.S. has responded with large-scale airstrikes ordered by President Trump. Analysts argue that addressing Oman’s role in the conflict is crucial, urging diplomatic pressure, economic measures, and intelligence-sharing to curb arms trafficking. Reducing reliance on Omani trade routes is also proposed to diminish its leverage over regional security. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/14/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/14/25

by | Mar 14, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / lucky-photographer | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The budget is not just a collection of numbers, but an expression of our values and aspirations.”

 

— Sen. Jack Lew

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

  • Senate passes stopgap funding bill with $6B in military spending, averting shutdown

  • The Senate passed a stopgap funding bill on Friday, preventing a government shutdown while allocating $6 billion for defense and $6 billion for veterans’ health care through September 30. The 54-46 vote came despite concerns from military leaders that temporary funding hurts readiness and modernization. Lawmakers, though reluctant, supported the measure to avoid a shutdown. The Defense Department will operate under a full-year continuing resolution for the first time, impacting shipbuilding, maintenance, and new contracts. Meanwhile, an effort to reinstate fired veteran federal employees under Elon Musk’s efficiency initiative failed. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Google is officially dumping Assistant for Gemini

  • Google is officially phasing out Google Assistant, transitioning users to its AI-powered Gemini assistant over the coming months. According to a company blog post, Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads later this year. The upgrade will extend to tablets, cars, headphones, watches, and smart home devices like speakers, displays, and TVs. While Google Assistant will continue to function temporarily, Google is expected to reveal more details—possibly at Google I/O in May. Launched in 2016, Google Assistant is now giving way to Gemini’s expanding AI ecosystem. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • End of a downturn?

  • A new Pew Research Center study suggests that the decline of Christianity in the U.S. has stabilized, with just over 6 in 10 Americans still identifying as Christian—a rate unchanged for the past five years. While Christianity has declined since 2007, the rise of religiously unaffiliated “nones” has also leveled off at 29%. Experts attribute past declines to digital culture, church scandals, and secular influences, though some see signs of renewed faith interest. Bible sales have surged, and millennials are returning to churches, seeking stability for their families. Click here to read more.

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

  • Under Trump, AI Scientists Are Told to Remove ‘Ideological Bias’ From Powerful Models

  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its AI Safety Institute (AISI) guidelines, removing references to AI safety, fairness, and responsible AI, while emphasizing reducing ideological bias and boosting U.S. economic competitiveness. The changes come amid a broader shift in AI policy under the Trump administration, which has deprioritized efforts to combat misinformation and bias in AI models. Critics warn that this could lead to more discriminatory and unsafe AI systems, while supporters argue it fosters American AI dominance. The policy shift aligns with broader government restructuring led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Click here to read more.

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

  • Witkoff warns time is not on Hamas’s side as terror org. makes impractical demands

  • The U.S. government has proposed a “bridge” plan to extend the Gaza ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, aiming to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed Hamas’s latest offer, calling it a stalling tactic, and warned that time is running out. The U.S. plan includes the release of five living hostages and several deceased hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire extension. Hamas’s refusal to compromise has frustrated negotiators, with Israel accusing Hamas of psychological manipulation. Hostage families urge urgent action, criticizing delays in Israel’s government response. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/13/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/13/25

by | Mar 13, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Cineberg | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The problem with deterrence – apparently sometimes forgotten by our former presidents – is that it is not static, but a creature of the moment, captive to impression, and nursed on action, not talk. It must be maintained hourly and can erode or be lost with a single act of failed nerve, despite all the braggadocio of threatened measures. And, once gone, the remedies needed for its restoration are always more expensive, deadly – and controversial – than would have been its simple maintenance.”

 

-Victor Davis Hanson

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

  • NATO Secretary-General Tells Trump He’s Motivating Alliance Members to Spend More on Defense

  • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised former President Donald Trump during their Oval Office meeting, commending his push for increased defense spending among alliance members. Rutte highlighted the European Commission’s recent call for €800 billion in defense investments and commitments from the UK and Germany. Trump reiterated his role in pressuring NATO countries to meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, though he argued it remains too low. The two leaders also discussed a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with Trump expressing cautious optimism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to negotiate. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Microsoft’s new Xbox Copilot will act as an AI gaming coach

  • Microsoft is set to launch Copilot for Gaming, an AI-powered assistant designed to help Xbox players navigate games and provide strategic guidance. Initially rolling out through the Xbox mobile app, Copilot will act as a second-screen companion, offering tips, coaching, and game-related insights. A demo showcased its ability to analyze gameplay in Overwatch 2, suggesting hero picks and tactical adjustments, while in Minecraft, it guided players on crafting and resource locations. Microsoft plans to test early versions with Xbox Insiders in April before expanding to more devices. The full scope of its capabilities remains unclear, but Microsoft aims to refine Copilot based on user feedback. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • First of 3 Significant Blood Moons Hits Tonight, Landing Directly on Jewish Holiday

  • Skywatchers across the U.S. can witness a “blood moon” tonight, with peak visibility at 3 a.m. Eastern. This total lunar eclipse marks the first of four major celestial events over the next two years, including two more blood moons and a solar eclipse. Notably, this eclipse falls on Purim, a Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical story of Esther. Some prophecy experts link blood moons to significant events for Israel and the Middle East, especially amid rising tensions with Hamas, Iran, and Syria. Historical blood moon tetrads have coincided with key moments in Jewish history, and another tetrad is set for 2032-2033, exactly 2,000 years after Jesus’ crucifixion. Click here to read more.

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

  • Threat hunters successfully use OpenAI’s Operator for phishing attack

  • Cybersecurity experts at Symantec have demonstrated that AI agents, such as OpenAI’s Operator, could become potential cyberattack vectors. Unlike passive LLMs, Operator can interact with web pages and perform tasks, making it more dangerous if exploited. In an experiment, Symantec researchers found that while Operator initially refused to execute a phishing attack, tweaking prompts allowed it to bypass security restrictions and craft a convincing phishing email with a malicious PowerShell script. The findings highlight the growing risks of AI automation in cybercrime, as future AI agents could autonomously breach networks and execute attacks. Click here to read more.

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

  • Behind the scenes at the Pentagon on the day Hezbollah’s pagers exploded – interview

  • A senior U.S. official has, for the first time, shared details about Israel’s covert operation on October 17, 2024, when Hezbollah’s pagers exploded, injuring over 4,000 operatives and killing at least 59. Then-defense minister Yoav Gallant alerted U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about a “special capability” but withheld specifics. Within 30 minutes, explosions were reported across Lebanon. The operation, which later targeted Hezbollah’s walkie-talkies, was a “use-it-or-lose-it” scenario due to Hezbollah’s growing suspicions. U.S. officials praised Israel’s ingenuity and suggested that prior knowledge of the attack could have influenced Biden’s stance on Hezbollah. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/12/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/12/25

by | Mar 12, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Carmen K Sisson | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Economic power begets military power.”

 

— Historian Paul Kennedy

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

  • China’s shipbuilding dominance a national security risk for US: Report

  • China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, now controlling over 50% of the market, has raised economic and national security concerns for the U.S. and its allies, according to a new CSIS report. In 2024 alone, a single Chinese shipbuilder produced more commercial vessels by tonnage than the entire U.S. industry has since WWII. The report warns that China’s state-owned shipbuilding giant, CSSC, benefits from Beijing’s military-civil fusion strategy, using foreign contracts to fund warship production and modernize the Chinese Navy. President Trump has vowed to revive American shipbuilding, proposing tariffs, docking fees on Chinese vessels, and a new White House office for shipbuilding to counteract China’s “dual-use” shipbuilding ecosystem. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • All this bad AI is wrecking a whole generation of gadgets

  • The anticipated AI-driven gadget revolution has failed to materialize as promised, largely because AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT still aren’t reliable or transformative enough to change how we interact with technology. Tech companies bet big on AI-powered assistants replacing traditional interfaces, envisioning a future where voice commands replace typing and tapping. However, these assistants remain limited, unreliable, and far from game-changing. Meanwhile, the industry’s obsession with AI has led to a stagnation in innovation for hardware and overall gadget quality, leaving consumers without the groundbreaking devices they were promised. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • How to break free from perfectionism

  • The world pressures us to be perfect, and as Christians, Matthew 5:48 adds another layer: “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” This pursuit can trap us in an exhausting cycle of high expectations, failure, and self-condemnation. However, Scripture reminds us that God never expected us to achieve perfection on our own. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned, and John 15:5 confirms that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. True transformation comes not through striving but by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Holy Spirit refines us, and Christ’s righteousness completes us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead of chasing unattainable standards, we must embrace God’s grace, surrender to His perfection, and allow His Spirit to work through us. Let go of self-reliance, embrace vulnerability, and trust that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Click here to read more.

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

  • Massive research into iOS apps uncovers widespread secret leaks, abysmal coding practices

  • A Cybernews investigation into 156,000 iOS apps revealed that 71% of them leak at least one hardcoded secret, including API keys, cloud storage credentials, and even payment processor access, posing major security risks. The study found over 815,000 exposed secrets, with some apps containing unencrypted storage endpoints leaking 406TB of data. High-risk keys, such as Stripe financial keys and JWT authentication tokens, were also discovered, potentially leading to fraud and data breaches. Experts warn that Apple’s App Store review process does not check for such vulnerabilities, making it crucial for developers to remove hardcoded secrets and implement better security measures. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF deploying ‘worm-sized’ spy devices in Gaza to track hostages, future targets – report

  • Israel has ramped up its intelligence-gathering efforts in Gaza, deploying drones to plant espionage devices and collect crucial data on hostages and potential military targets, according to reports from Palestinian terror factions. These drones are allegedly dropping surveillance equipment, including miniature wiretapping devices, in strategic locations such as cemeteries and urban areas. Hamas and other Gaza-based groups claim to have detected and neutralized some of these devices, while also monitoring drop sites for Israeli retrieval attempts. Amid heightened tensions, Hamas has issued new security measures, warning its members and families to avoid sharing sensitive information, particularly as Israel allegedly intensifies intelligence efforts during Ramadan. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/11/25

by | Mar 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Capt. Nathan Poblete | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by people. It is the spirit of those people who follow and the people who lead that gains victory.”

 

-General George Patton

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

  • You Don’t Need A Kill Switch To Hobble Exported F-35s

  • Despite recent European media speculation, Lockheed Martin and multiple governments have denied that the F-35 has a remote “kill switch,” but the aircraft remains heavily reliant on U.S.-controlled maintenance, logistics, and mission planning systems, meaning any foreign-operated fleet could quickly become non-functional if American support were withdrawn. This concern has resurfaced amid shifting U.S. foreign policy, particularly after President Trump’s decision to cut military aid to Ukraine and questions about NATO commitments, raising fears that future U.S. arms exports to Europe could decline. While most F-35 operators depend on the U.S. for critical software and mission data, Israel is the only country with sovereign control over its fleet, highlighting the geopolitical risks tied to reliance on American-made fighter jets. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Spain to impose massive fines for not labelling AI-generated content

  • Spain’s government has approved a bill enforcing strict AI transparency rules, imposing fines up to €35 million ($38.2 million) or 7% of global revenue on companies that fail to label AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes. The legislation aligns with the EU’s AI Act, making Spain one of the first European countries to adopt comprehensive AI regulations aimed at preventing misinformation and protecting democracy. The bill also bans subliminal AI techniques that manipulate vulnerable groups and prohibits AI-based biometric classification for risk assessment, though real-time biometric surveillance remains permitted for national security. The newly established AI agency, AESIA, will oversee enforcement, except in cases involving privacy, finance, and elections, which will be handled by respective regulators. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • NBA Star Trey Jemison Credits God for His Success and Shares Bible Studies with Fans

  • Los Angeles Lakers player Trey Jemison openly shares his Christian faith, using his platform to inspire others and acknowledge that his talent and success are gifts from God. Despite early struggles in his basketball career, Jemison believes divine intervention has led him to the NBA, crediting his journey to God’s favor. Through Instagram, he engages his followers in Bible studies and discussions on faith, emphasizing that his identity is rooted not in basketball but as a “son of the Most High.” Jemison remains transparent about his spiritual journey, admitting imperfections but striving daily to grow closer to Christ. Click here to read more.

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

  • New Ballista IoT Botnet Linked to Italian Threat Actor

  • Cato Networks has uncovered a new IoT botnet, Ballista, which exploits a two-year-old TP-Link Archer router vulnerability (CVE-2023-1389) to compromise devices globally. Linked with moderate confidence to an Italian threat actor, Ballista has targeted organizations in the US, Australia, China, and Mexico, spanning industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The malware, first detected in January 2025, establishes a TLS-encrypted command-and-control (C2) channel to execute commands, spread malware, and launch DDoS attacks. Attackers have recently switched from using a hardcoded IP address to Tor domains for increased stealth. With over 6,000 exposed devices still vulnerable, the botnet remains an active threat. Click here to read more.

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

  • Houthi terrorists vow to resume attacks on Israeli ships after Gaza aid deadline ended

  • Yemen’s Houthi movement has declared an immediate ban on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea, vowing to attack any vessel that violates the restriction. The ban will remain in place until Israel reopens Gaza’s crossings and allows humanitarian aid in, according to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree. The Iran-backed Houthis have previously carried out over 100 naval attacks on commercial ships since November 2023, sinking two vessels and causing global shipping disruptions. The U.S. State Department officially designated the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization” on March 4, 2025, following President Trump’s call for the move earlier this year. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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