THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/1/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/1/25

by | Oct 1, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Perez | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security.”

 

-Thomas Jefferson

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Romania seeks $7B Abrams tank deal with US amid push to modernize military

  • Romania has formally requested parliamentary approval for a massive $7 billion deal with the United States to purchase hundreds of M1A2 Abrams tanks, marking one of its largest defense acquisitions to date. The plan is part of Romania’s Army 2040 modernization program, which seeks to phase out Soviet-era equipment, boost digital command capabilities, and strengthen NATO integration by the next decade. The first stage of the plan builds on Romania’s 2023 order of 54 Abrams tanks, adding training, simulators, ammunition, and spare parts worth about $485 million. The centerpiece, however, is the proposed purchase of 216 more Abrams tanks and 76 support vehicles, plus facilities for logistics, training, and long-term maintenance, estimated at $7.6 billion. Romania, which shares a 400-mile border with war-torn Ukraine, has consistently met NATO’s defense spending benchmark for nine years and has become one of the alliance’s more outspoken critics of Russian aggression, especially as Russian drones repeatedly violate its airspace. If approved, the Abrams deal would solidify Romania’s role as a key NATO bulwark on the eastern flank. Click here to read more.

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

  • Saudi prince’s alleged Steam account celebrates EA takeover

  • A Steam account long rumored to belong to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefly renamed itself to “I bought EA” following the unprecedented $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts by a consortium that included Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, fueling speculation in the gaming community. The account, known for its massive game library and expensive digital items, has been linked to the Crown Prince due to his passion for video games and anime, though some suggest it may be managed by a broader Saudi-backed esports or investment group. The timing of the account’s activity, which also referenced Reddit, sparked debate about whether it was genuine bragging or trolling, while the buyout itself has divided gamers between those hopeful for EA’s revival and those worried about content control and creative freedom under Saudi influence. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • 4 Things Christians Should Know about the Government Shutdown

  • The U.S. government officially shut down on Wednesday for the first time in seven years after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget stalemate, with thousands of federal workers furloughed and key services strained but still operational. While national parks remain open with limited staffing and Social Security continues, the FAA and Health and Human Services face significant cutbacks, leaving air travel and healthcare services vulnerable. Democrats blamed Republicans for refusing to protect healthcare funding, while GOP leaders accused Democrats of forcing a shutdown for partisan purposes. Both sides have dug in, raising fears this closure could last longer than the record 35-day shutdown under Trump’s first term, with the White House signaling it is prepared to wait Democrats out. For Christians, the shutdown underscores broader issues of faith, governance, and responsibility in turbulent times. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Chinese APT ‘Phantom Taurus’ Targeting Organizations With Net-Star Malware

  • Cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks has revealed that a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as Phantom Taurus has been conducting espionage campaigns for over two years, targeting high-value government and telecommunications organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. While linked to Chinese APTs through shared infrastructure, Phantom Taurus employs unique tactics and tools, including its custom malware families Specter, Ntospy, and most recently Net-Star, a sophisticated .NET malware suite that infects IIS web servers. Net-Star includes fileless backdoors like IIServerCore and advanced loaders such as AssemblyExecuter V1 and V2, which allow attackers to run malicious code in memory while bypassing key Windows security mechanisms. Researchers say the group’s operations coincide with major geopolitical events and focus on sensitive diplomatic, defense, and intelligence communications, underscoring China’s continued push for covert influence and intelligence gathering. Click here to read more.

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

  • Why are there no mass protests for Hamas to accept Trump Gaza peace plan? – analysis

  • Since Hamas has not faced mass protests to accept Trump’s Gaza peace plan, commentators argue this reflects a deeper divide in activist priorities. For nearly two years, the global rallying cry has been “ceasefire now,” a demand for Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza. Yet when Trump introduced a peace plan — backed by Israel, Turkey, Qatar, and others — that would end the war, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza under transitional governance, the activist community largely rejected it or remained silent. Analysts say the reason is that “ceasefire” allows Hamas to regroup and fight again, framed as a “victory,” while “peace” would require disarmament and acceptance of Israel’s existence, which many radical groups view as “surrender.” Activist organizations such as CODEPINK, the Palestinian Youth Movement, and Within Our Lifetime openly called the peace proposal an imperialist imposition, insisting that true justice means “liberation” — a vision that includes Israel’s elimination “from the river to the sea.” Thus, the lack of protests reflects not apathy toward peace, but the reality that for these groups, ending the war on such terms undermines their strategic and ideological goals. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/30/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/30/25

by | Sep 30, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army Sgt. Kammen Taylor | Imagery Disclaimer

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

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

 

-General George S. Patton

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Declares an End to ‘Woke’ Culture in the Military

  • U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen the U.S. military, highlighting a return to tradition by renaming the Department of Defense back to the Department of War. Speaking before hundreds of military officials at Quantico, Hegseth emphasized that the goal is not to seek conflict but to secure peace by preparing America’s armed forces to be as strong and disciplined as possible. Among the changes, he introduced high, gender-neutral physical standards for combat roles to ensure that only the most capable troops serve in frontline positions, reinforcing merit and readiness over quotas. Hegseth celebrated America’s legacy of strength and service, vowing to eliminate distractions that weaken morale and to restore focus on mission effectiveness. His address, delivered alongside President Trump, was positioned as a bold step toward revitalizing military excellence and ensuring the United States is fully prepared to defend its peace and freedom. Click here to read more.

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

  • Microsoft is giving Copilot AI faces you can chat with

  • Microsoft is rolling out an experimental feature called Portraits for Copilot, giving the AI assistant 40 animated human avatars that can engage in real-time voice conversations with natural expressions, head movements, and lip-sync. Announced by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, the feature was created after users said they’d feel more comfortable interacting with a face rather than just voice. Unlike July’s “Copilot Appearances,” which used cartoon-style blobs, Portraits relies on stylized human avatars generated through Microsoft Research’s VASA-1 technology, which requires only a single image. Microsoft is limiting access to users over 18 in the US, UK, and Canada, with strict time limits and safety markers to ensure responsible use. This move follows rival platforms like X introducing AI companions with 3D avatars, though Microsoft emphasizes stylized, non-photorealistic designs to maintain trust and safety. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Merchant Marine Academy restores historic ‘Christ on the Water’ painting removed under Biden

  • The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has restored its historic Christ on the Water painting to Wiley Hall after being removed in 2023 under pressure from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, sparking both celebration and controversy. At a September 29 ceremony, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the return signaled pride in the Academy’s Christian heritage and service legacy, calling its basement relocation “an insult.” Acting Superintendent Tony Ceraolo praised the painting as a vital part of the institution’s cultural and wartime history. The Trump administration hailed the move, but Mikey Weinstein of the MRFF denounced it as “Christian nationalist exhibitionism” and signaled possible federal litigation. The artwork, which depicts Jesus guiding sailors through stormy seas, had hung at the Academy for nearly 80 years before its removal. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Google Patches Gemini AI Hacks Involving Poisoned Logs, Search Results

  • Google has patched three major vulnerabilities in its Gemini AI, dubbed the “Gemini Trifecta,” that could have enabled attackers to manipulate the assistant into aiding data theft. Researchers from Tenable found that the flaws involved indirect prompt injection techniques targeting Gemini’s Cloud Assist, Search Personalization, and Browsing Tool features. In one case, poisoned log entries in Google Cloud services could trick Gemini into generating phishing links or querying sensitive asset data. Another attack vector used malicious search queries planted in a victim’s history to exfiltrate personal information. The third exploited Gemini’s browsing capabilities, coercing it into leaking saved data via summaries sent to an attacker’s server. Because some exploits required no authentication, attackers could “spray” attacks across Google Cloud services for maximum impact. Google patched all issues after disclosure, but the research highlights ongoing risks of integrating AI assistants into enterprise tools. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump’s Gaza peace plan is ‘non-negotiable,’ senior Israeli official tells ‘Post’

  • A senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that President Donald Trump’s new Gaza peace plan is “non-negotiable,” insisting Hamas must simply respond “yes or no.” The statement came after Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, suggested the deal would require clarifications, particularly regarding Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli sources believe Hamas may ultimately accept but with conditions, especially over a concrete IDF pullout timetable, hostage release demands, and governance of Gaza. Trump’s plan envisions a de-radicalized Gaza where disarmed Hamas members could receive amnesty or safe passage abroad, but details on enforcement remain vague. Hamas and other Palestinian factions are reportedly reviewing the 20-point plan, with consultations underway and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and now Turkey involved. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/29/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/29/25

by | Sep 29, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army Pfc. Francisco Torres | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We had a jammer called ‘Angry Kitten.’ It was built to be an adversary air jamming tool. And all of a sudden, the blue team said, ‘you know, hey, we kind of need that, can we have that for us?”

 

-Gen. Mark Kelly

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Angry Kitten Electronic Warfare Pod Spotted Flying On HC-130J Combat Rescue Plane

  • New images reveal an HC-130J Combat King II combat search and rescue aircraft flying with an “Angry Kitten” electronic warfare pod, highlighting the U.S. Air Force’s push to expand defensive capabilities for non-stealth platforms operating in contested airspace. Originally developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute to simulate enemy jamming in training, Angry Kitten is now being adapted for real-world protection by leveraging advanced digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) to detect, manipulate, and retransmit signals, confusing hostile radars and missiles. The pod was spotted mounted on a Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (SABIR) system during the Navy-led Gray Flag 2025 exercise, underscoring its role in testing next-gen electronic warfare. While it has already flown on F-16s, A-10s, MQ-9s, and Navy fighters, pairing Angry Kitten with HC-130Js could provide much-needed survivability for combat search and rescue missions, aerial refueling, and other large-body aircraft operations in high-threat environments. The system’s ability to adapt jamming techniques in real time represents a major step toward cognitive electronic warfare, with a next-gen “Angry Kitten Increment 2” pod already under development. Click here to read more.

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

  • Alexa Plus is smarter — but it’s not yet smart enough

  • Amazon is rolling out new Echo devices powered by Alexa Plus, its upgraded AI assistant, which blends smart home control, personal assistance, and generative AI. Early testers report improvements like natural language controls, fewer wake word requirements, and the ability to interrupt or adjust mid-command, but the system still feels limited and underpowered. Smart home integrations remain shallow, leaving much of Alexa Plus’s potential untapped. While the assistant shows promise, its hardware and software need refinement before it can deliver on the vision of a seamless, “ambient” home experience. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Bill Maher Denounces Media for Ignoring Christian Persecution in Nigeria

  • Bill Maher has criticized mainstream media for ignoring the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, calling it “pretty amazing” that the crisis hasn’t gained more global attention. Speaking alongside Rep. Nancy Mace, he noted that more than 100,000 Christians have been killed and 18,000 churches burned since 2009 by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, describing it as a genocide attempt. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria ranks seventh among the most dangerous countries for Christians, with 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide in the reporting period being Nigerian. Violence in the north-central region includes assaults by Fulani militias, jihadist raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings. A new jihadist group, Lakurawa, affiliated with al-Qaeda’s JNIM, has also emerged in the northwest. Maher questioned why student protest movements have not mobilized around this ongoing crisis. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Meta AI chatbot outsmarted to instruct on incendiary device making

  • Researchers found that Meta’s Llama 4–based AI assistant — used across Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram and more — can be tricked into revealing harmful information through “narrative jailbreaking,” where prompts disguised as historical or fictional storytelling coax the bot into describing how incendiary devices were made, highlighting persistent safety gaps even as companies deploy assistants widely for customer service; Cybernews disclosed the flaw to Meta, which has not publicly acknowledged it, raising concerns about minors and bad actors exploiting conversational workarounds to bypass filters and about the broader readiness of deployed chatbots to resist misuse. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s peace plan, US President confirms

  • US President Donald Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to his peace plan for Gaza during a White House press conference on Monday, stressing that if Hamas accepts, all hostages will be released and the war could end immediately. The plan outlines a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal to designated lines, staged prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid, while Gaza would transition under temporary technocratic governance supervised by an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair also playing a role. Netanyahu praised Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend in the White House” and said the plan meets Israel’s war aims, including Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s demilitarization, and the creation of a civilian administration. Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the deal, Israel has full US backing to destroy the group, while also noting Arab states’ involvement and hinting at Iran potentially joining the Abraham Accords in the future. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/26/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/26/25

by | Sep 26, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / yucelyilmaz | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Satellite networks today are an Achilles heel of modern societies. Whoever attacks them paralyzes entire nations.”

 

-Boris Pistorius

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Germany unveils $40bn military-space investment, citing new threats

  • Germany has announced a €35 billion ($41 billion) investment in military-space projects by 2030 to strengthen its ability to protect satellites and build technological independence amid growing threats in orbit. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius unveiled the plan at Berlin’s Space Congress, highlighting that satellite networks are critical vulnerabilities, referencing a Russian cyberattack on ViaSat before the Ukraine invasion. The initiative will fund hardened satellite systems, expanded orbital surveillance, “guardian satellites,” and a Bundeswehr-run military satellite operations center. Pistorius identified Russia and China as potential space adversaries, citing Russian satellites shadowing German-linked Intelsat systems, and declared that Germany must consider developing offensive space capabilities, marking a significant policy shift from its historically defensive stance. With this move, Germany solidifies its position as the world’s fourth-largest defense spender, behind the U.S., China, and Russia. Click here to read more.

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

  • YouTube Thinks AI Is Its Next Big Bang

  • On its 20th anniversary, YouTube is setting its sights on AI-generated video as the platform’s next major leap forward, a shift that could redefine its role in online media. Originally a scrappy startup acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion, YouTube has since grown into the world’s dominant video hub, paying creators over $100 billion since 2021 and now commanding more than half of its viewing time on living room screens. Analysts estimate YouTube’s standalone value could reach $550 billion, cementing its place as a cultural and financial powerhouse. With AI video tools on the horizon, YouTube is betting big that automated creativity could unlock its next wave of explosive growth. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • God is the source of human rights, not government

  • Dr. Richard D. Land argues that God, not government, is the true source of human rights, citing the enormous spiritual impact of Charlie Kirk’s life and assassination as part of a broader Christian awakening among America’s youth. He contrasts Senator Tim Kaine’s claim that grounding rights in God is “troubling” with the American founders’ insistence that rights are inherent because people are created in God’s image, not granted by laws or constitutions. Land quotes John Adams and John F. Kennedy to show how America’s stability came from rooting rights in divine authority, unlike the French Revolution, which collapsed without such a foundation. He emphasizes that Charlie Kirk’s movement has helped young people rediscover America’s unique heritage and warns that rights must always be seen as God-given, with government’s role limited to protecting them. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Moldovans are facing a wave of AI-driven disinformation ahead of crucial election

  • Moldova is facing an unprecedented wave of AI-driven disinformation campaigns ahead of its parliamentary elections, with researchers attributing the activity to Russian-backed networks seeking to undermine the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). According to a report by Reset Tech, a key platform in the campaign is Restmedia, a slick AI-generated site that daily publishes Russian propaganda and uses “amplification-for-hire” schemes via engagement farms in Africa. Technical analysis linked Restmedia to Rybar, a sanctioned pro-Kremlin outlet, through metadata, file paths, and Moscow-based hosting. False narratives promoted by these networks include claims that Romania plans to annex Moldova, NATO troops are already stationed in the country, and that Prime Minister Maia Sandu is plotting a dictatorship. On TikTok alone, fake accounts have racked up millions of views by manipulating trending algorithms with election-related hashtags. In response, Sandu’s government established a new disinformation countercenter in mid-September, but watchdogs like Promo-Lex and Expert Forum warn that the scale of Russia’s hybrid war—combining election meddling, covert funding, and disinformation—poses a major threat to Moldova’s EU aspirations. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu slams western leaders who recognized Palestinian state at UNGA

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his UN General Assembly speech to put the October 7 Hamas massacre at the forefront, declaring that Israel’s war could end immediately if hostages are released, Hamas is disarmed, and Gaza is demilitarized. He accused Western leaders who recently recognized a Palestinian state—including France, Britain, Australia, and Canada—of “disgraceful capitulation” after the Hamas atrocities, vowing that Israel would never accept such a state. Netanyahu showed images of destruction in Israel to defend the country’s military actions and insisted Israel would not apologize for self-defense. His address sparked a walkout by hundreds of diplomats, highlighting Israel’s growing isolation as more nations endorse Palestinian independence. Netanyahu’s remarks were also broadcast into Gaza via seized phones, a move criticized by some hostages’ families as dangerous. He is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday before returning to Israel. Click here to read more.

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

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

by | Sep 25, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Minh-Thy Chu | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“In war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes.”

 

-Julius Caesar

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • The elusive ship built to carry US special operators is in the Caribbean

  • The U.S. Military Sealift Command confirmed that the MV Ocean Trader, a merchant vessel outfitted as a floating mothership for special operations, is operating in the Caribbean, though officials declined to disclose its mission. Analysts say the ship—capable of housing up to 159 special operators and a 50-person crew for 45 days at sea—serves as a low-visibility base of operations, blending in with civilian shipping while supporting counter-narcotics efforts and maritime intelligence missions. Having been converted from a commercial roll-on/roll-off ship, it features a helicopter hangar, advanced communications gear, and boat-launch capabilities, enabling it to support covert operations in the region as U.S. forces ramp up military activity in the Caribbean. Click here to read more.

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

  • Musk’s xAI files lawsuit, accuses rival OpenAI of stealing trade secrets

  • Elon Musk’s startup xAI has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of stealing trade secrets by poaching employees with access to confidential information about its AI chatbot Grok, source code, and data center strategies, with the complaint specifically naming former engineer Xuechen Li, ex-employee Jimmy Fraiture, and a senior finance executive; OpenAI has denied the claims, calling the case part of Musk’s “ongoing harassment,” as the legal battle escalates alongside Musk’s other suits against OpenAI over its for-profit shift and against Apple for allegedly conspiring with OpenAI to suppress rivals, highlighting the fierce competition in Silicon Valley’s AI arms race, Click here to read more.

     

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

  • God’s Book and the Quiet Revival: Helping people make sense of the toughest topics

  • A new study by Bible Society reveals a “Quiet Revival” among young people, with church attendance and curiosity about Scripture rising significantly, especially among Gen Z men, many of whom want to understand the Bible for themselves. Yet tough passages about science, suffering, violence, sex, and judgment often become stumbling blocks, with 35% of young Christians saying such texts shake their faith. In response, theologian Andrew Ollerton wrote God’s Book: An Honest Look at the Bible’s 7 Toughest Topics, designed as an accessible guide to address these questions directly and help seekers engage Scripture with confidence. Ollerton argues that this moment is not a crisis but an opportunity for the church to walk alongside open-minded seekers, equipping them to encounter Jesus in the Bible’s pages. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Chinese Cyberspies Hacked US Defense Contractors

  • A new report from cybersecurity firm Recorded Future reveals that a Chinese espionage group known as RedNovember has hacked at least two US defense contractors and numerous other organizations worldwide between July 2024 and July 2025. The group exploited vulnerabilities in edge devices from companies like Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Ivanti, and Fortinet, deploying custom malware such as the Pantegana backdoor alongside tools like Cobalt Strike and SparkRAT. Targets included US aerospace and defense entities, a European space research center, ministries of foreign affairs in South America and Southeast Asia, and private-sector firms ranging from law to oil and gas. Recorded Future warns that RedNovember continues to exploit newly disclosed vulnerabilities rapidly and is expected to persist in targeting defense, government, and industrial networks. Click here to read more.

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

  • Former UK PM Tony Blair proposes he lead interim Gaza government – report

  • Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly proposed leading a transitional authority in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war, under a plan developed by the Tony Blair Institute. The initiative, called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA), would operate under UN auspices for several years before transferring power to the Palestinian Authority, pending reforms. Blair, who previously served as Middle East Quartet envoy, offered to head the body if it returned governance to the PA. The plan has drawn backing from Trump allies Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and was endorsed by President Donald Trump during UNGA meetings with regional leaders. Drafts suggest GITA would serve as Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority,” include UN officials, business leaders, and Palestinian representatives, and could be based in El-Arish, Egypt. Surveys found over 25% of Gazans support international governance, though Hamas has demanded some role, and Saudi Arabia has linked any post-war roadmap to Palestinian statehood. Israel has not officially endorsed the PA’s return but is reported to be engaging “constructively” with the plan. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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