THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/27/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/27/24

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

“Surprise is the master-key of war”

 

-B.H. Liddell Hart

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

  • Israel Executes Massive Bunker Buster Strike On Hezbollah Command Headquarters In Beirut (Updated)

  • Israel conducted a major airstrike on Hezbollah’s main military headquarters in Beirut, targeting leader Hassan Nasrallah. This afternoon’s raids were the largest in Beirut since the conflict began nearly a year ago. Several explosions were heard across the city, with plumes of smoke visible as far as Batroun. Reports vary, but between four and six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs were destroyed. Rescue operations are underway, though casualty figures have yet to be confirmed. Israeli media outlets suggest the strike specifically aimed at Nasrallah, though his current status remains unknown.

    For more details, click here to read more.

     

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

  • The Internet Archive’s Fight to Save Itself

  • The Internet Archive, led by founder Brewster Kahle, has been pivotal in preserving the web’s history, boasting projects like the Wayback Machine. Its headquarters, a former church in San Francisco, holds a vast collection of digital artifacts. However, the Archive faces existential legal challenges, including lawsuits from publishers and record labels over copyright infringement. Despite losing recent appeals, Kahle remains committed to the Archive’s mission, even as the combined weight of these lawsuits threatens its future.

    For more details, click here to read more.

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

  • Bear Grylls bridges survival, faith in new series ‘The Chosen in the Wild’: ‘I need Him every day’

  • Bear Grylls, renowned survivalist and TV host, shares how his faith is deeply integrated into every aspect of his life, describing it as a “daily necessity” rather than just a Sunday practice. Speaking at the fan event ChosenCon, Grylls reflected on his personal journey with faith, emphasizing the need for authenticity and stripping away the “fluff” often found in modern church culture. His latest project, “The Chosen in the Wild,” pairs survival challenges with reflections on the faith that sustained Jesus’ disciples, showing the raw, human side of spiritual endurance.

    For more details, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Use at your own risk: how top education apps can spy on you

  • A recent investigation by Cybernews reveals that many popular educational apps, including Coursera, Duolingo, and Moodle, request sensitive permissions, potentially putting users’ privacy at risk. These permissions allow access to sensitive data, such as location, camera, contacts, and storage. Some apps even have access to users’ accounts, phone numbers, and device information. While such permissions may be essential for certain features, they can open the door to misuse if compromised. Users are advised to carefully review app permissions and revoke unnecessary access to protect their privacy.

    For more details, click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Hard to imagine Nasrallah survived attack,’ Israeli official says

  • Israeli officials speculate that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah may have been killed in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut. The strike was authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before his address to the United Nations General Assembly. This escalation comes amid an ongoing year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with increasing attacks on the Iranian-backed group.

    For more details, click here to read more.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/26/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/26/24

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

“And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

 

-Nehemiah 4:14

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

  • Israel Denies Ceasefire Call from US, France as IDF Preps for Ground War in Lebanon

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire proposal backed by the U.S. and other nations that called for a 21-day halt to hostilities with Hezbollah and in Gaza. The ceasefire was suggested to prevent the war from expanding further, but Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will continue its military operations. Israel’s focus remains on neutralizing Hezbollah’s threat, with over 9,000 rockets and drones fired at Israel since October. Netanyahu emphasized that the conflict will persist until the objectives are fully met, while the IDF prepares for potential ground maneuvers.
     

    For more details, click here to read more.

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

  • California’s new law forces digital stores to admit you’re just licensing content, not buying it

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law (AB 2426) requiring digital storefronts to clearly inform customers that they are purchasing a license to use digital media, rather than owning it outright. The law, effective next year, prohibits the use of terms like “buy” or “purchase” unless stores disclose the limitations of the license, including the possibility of revocation. This move aims to protect consumers as digital media becomes more prevalent, sparked by incidents where companies like Ubisoft and Sony removed content users believed they owned.

    For more details, click here to read more.

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

  • On the Jewish New Year and the siren sound of silence

  • Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the significance of Rosh Hashana, focusing on the themes of sovereignty, remembrance, and the shofar’s role in the service. She draws parallels between the shofar’s teruah sound and Israel’s sirens that alert citizens to danger, noting the profound connection between the Rosh Hashana rituals and the Jewish people’s resilience in the face of adversity. Lancaster emphasizes that, despite the trials of the past year, including recent attacks on northern Israel, the Jewish faith in God’s protection and love remains unwavering as they enter the New Year of 5785.

    For more details, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Wi-Fi at major UK train stations hacked to display terror messages

  • A cyberattack disrupted public Wi-Fi at 19 major UK train stations, including London King’s Cross and Manchester Piccadilly, with passengers receiving terror-related messages. Network Rail, which manages the stations, suspended Wi-Fi services while the British Transport Police investigated. The attack also impacted other stations in cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Telent, the telecommunications company providing the Wi-Fi, is investigating the incident. The attack follows a spate of recent cyber incidents targeting UK public services, sparking concerns about national security.

    For more details, click here to read more.

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

  • Israel Air Force chief: We’re preparing to assist troops in ground ops. against Hezbollah

  • Israel Air Force (IAF) chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar announced that the IAF is prepared to support ground operations in Lebanon, focusing on preventing arms transfers from Iran to Hezbollah. Bar emphasized that Hezbollah’s functionality depends on Iranian resources, which Israel aims to degrade. The IAF plans to provide aerial support to ground troops, similar to previous operations in Gaza. Bar highlighted that the IAF is ready to target Hezbollah’s assets in southern Lebanon, Beirut, and beyond, applying pressure with no geographical limitations.

    For more details, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/25/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/25/24

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

“The rules of navigation never navigated a ship. The rules of architecture never built a house.”

 

-Thomas Reid

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

  • Space Force picks four firms to design ‘Resilient GPS’ satellites

  • The U.S. Space Force has selected four companies—L3Harris, Astranis, Axient, and Sierra Space—to develop Resilient GPS satellites aimed at protecting military and civilian GPS signals from jamming. The first batch of satellites is set to launch by 2028. Congress has raised concerns about the program’s focus on satellites over ground systems and equipment. Click here to read more.

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

  • Meta Missed Out on Smartphones. Can Smart Glasses Make Up for It?

  • Meta is pushing into connected hardware with a major focus on “computers for your face.” At its Connect event, Meta unveiled new devices, including the Oculus Quest 3S VR headset and AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses. However, the highlight was “Orion,” a prototype of holographic display glasses that aim to replace smartphones. CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased how these glasses could project virtual displays, enabling users to interact through gestures or brain signals. Though still in development, Meta envisions Orion as part of the future of mixed reality. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Rings of Power’ Features ‘Profoundly Faith-Based’ Themes, Producer Says

  • One of the showrunners for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power revealed that the series’ themes are “profoundly faith-based” and honor J.R.R. Tolkien’s Catholic faith, which influenced his original works. The show explores timeless themes like good vs. evil, temptation, and redemption. Showrunner Patrick McKay emphasized that the series is family-friendly, steering away from excessive violence, but still retains dark and complex elements true to Tolkien’s stories. The adaptation, while not a direct copy, aims to reflect Tolkien’s worldview and themes of hope. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Over 90 million French records exposed: mysterious data hoarder leaves instances open

  • A massive data leak has exposed 95 million records of French citizens, including phone numbers, emails, and partial payment information, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The leak was discovered on an unprotected Elasticsearch server, containing data from at least 17 breaches across various sectors. The exposed information includes sensitive personal details that could lead to identity theft, fraud, and spearphishing attacks. Researchers warn that malicious actors may have already accessed the data. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF commander urges readiness for possible Lebanon invasion amid Hezbollah conflict

  • IDF Northern Commander Maj. Gen. Uri Gordon has urged Israeli forces to prepare for a potential invasion of Lebanon as tensions with Hezbollah escalate. Speaking to Brigade 7, he emphasized the need for readiness, stating that the conflict has entered a new phase as part of Operation Northern Arrows. The IDF has already targeted Hezbollah’s long-range firepower and leadership. Former IDF intelligence chief Amos Yadlin suggested using air power for two weeks before any ground invasion, which would need to be completed before Lebanon’s harsh winter sets in. Diplomatic efforts are still being pushed by Western powers. Click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/24/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/24/24

Image Credit: iStock / FlashMovie | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The great growling engine of change – technology.”

 

– Alvin Toffler

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

  • BAE Systems pitches ground robot to drone-hungry Australian Army

  • BAE Systems Australia unveiled its ATLAS Collaborative Combat Vehicle at the Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Melbourne. The ATLAS (Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System) is an 8×8 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed for various combat roles, including reconnaissance, flank protection, and convoy escort. Equipped with a Bushmaster 25mm cannon, the vehicle can also be fitted with other weapons or sensors. The Australian Army’s 1st Armoured Regiment is being restructured into an experimental unit to test emerging technologies like UGVs, including the ATLAS. This vehicle’s modular design and mobility make it suitable for rapid deployment, and BAE is exploring upgrades for its optionally manned M113s based on the ATLAS project.

    For more details on the ATLAS vehicle and its potential, click here to read more.

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

  • TikTok Music is shutting down – here’s how to get a refund

  • TikTok has announced the shutdown of its music streaming service, TikTok Music, on November 28th, a little over a year after its launch. Users are advised to transfer their playlists to other platforms, such as Spotify or Apple Music, by October 28th using TuneMyMusic. Refunds will be issued through Apple or Google Play depending on the user’s subscription, with personal data and account information deleted after the shutdown. TikTok did not explain why the service, which was only available in five countries, is being discontinued.

    For more details on the shutdown and how to transfer your playlists, click here to read more.

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

  • Evangelist Franklin Graham Giving 20 Armored Ambulances to Israel: ‘We Can Help Save Some Lives’

  • Evangelist Franklin Graham has donated two armored ambulances to Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) and pledged 20 more to support emergency services in the ongoing conflict with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Samaritan’s Purse, led by Graham, also laid the cornerstone for a new emergency medical station near the Gaza border. These vehicles and additional trauma supply kits will help protect and aid emergency personnel responding to crises. MDA CEO Eli Bin praised Graham’s continued support, while Graham expressed hope for saving lives through the donations.

    For more details on Franklin Graham’s contributions, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Hacker plants false memories in ChatGPT to steal user data in perpetuity

  • Security researcher Johann Rehberger discovered a vulnerability in ChatGPT’s long-term memory feature that allows malicious actors to plant false memories and steal user data indefinitely. The exploit, via prompt injection, can be triggered by untrusted content like emails, documents, or images, causing ChatGPT to store incorrect information and exfiltrate user inputs to an attacker’s server. OpenAI initially dismissed the issue but later issued a partial fix. Users are advised to monitor memory additions and review stored memories to prevent malicious injections.

    For more details on the vulnerability and prevention tips, click here to read more.

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

  • Argentina’s President Milei calls out UN’s hypocrisy in condemning Israel

  • Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly, defending Israel and criticizing the UN for its hypocrisy, particularly regarding its treatment of Israel. He highlighted the inclusion of dictatorships like Cuba and Venezuela in the Human Rights Council and criticized countries that punish women, while also noting the UN’s frequent votes against Israel. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon praised Milei for his support of Israel. Milei’s remarks also condemned the UN’s shift from its original mission toward promoting collectivist policies.

    For more details on Milei’s speech and its impact, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/23/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/23/24

Image Credit: iStock / Ralph Hason | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“I had faith in Israel before it was established. I have faith in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it not just as another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.”

 

-Harry S Truman

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

  • IDF Warns Lebanese to Flee Target Areas as Air Force Strikes Hezbollah’s Embedded Missile Sites

  • Israel escalated its strikes in Lebanon, targeting 300 Hezbollah sites, including stockpiles of Russian-made DR-3 Cruise missiles embedded in civilian homes. This follows a barrage of over 150 Hezbollah rockets hitting deep into Israel, with some striking cities like Haifa and Nazareth. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas near Hezbollah’s missile sites. Israel’s air force has been actively eliminating missile launchers, and the IDF vows to increase the intensity of their strikes against Hezbollah. Israeli leaders stressed that while they seek peace, they will continue to defend their citizens from ongoing attacks.

    For more details on the conflict and Israel’s response, click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI CEO: We may have AI superintelligence in “a few thousand days”

  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a new blog post titled “The Intelligence Age,” predicts that superintelligent AI could emerge within the next decade, marking a transformative shift in human history. Altman sees AI driving global prosperity and enabling breakthroughs across industries such as healthcare, education, and software development. While optimistic, he acknowledges potential labor disruptions but downplays existential risks. Altman envisions a future where AI becomes integral to daily life, offering “personal AI teams” to assist individuals. He stresses the need for robust infrastructure to support AI development, warning that limited resources could lead to inequality and conflict.

    For more insights on Altman’s vision for the future of AI, click here to read more.

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

  • Trusting God beyond our understanding: Lessons from Abraham’s journey

  • Abraham’s journey of faith, marked by trials and human struggle, teaches profound lessons on trust and reliance on God’s timing. Despite moments of doubt, such as his attempt to control the fulfillment of God’s promises, Abraham ultimately learned to surrender to God’s plan. This story resonates with believers today, reminding us that in times of uncertainty, we must trust God beyond our understanding. The covenant between God and Abraham symbolizes unwavering divine faithfulness, a truth that anchors us in our own spiritual journeys. Like Abraham, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even when the path is unclear.

    For a deeper reflection on faith and trusting God, click here to read more.

     

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

  • White House closer to ban sale of any ‘connected car’ using software made in China

  • The Biden administration has proposed a new rule to restrict the import or sale of connected cars in the U.S. that use Chinese or Russian technology, citing national security concerns. The rule targets vehicle connectivity systems (VCS) and automated driving systems (ADS) from “countries of concern,” specifically China and Russia. These systems could be exploited for surveillance, sabotage, and gathering sensitive data about U.S. infrastructure. The restrictions would begin with software in Model Year 2027 vehicles and hardware by 2030. This move follows earlier actions to limit Chinese-made electric vehicle imports and is part of broader security efforts.

    For more details on this proposed rule and its implications, click here to read more.

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

  • Nessel accuses Tlaib of antisemitism amid controversy over pro-Palestinian protest charges

  • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has accused Rep. Rashida Tlaib of antisemitism after Tlaib implied bias in Nessel’s decision to charge 11 pro-Palestinian protesters. Tlaib compared the charges to other civil rights protests, suggesting possible bias. Nessel, interpreting this as a reference to her Jewish identity, condemned the remarks and called them antisemitic. Tlaib’s office declined to comment, and the Detroit Metro Times clarified that Tlaib did not explicitly reference Nessel’s Jewish identity. This exchange has sparked broader debates among Democrats, especially in the lead-up to Michigan’s elections.

    For more details on the controversy, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/20/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 09/20/24

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Sebastian Sua | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Do not hit at all if it can be avoided, but never hit softly.”

 

-Theodore Roosevelt

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

  • How EA-18G Growler’s Next Generation Jammer Actually Works And The Future Of Offensive Electronic Warfare

  • Electronic warfare (EW) is becoming increasingly important as global threats from adversaries like China and Russia grow. Chuck Angus from Raytheon discusses the cutting-edge capabilities of the AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer-Mid Band (NGJ-MB), now deployed on EA-18G Growlers. The NGJ-MB can handle multiple targets, protect allied aircraft, and potentially neutralize enemy radars. These advancements, using AESA arrays, provide significant tactical advantages. However, while other nations are advancing their EW capabilities, Angus asserts that U.S. systems remain ahead, especially with investments in distributed EW and future platforms like the NGAD fighter.

    To learn more about the evolution of EW and its strategic impact, click here to read more.

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

  • Qualcomm wants to buy Intel

  • Intel is reportedly facing a possible takeover bid from Qualcomm, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. While no official offer has been made, the deal would represent a significant shift in the chip industry, with Intel in one of its weakest positions in years. Intel has faced financial challenges, announced job cuts, and is spinning off its chipmaking business. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has been expanding its processor business, especially in the AI PC market. If the deal goes through and passes regulatory scrutiny, it could dramatically reshape the semiconductor landscape.

    For more details on this potential takeover and its implications, click here to read more.

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

  • ‘The Chosen’ Unveils 5 Future Projects Including Acts, Moses and Bear Grylls Series among Them

  • The studio behind The Chosen announced an ambitious slate of new projects, including a series based on the Book of Acts and an animated show about a young girl encountering Jesus in first-century Capernaum. The fan-favorite series about Jesus and his disciples continues to grow globally, with future seasons planned through 2027. The new projects were revealed at ChosenCon in Orlando, and include a series on Moses, a limited series on Joseph, an animated series called The Chosen Adventures, and an unscripted series with adventurer Bear Grylls titled The Chosen In the Wild.

    For more information about these exciting new projects, click here to read more.

     

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

  • One-third of the US population’s background info is now public

  • A massive data leak at MC2 Data, a background check firm, has exposed the personal information of over 100 million U.S. citizens. The leak, caused by a human error, left 2.2TB of sensitive data unprotected and accessible online, including names, addresses, legal records, and more. The breach also exposed 2.3 million users who subscribed to MC2 Data’s services, potentially including employers, landlords, and law enforcement. This data leak raises significant privacy concerns, putting millions at risk of identity theft and other malicious activities.

    For more details on the leak and its implications, click here to read more.

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

  • Iraqi militias reassess security protocols in wake of Hezbollah pager explosions

  • In response to the recent explosions in Hezbollah’s communication systems in Lebanon, militias in Iraq have adopted advanced preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. The al-Sadr movement, led by Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, canceled a planned rally in Baghdad, fearing similar attacks. Iraqi resistance groups, including Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, are implementing targeted precautions. Additionally, Iran has advised senior officials, including Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, to avoid mobile phones until security checks are completed. An airstrike near Damascus also reportedly killed a senior Iraqi Hezbollah member.

    For more details on these developments, click here to read more.

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