THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/17/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/17/24

by | Oct 17, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Domingo | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“It is the function of grand strategy to discover and exploit the Achilles’ heel of the enemy nation; to strike not against its strongest bulwark but against its most vulnerable spot.”

 

– B.H. Liddell Hart

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

  • B-2 Spirits Just Sent A Very Ominous Message To Iran

  • The Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. forces, including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, conducted a strike on underground Houthi weapons storage sites in Yemen. This is the first operational strike by the B-2 in years and the first in Yemen, sending a clear message to Iran, the Houthis’ supporter. The precision strike targeted hardened underground facilities housing weapons used to threaten international vessels. While it is unclear if the B-2’s 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) was used, the operation highlights the U.S.’s ability to destroy heavily fortified targets. This strike comes at a tense moment, with Israel possibly preparing for a significant strike on Iran, serving as a deterrent message to Iran’s deeply buried military and nuclear assets.

    For more on this strategic strike and its implications, click here to read more.

     

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

  • 2004 was the first year of the future

  • In early 2004, the foundations of today’s digital world were being laid. While the world was watching Tom Brady rise and heading to theaters for The Lord of the Rings sequels, a social network was forming in a Harvard dorm room, and a Google employee was reshaping email. Major tech milestones emerged: Google went public, and platforms like Facebook, Gmail, Firefox, and Digg launched, defining the start of Web 2.0. “Blogging” and “the long tail” became part of the digital lexicon. While Apple released a cool product, it was overshadowed by a better one a year later — some things never change. Tech from 2004 continues to shape our lives today.

    For more on how 2004 changed the web forever, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • If entire world denies marriage matters, Christians still cannot

  • The Austin Institute’s video The Economics of Sex highlights how the sexual revolution has impacted dating and marriage. The availability of birth control lowered the risk of pregnancy outside marriage, leading to fewer incentives for men to pursue committed relationships early on. As a result, marriage has shifted from being a “stepping stone” toward adulthood to a “capstone” after achieving financial and relational stability. This change has left many women desiring marital security but struggling to find it. Despite these shifts, Christians must continue to uphold marriage as a vital institution in God’s created order, modeling and teaching its value to the next generation. The Church might even consider playing a role in matchmaking to help young people form healthy, godly marriages.

    For more on how societal changes are affecting marriage, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Sophos warns of growing ‘quishing’ threat

  • Phishing attacks using QR codes, known as “quishing,” are on the rise, cybersecurity experts warn. Sophos, a UK-based security company, recently reported a campaign where attackers used emails with QR code-laden PDFs to steal corporate credentials from mobile devices. The emails appeared authentic, coming from compromised accounts and mimicking office documents. When scanned, the QR codes led to phishing pages resembling Microsoft365 login screens, designed to steal credentials and MFA tokens. Sophos noted that these attacks are becoming more polished and increasingly bypass traditional defenses, posing a growing threat.

    For more on the rise of quishing attacks and how to protect yourself, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Officials to ‘Post’: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Rafah, Gaza Strip

  • Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during an IDF operation in Rafah, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Sinwar, the orchestrator of the October 7 massacre, which claimed over 1,200 lives and led to the taking of 250 hostages, had been in hiding and frequently using human shields. IDF forces identified Sinwar during the operation through dental and fingerprint records. His death sends a clear message to Hamas and the people of Gaza, as Israeli officials emphasize the end of the man responsible for much of the recent violence.

    For more on Yahya Sinwar’s death and its implications, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/16/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/16/24

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“United we fought and united we prevail.”

 

-Chester W. Nimitz

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

  • China on ‘insidious’ path, says US Army Pacific commander after Taiwan exercise

  • China’s recent military exercise, Joint Sword 2024B, saw a record 153 warplanes crossing the Taiwan Strait median, as well as the participation of the aircraft carrier Liaoning and two dozen ships, marking Beijing’s continued military modernization. This exercise came shortly after Taiwan’s National Day and President Lai Ching-te’s speech, with China justifying the drills as a response to Taiwan’s foreign relations and stance on independence. U.S. Army Pacific Commander Gen. Charles Flynn expressed concern over China’s incremental military buildup, calling it a threat to Indo-Pacific stability, but noted that Chinese aggression has bolstered U.S. leadership and security partnerships in the region.

    For more on China’s military activities and their implications for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, click here to read more.

     

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

  • What Gmail did to email

  • When Gmail launched in 2004, its generous storage space revolutionized email services, offering a full gigabyte of space for free compared to the limited storage of paid services. Over the years, Gmail has added various features like labels and snoozing emails, which many, including the writer, have found helpful. However, newer additions such as autocomplete and AI suggestions can be intrusive. Despite frustrations, Gmail’s cloud-based storage offers convenience, making it easy to access old emails, unlike the pre-cloud days when emails were stored locally on a hard drive. The piece reflects on the evolution from localized email storage, which offered more privacy, to today’s cloud-based systems, which prioritize accessibility but at the cost of some privacy.

    For more on the evolution of Gmail and email storage, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • For Church to be relevant, it must avoid childish things

  • In Milan Kundera’s The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, the Czech author suggests that humanity is becoming more childlike, a notion echoed by Douglas Murray’s critique of modern Christianity in his recent Spectator article. Murray reflects on how the Church of England, through events like the “silent disco” in Canterbury Cathedral and an upcoming rave in Peterborough Cathedral, has drifted from its sacred mission. The transformation of these cathedrals, originally built for worship, into venues for entertainment highlights the Church’s loss of confidence in its Gospel foundations. This shift towards childishness, Murray argues, is a product of theological liberalism, which, despite being pioneered by intellectual figures, has led to a trivialization of faith. The Church, he warns, must resist the pull of cultural infantilization and reclaim a mature, transcendent faith.

    For more on the Church’s struggles with modernity, click here to read more.

     

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

  • MacOS bypassing VPNs and leaking traffic after update, report reveals

  • Security researchers at Mullvad have discovered that the macOS firewall may malfunction after system updates, potentially leaking traffic for VPN users. The issue, which started with macOS 14.6 and was addressed in the recent 15.1 beta, causes the firewall to disregard rules, allowing some apps to bypass the VPN. Mullvad recommends users test for leaks by creating firewall rules or checking VPN traffic. Many macOS users have reported recurring issues after updates, including default setting resets and apps launching unexpectedly, leading to increased security risks.

    For more on macOS firewall issues and VPN traffic leaks, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Biden humanitarian envoy says Israel is too close an ally to suspend arms – report

  • A Biden administration official, Lise Grande, reportedly told humanitarian aid groups that Israel is too close of an ally for the U.S. to suspend arms shipments over issues related to blocking food and medicine from entering Gaza, according to a POLITICO report. During an August 29 meeting, Grande emphasized that while the U.S. would apply international pressure through the UN, it would not halt weapon shipments to Israel. She described Israel as being part of a “tight circle of very few allies” with special considerations. Despite the humanitarian concerns in Gaza, the U.S. government remains committed to supporting Israel militarily, and recent efforts have reportedly led to improvements in the aid situation, including the reopening of the aid route to northern Gaza.

    For more on the U.S. stance, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/15/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/15/24

by | Oct 15, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / williamhc | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We have a rendezvous with destiny.”

 

-Line from the song for the 101st Airborne Division

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

  • Army Already Preparing For V-280 Valor To Dramatically Transform Air Assaults

  • The U.S. Army is preparing for the arrival of the V-280 Valor Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), expected by 2030, by developing new tactics that will revolutionize air assault operations. Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia of the 101st Airborne Division highlighted the impact FLRAA will have on speed, range, and survivability, leading to the creation of a new operational concept called Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault (L2A2). FLRAA’s capabilities will allow the Army to move a Brigade Combat Team over 500 miles in one period of darkness, reducing the need for multiple mission support sites and Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs), enhancing survivability. The Army has been testing these new tactics using current aircraft and plans to refine them as FLRAA enters service.

    For more on FLRAA’s impact on future Army air assault operations, click here to read more.

     

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

  • The FCC is looking into the impact of broadband data caps and why they still exist

  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is officially investigating the impact of broadband data caps on consumers. The agency is examining whether these caps harm consumers and competition, particularly as internet usage needs increase and the technology to offer unlimited data plans exists. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often impose data caps that limit monthly bandwidth, leading to additional fees or slower service when exceeded. The FCC invites consumers to share their experiences with data caps, as Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted concerns about how data restrictions could negatively affect small businesses, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

    For more on the FCC’s inquiry into broadband data caps, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • For King & Country Says Its High-Energy Shows Are a Door to the Gospel

  • Christian band For King & Country, known for their high-energy performances and faith-filled lyrics, sees their concerts as a gateway to sharing the gospel. Joel and Luke Smallbone, who have won multiple Grammys and Dove Awards, are currently on their Unsung Hero tour and will embark on their Drummer Boy Christmas tour in December. The band is also releasing a concert-themed movie, A Drummer Boy Christmas, in theaters December 5-9. The Smallbones aim to encourage audiences through hope-filled messages, drawing parallels to the biblical figure Barnabas, known for his encouragement.

    For more on For King & Country’s mission and upcoming projects, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Taiwan visitors exposed in massive hotel booking data leak

  • Blockchain solutions company OwlTing inadvertently exposed the sensitive data of 765,000 users due to a misconfigured Amazon S3 bucket, discovered by Cybernews researchers. The exposed data, mainly related to hotel reservations in Taiwan, included full names, phone numbers, and booking details from platforms like Booking and Expedia. OwlTing confirmed the breach but downplayed its severity, despite warnings from researchers about risks of identity theft and fraud. The incident primarily affected users in Taiwan, with a smaller number from other Asian countries and Europe.

    For more on the OwlTing data breach and its implications, click here to read more.

     

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

  • IDF should target Iranian oil fields, Lapid tells ‘Post’ – exclusive

  • Israel has reportedly assured the US that any retaliatory strike on Iran will focus on conventional military targets rather than nuclear facilities or oil fields, despite calls from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid to target Iranian oil fields. Lapid argued that hitting oil fields would significantly harm Iran’s economy, which he described as the country’s “Achilles heel,” without causing a major global economic crisis. The US, however, has expressed concerns about a potential rise in global oil prices, particularly in the lead-up to the American presidential election. Lapid also emphasized the importance of working with other oil-producing nations to mitigate any economic impact from such strikes.

    For more on the Israeli response to Iran, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/14/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/14/24

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / bs_k1d | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“A picture is worth a thousand words.”

 

― Napoleon Bonaparte

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

  • BriteStorm Miniature Electronic Warfare System Can Allow Small Drones To Create Big Ghost Formations

  • Leonardo has introduced a new electronic warfare jammer called BriteStorm, designed for low-cost deployment on drones and loitering munitions. Unveiled at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference, BriteStorm builds on technology from the BriteCloud decoy and uses digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) to mimic enemy radar signals and create confusion with “ghost” tracks. The system is highly portable and can be deployed on various platforms, providing a powerful tool for disrupting enemy air defenses. BriteStorm is also designed to be affordable enough to be expendable, making it ideal for high-risk missions.

    For more on Leonardo’s BriteStorm and its impact on electronic warfare, click here to read more.

     

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

  • The War on Passwords Is One Step Closer to Being Over

  • The password-replacing technology known as “passkeys,” developed by the FIDO Alliance, is gaining momentum with new developments aimed at making the system easier to use and adopt. At the Authenticate Conference, two key initiatives were announced: the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP), which enables passkeys to be easily transferred across different platforms, and Passkey Central, a resource hub to help developers implement passkeys. CXP addresses concerns about vendor lock-in by allowing secure transfer of passkeys between operating systems and devices, while Passkey Central offers guides and tools to facilitate the widespread adoption of passkeys.

    For more on the future of passkeys and digital security, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Regent University Launches ‘Israel Institute’ to Fight Antisemitism and Raise Awareness About Israel

  • In response to the misinformation and antisemitism seen in campus protests following the October 7th massacre in Israel, Regent University has launched a new initiative aimed at teaching the truth about Israel and its global impact. The Israel Institute will provide factual information and analysis, helping Christians deepen their understanding and engagement with the modern Jewish state. Led by Dr. A.J. Nolte, who brings over a decade of experience in teaching on Israel and the Middle East, the institute reinforces Regent University’s strong commitment to supporting Israel.

    For more on Regent University’s Israel Institute, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Quantum computer cracks ‘military-grade’ encryption

  • A team of Chinese scientists has reportedly executed the world’s first effective quantum attack on classical encryption methods using a D-Wave quantum computer. The team successfully breached widely-used cryptographic algorithms, including Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) algorithms such as Present, Gift-64, and Rectangle, which are foundational to the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), often considered quantum-resistant. While details of the method remain unclear due to the sensitivity of the topic, researchers warn that quantum technology now poses a real threat to encryption, accelerating the race to “quantum-proof” cryptography.

    For more on quantum computing and encryption threats, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Netanyahu: Israel will continue striking Hezbollah across Lebanon, including Beirut

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing IDF strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including in Beirut, despite reports of US requests to limit attacks in the capital. Netanyahu emphasized that the strikes will continue based on operational needs and stated that Hezbollah would be hit “mercilessly” in all parts of Lebanon. This comes amid international concerns, with the US and European countries urging Israel to protect UN peacekeepers in the region as hostilities intensify between Israel and Hezbollah.

    For more on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/11/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/11/24

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / ValeryBrozhinsky | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.”

 

-George Orwell

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

  • China, Iran using AI to ‘track and repress’ Christians like never before, expert warns: ‘Truly Orwellian’

  • Stephen Schneck, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, warns that oppressive regimes like China and Iran are increasingly using AI tools, such as facial recognition, to monitor and repress Christians and other religious groups. This development has created new ways for these governments to control religious practices. Schneck described this technology as “Orwellian” and urged faith communities to prepare mechanisms to counter it. His comments came ahead of the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion, which focuses on AI’s role in religious repression, highlighting the growing concern over global religious persecution.

    For more on the implications of AI on religious freedom, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Tesla’s Cybercab Is Here

  • Tesla showcased its futuristic vision at Warner Bros. Studios, unveiling the Cybercab, a two-door self-driving taxi, and the Robovan, a 20-passenger autonomous vehicle. CEO Elon Musk, who has been promising Tesla’s full self-driving technology since 2016, now claims that autonomous features will be available in California and Texas by 2025, with Cybercab production slated for 2026. These vehicles, lacking pedals and steering wheels, aim to revolutionize transportation, with the Cybercab potentially costing less than $30,000. Musk also reiterated a long-term vision where Tesla owners could deploy their cars as autonomous taxis, enhancing vehicle utility.

    For more details on Tesla’s innovations, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Rhett Walker Credits Church’s Grace during Teenage Pregnancy for His Music and Salvation

  • Grammy-nominated Christian singer Rhett Walker credits the grace extended to him by his church during a teenage pregnancy for both his salvation and his music career. Walker, now married to his then-girlfriend April for 20 years, says the church’s support during their pregnancy led him to find faith and inspired his path in Christian music. Known for his heartfelt songs like Man on the Middle Cross and Where Mercy Found Me, Walker emphasizes the power of grace and love in changing lives. He encourages leading with grace while still holding one another accountable in faith.

    For more on Rhett Walker’s journey, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Hacked Ecovacs robot vacuums go berserk yelling racial slurs and chasing dogs

  • Robot vacuum owners in several US cities have reported incidents of their Ecovacs Deebot X2 devices being hacked, with strangers accessing live camera feeds and using onboard speakers to yell slurs. Some devices were even remotely controlled to chase pets. Despite Ecovacs confirming a vulnerability, the company found no evidence of user account breaches. Security flaws in Bluetooth and the PIN system were highlighted, leading Ecovacs to issue a patch and promise a further firmware update in November 2024. Users are advised to enhance their own online security by using strong passwords and securing WiFi networks.

    For more on protecting your smart devices, click here to read more.

     

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

  • Moscow expands ties with Tehran, as Israel weighs retaliatory strike on Iran

  • Moscow and Tehran are strengthening their partnership, particularly in economic and military cooperation, as tensions rise between Israel and Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized growing ties with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during their meeting, citing close views on global events. Tehran and Moscow have notably deepened cooperation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly with Iran supplying ballistic missiles and drones to Russia. Meanwhile, Iran’s criticism of Israel escalates as both nations exchange accusations, while the European Union plans to impose sanctions on those involved in Iran’s missile transfers to Russia.

    For more on this geopolitical development, click here to read more.

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/10/24

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 10/10/24

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, Operation Northern Arrows, Operation Swords of Iron, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Egor Suvorov | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Space is an inspirational concept that allows you to dream big.”

 

– Peter Diamandis

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

  • Secretive X-37B Spaceplane To Use Aerobraking Maneuvers To Rapidly Change Orbit

  • The U.S. Space Force has announced that one of its X-37B spaceplanes will conduct a series of aerobraking maneuvers, a first for the mini-shuttle, as part of its current Orbital Test Vehicle 7 (OTV-7) mission. These maneuvers will allow the spaceplane to adjust its orbit using minimal fuel by taking advantage of Earth’s atmosphere. The X-37B has been involved in advanced testing, including space domain awareness experiments, during this mission, which began in December 2023. This innovative maneuver showcases the Space Force’s commitment to enhancing space operations capabilities.

    For more on the X-37B’s mission and capabilities, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Amazon, Apple make a deal to offer Apple TV+ in a Prime bundle

  • Apple’s TV platform, tvOS, and the Apple TV app were originally designed to offer a user-friendly, central hub for managing content across streaming services. However, Netflix’s refusal to integrate has limited its success, requiring users to access Netflix separately. While Apple has maintained central features for other services like Paramount+, the streaming industry’s rising costs and economic shifts have forced adjustments. Streaming services, including Apple, are exploring new strategies such as bundles and advertising as they navigate a landscape where content production is increasingly expensive.

    For more on Apple’s TV app and streaming strategies, click here to read more.

     
     

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

  • Florida Escaped ‘Biblical’ Catastrophe Thanks to Hurricane Milton’s Weakening, DeSantis Says

  • Florida avoided the “worst-case scenario” from Hurricane Milton, but still faces significant recovery challenges, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday morning. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, 70 miles south of Tampa, sparing the city from a direct hit. Despite this, it caused at least 10 deaths, left over 3 million people without power, and damaged Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. While storm surge and overall impact were less severe than Hurricane Helene, substantial damage occurred, and recovery efforts are underway with over 6,500 National Guard members assisting.

    For more updates on Florida’s recovery, click here to read more.

     

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

  • This Trojan disguises as Google Chrome or NordVPN to wipe out your accounts

  • Researchers predict that Octo2, the latest version of credential-stealing Android malware, will wreak havoc in 2024. Known as Octo (ExobotCompact), this malware-as-a-service is already active in multiple regions, including Europe and North America. Disguising itself as legitimate apps like Google Chrome and NordVPN, Octo2 can remotely access infected devices, intercept notifications, steal credentials, and perform unauthorized actions. With its ability to frequently change its command and control server addresses using a Dynamic Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA), the malware is difficult to detect. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring DNS traffic and collaborating across the cybersecurity community to mitigate the threat.

    For more on the latest malware risks and how to protect yourself, click here to read more.

     

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

  • ‘Post’ witness to Hezbollah infrastructure, joins IDF in Lebanon in first since 2006

  • The Jerusalem Post has embedded with IDF soldiers in Lebanon for the first time since 2006, revealing Hezbollah’s extensive military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Weapons, including advanced Kornet anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft guns, and mortars, were found in civilian homes. The IDF’s ongoing operation has significantly reduced Hezbollah’s forces, which had planned a large-scale invasion of Israel’s northern regions. The IDF continues to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, clearing threats from villages filled with military supplies, underscoring the serious threat Hezbollah posed before the invasion.

    For more on the IDF’s operations, click here to read more.

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