THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/11/25

by | Jul 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Airman Taylor Warehime, National Guard | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”

 

— General Douglas MacArthur

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

  • Some A-10 Warthogs may dodge retirement under proposed Senate bill

  • A new Senate defense bill could save more than 100 A-10 Warthogs from retirement in 2026, countering the Pentagon’s plan to phase out the entire fleet of 162 aircraft. The Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act also seeks to reverse sharp cuts to the F-35 program by restoring 10 jets to the Air Force’s order and bolsters funding for the E-7 Wedgetail, despite Pentagon efforts to scrap it due to cost and survivability concerns. The bill reflects growing bipartisan resistance to recent Air Force cuts, including from 16 retired four-star generals. Click here to read more.

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

  • Microsoft and OpenAI’s AGI Fight Is Bigger Than a Contract

  • A high-stakes contractual clause between Microsoft and OpenAI—dubbed “The Clause”—is at the heart of growing tensions between the tech giants, with profound implications for the future of artificial general intelligence (AGI). The agreement gives OpenAI the right to cut Microsoft off from future AGI models if certain conditions are met, including the board’s determination that AGI has been achieved and that it can generate over $100 billion in projected profits. Microsoft, barred from pursuing AGI independently, initially saw AGI as far-off, but with rapid AI advances and OpenAI restructuring into a public benefit corporation, Microsoft is now pressing to renegotiate or eliminate The Clause entirely. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • America’s first freedom: Freedom of religion

  • As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Richard D. Land reflects on the nation’s foundational principles, focusing on religious freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment. He recounts how Baptists, once persecuted by state-sponsored churches, helped secure constitutional protections for religious liberty through a pivotal agreement between Baptist leader John Leland and Founding Father James Madison. This guarantee of “no establishment” and “free exercise” of religion created a uniquely open religious landscape where belief is personal and voluntary. Land urges Americans to honor this freedom not only by preserving it but by actively practicing and appreciating it. Click here to read more.

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

  • Security pros run a 36-hour war room to close a critical DeFi backdoor, likely installed by North Korean hackers

  • Security researchers from Venn Network and allied teams worked non-stop in a 36-hour “war room” to shut down a critical DeFi backdoor likely planted by North Korea’s Lazarus Group, averting what could have been a multi-million-dollar exploit. The backdoor exploited uninitialized ERC1967Proxy contracts, allowing attackers to hijack and spoof Ethereum blockchain upgrades, giving them full control over affected smart contracts. Coordinated action by security pros and developers saved key DeFi protocols and bridges before any major damage occurred, with over $10 million in user funds at risk. Click here to read more.

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

  • Taiwan reshapes war manual on Chinese threats, based on Israel’s successes in Iran

  • As Taiwan stages its largest-ever military drills in response to mounting Chinese threats, the island is turning to Israel’s 12-day war with Iran as a strategic blueprint, adapting its defense doctrine, intelligence operations, and civilian resilience models. Taiwan’s leaders, closely watching Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, are drawing lessons in preemptive strikes, cyber defense, alliance coordination, and societal readiness—down to shelter construction and emergency alert systems. With new Abrams tanks on display and resilience drills planned for major cities, Taipei is accelerating efforts to prepare for potential conflict, believing that like Israel, its defense strength must begin at home. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/10/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/10/25

by | Jul 10, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

 

— Benjamin Franklin

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

  • Pentagon Just Made A Massive, Long Overdue Shift To Arm Its Troops With Thousands Of Drones

  • In a landmark shift, the Pentagon has redefined how the U.S. military will deploy small drones, now classifying Group 1 and 2 uncrewed aerial systems as “consumables” akin to ammunition—dramatically streamlining their acquisition, deployment, and use. This new policy empowers lower-level commanders to procure and operate weaponized drones directly, expands domestic drone manufacturing, mandates integration into all major training exercises by 2027, and prioritizes rapid fielding to Indo-Pacific units. Inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield innovations and aiming to outpace adversaries like China and Russia, the initiative marks a long-overdue effort to make drone dominance central to U.S. military strategy. Click here to read more.

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

  • Musk says Grok is coming to Tesla cars “very soon”

  • Elon Musk announced that xAI’s Grok chatbot will be integrated into Tesla vehicles “very soon,” possibly as early as next week, despite recent controversies involving the AI’s offensive responses and international bans. Musk acknowledged Grok’s issues, admitting it was “too eager to please and be manipulated,” but said fixes are underway. The move comes amid turmoil at Musk’s companies, including the departure of X CEO Linda Yaccarino and slumping Tesla sales driven in part by Musk’s political affiliations and leadership changes. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Pope Leo XIV: AI developers, users share responsibility to promote good of humanity

  • Pope Leo XIV, in a message to the 2025 AI for Good Summit, emphasized that both developers and users of artificial intelligence share responsibility for ensuring the technology promotes human dignity and the common good. Delivered via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope urged global leaders to adopt ethical frameworks that prioritize humanity, noting AI’s far-reaching impact across sectors like healthcare, education, and governance. He warned that AI, while powerful, cannot replicate moral discernment or authentic human relationships and highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide affecting billions worldwide. Click here to read more.

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

  • Massive browser hijack: extensions turn Trojan and infect 2.3M Chrome and Edge users

  • A massive browser hijacking operation dubbed “RedDirection” has compromised over 2.3 million Chrome and Edge users through 18 seemingly trustworthy extensions that were silently updated to include surveillance malware. Initially clean and functional—ranging from emoji keyboards to weather apps—these extensions were later transformed into Trojan horses capable of tracking websites, hijacking sessions, and redirecting users to phishing pages. Researchers warn that the threat bypassed vetting processes and remains active through attacker-controlled domains, urging users to delete the affected extensions, reset credentials, and scan for malware. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘A stalemate’: Hamas objects to Israel’s concessions on IDF troop deployment in Gaza

  • In ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Hamas has rejected Israel’s second proposal over the deployment of IDF troops in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce, objecting to Israeli military presence between the Morag and Philadelphi Corridors. Despite increased flexibility from Israel, talks remain stalled, with mediators from the U.S. and Qatar pressing both sides. Netanyahu, meeting hostage families in Washington, confirmed only humanitarian cases would be released initially, while reiterating that Hamas must disarm and relinquish power for a permanent ceasefire. Hamas insists on Israeli withdrawal, more aid, and firm guarantees. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/9/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/9/25

by | Jul 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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

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

“The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them… shall be considered an attack against them all.”

 

—Article 5, North Atlantic Treaty

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

  • Nuclear-powered Navy submarine makes historic port call in Iceland

  • In a historic first, the nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine USS Newport News docked in Iceland on July 9, marking the first-ever visit of its kind to the island nation. Navy officials say the port call signals U.S. resolve in defending the Arctic and the High North amid growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region’s strategic waterways and resources. The visit underscores strengthened U.S.-Iceland defense ties and highlights NATO’s focus on Arctic security. Armed with Tomahawk missiles and torpedoes, the Newport News reinforces deterrence in the GIUK gap — a critical chokepoint in North Atlantic defense. Click here to read more.

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

  • Musk-owned X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino to step down in surprise move

  • In a surprise announcement, Linda Yaccarino has resigned as CEO of Elon Musk’s social media platform X, just months after it was absorbed by Musk’s AI startup, xAI. Yaccarino, who was brought in to rehabilitate X’s ad business and public image, praised the company’s turnaround but offered no clear reason for her departure. Her exit comes amid renewed advertiser concerns following antisemitic content posted by xAI’s chatbot Grok, and adds to ongoing turmoil in Musk’s empire. With no successor named yet, X faces new questions about its leadership and future direction. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Open letter to the Israeli Air Force from a former Iranian prisoner

  • In a moving open letter, former Iranian death row prisoner Marziyeh Amirizadeh expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Israeli Air Force for their June 13 strikes on Iran, which targeted military and nuclear sites linked to the oppressive Islamic Republic regime. Having survived imprisonment and torture in Tehran’s Evin Prison for converting to Christianity, Amirizadeh draws parallels between her suffering and that of Israeli citizens, urging unity between Persians and Jews. She prays for a future of restored friendship, freedom, and peace between the two nations, with direct flights of hope replacing the fighter jets of war. Click here to read more.

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

  • Alleged Chinese State Hacker Wanted by US Arrested in Italy

  • A Chinese national accused of cyberespionage for Beijing has been arrested in Italy, following U.S. charges linking him to the state-sponsored hacking group Silk Typhoon. Xu Zewei, 33, allegedly worked with China’s Ministry of State Security to hack U.S. COVID-19 researchers and exploit Microsoft Exchange servers, stealing sensitive data. Prosecutors say Xu targeted universities and law firms and reported his intrusions to superiors. Arrested while vacationing in Italy, Xu denies the charges and claims his identity was stolen. Italy must now decide on his extradition to the U.S. Click here to read more.

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

  • What is the Morag Corridor and why is it important? – explainer

  • The Morag Corridor is a strategic military route established by the IDF in southern Gaza, just north of Rafah, in April 2025. It serves as a vital tactical asset by physically separating Rafah from Khan Yunis and supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas’s remaining strongholds. Stretching up to 12 kilometers in length and at least 300 meters wide, the corridor provides a clear line of sight and operational advantage, limiting Hamas’s ability to stage surprise attacks or rebuild weapons facilities. Israeli leadership views it as key leverage in ceasefire and hostage negotiations, though it’s unclear if retaining it post-ceasefire is a red line. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/8/25

by | Jul 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Ruma Aktar | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.”

 

-Abraham Lincoln

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

  • Trump Says US Must Send More Weapons to Ukraine, Days After Ordering Pause in Deliveries

  • In a sharp policy reversal, President Trump announced the U.S. will resume weapons shipments to Ukraine just days after ordering a pause over concerns about dwindling stockpiles. The move comes amid intensified Russian airstrikes and heavy civilian casualties, prompting renewed calls for aid from Kyiv. Trump, who expressed frustration with Putin, emphasized the deliveries would be “primarily defensive.” The Pentagon confirmed resumption of shipments while continuing a broader military aid review. Meanwhile, Ukraine battles drone barrages and troop shortages, and Russia’s transport minister was found dead shortly after being dismissed amid alleged embezzlement. Click here to read more.

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

  • Google co-founder Sergey Brin calls U.N. ‘transparently antisemitic’ after report on tech firms and Gaza

  • In response to a recent U.N. report accusing Google and other tech giants of aiding “genocide” in Gaza, Google co-founder Sergey Brin called the organization “transparently antisemitic” in an internal employee forum. Brin, whose parents fled antisemitism in the Soviet Union, criticized the report’s claims and defended Google’s actions, stating the use of the term genocide was deeply offensive to many Jews. The report highlighted Google’s Project Nimbus contract with Israel and alleged tech companies had profited from the war. Brin’s comments stirred confusion among staff, reflecting wider tensions around Google’s role in the conflict. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Family Praises Divine Protection after Clinging to Tree during Texas Flood

  • In a harrowing tale of survival during Texas’s deadly Fourth of July floods, Melissa Higginbotham and her family credit divine protection for their rescue after clinging to a tree for two hours. When their vehicles were swept away by floodwaters in Leander, the family escaped rising currents by climbing a tree—surviving until emergency crews arrived. Higginbotham says, “God was with us.” The community, including Round Mountain Baptist Church, is now rallying to support survivors. Click here to read more.

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

  • Iranian hacktivists target Iran’s only independent news outlet, threaten London journalists

  • In a bold escalation of cyber warfare, pro-Iranian hacktivist group Handala claims to have fully breached Iran International, the UK-based independent news outlet critical of Tehran. The hackers allege access to internal systems, personal data of staff and supporters, and confidential communications—threatening to leak information and specifically target top journalists and female staff. Handala, accusing the outlet of Mossad ties, frames the attack as part of a broader retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. If confirmed, the breach represents a chilling warning to dissident media under authoritarian scrutiny. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu and Trump’s meeting: a potential game changer for the Middle East – opinion

  • In a high-stakes meeting at the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump are discussing the path to end the Gaza war, secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages, and potentially reset Middle East dynamics—most notably through emerging signals of possible normalization between Israel and post-Assad Syria. With Trump having met Syria’s new leader al-Sharaa in May and recently lifting sanctions, a deal backed by U.S. security guarantees could lead to Israeli withdrawal from border zones and spur broader regional stability, investment, and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN – 7/4/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN – 7/4/25

by | Jul 4, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / RomoloTavani | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”

 

-John Adams

I. Independence Day on the Eve of the Semiquincentennial

  • On the eve of America’s semiquincentennial, National Review reflects on the nation’s extraordinary 249-year journey from its declaration of independence to its current “middle age.” The editors praise the founding ideals that remain timeless: equality, unalienable rights, and government by consent of the governed. Drawing on the wisdom of Calvin Coolidge, they argue these truths cannot be discarded, no matter how modern society becomes. As America approaches its 250th birthday, they encourage pride and confidence in the enduring values that have guided its progress and resilience. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: News
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/3/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 7/3/25

by | Jul 3, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / jasony00 | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We must be the great arsenal of democracy.”

 

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

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

  • House passes Trump megabill with $150 billion in military funding

  • The House has narrowly passed President Trump’s sweeping megabill by a vote of 218-214, combining tax cuts, health care reforms, immigration measures, and $150 billion in defense funding. The package includes $113 billion in mandatory military funding, pushing the Pentagon’s total budget close to $1 trillion for the first time. The bill funds priorities like shipbuilding, homeland defense, and precision weapons replenishment. Despite criticism over splitting the defense budget into two parts, lawmakers advanced it, though a continuing resolution is still expected for the next fiscal year. Click here to read more.

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

  • Here are the letters that convinced Google and Apple to keep TikTok online

  • A Freedom of Information Act request revealed letters from the US Department of Justice to tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, reassuring them they wouldn’t face penalties for keeping TikTok online despite a law banning US web services from supporting it. These letters, signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and her predecessor, promised legal protection and intervention against any enforcement attempts. The communications aimed to calm fears of massive fines under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which seeks to force a TikTok sale. Trump has since extended enforcement delays through mid-September. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Did you know: The Declaration of Independence is a deeply religious document?

  • As America celebrates another July 4th, Jerry Newcombe reminds us that the Declaration of Independence is deeply rooted in faith, mentioning God four times and reflecting a profound sense of dependence on divine providence. Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founders saw God as the source of our rights and freedoms, rejecting totalitarian ideologies that denied them. From natural law to an appeal to the “Supreme Judge of the World,” the Declaration not only declared independence from Britain but also affirmed trust in God’s sovereignty. Click here to read more.

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

  • Putin’s keyboard warriors are waging war on Europe

  • Pro-Russian hacktivist groups like NoName057(16), Dark Storm Team, and the newly emerged IT Army of Russia are intensifying cyberattacks on Europe, forming new alliances and targeting NATO allies in a digital front of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. These hackers deploy DDoS attacks, deface websites, and steal data, often suspected of operating with Russian state backing. As European rearmament and geopolitical tensions grow, experts warn these cyber operations could become even more aggressive, further destabilizing critical infrastructure. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hamas expected to respond to hostage deal within coming hours, sources tell ‘Post’ – exclusive

  • Hamas is expected to respond within hours to a Qatar-mediated hostage deal proposal based on the Witkoff framework, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, and the freeing of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Talks to end the war would continue during the ceasefire. Israeli officials say that even if Hamas agrees, proximity negotiations over details will be difficult. Click here to read more.

Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

Pin It on Pinterest