THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/3/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/3/25

by | Apr 3, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / donfiore | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Our mission is a serious mission. Strategic deterrence is the Department of Defense’s most important mission that we do and it’s enabled, in great part, by the great combat power of Global Strike Command.”

 

— Gen. John E. Hyten

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

  • Is The U.S. About To Go To War With Iran?

  • Growing concerns that the U.S. may imminently strike Iran stem from President Trump’s May deadline for Tehran to engage in nuclear negotiations. With Iran rejecting direct talks and its nuclear program nearing potential weaponization, the Trump administration is escalating pressure through a significant military buildup, including deploying B-2 bombers with bunker-busting munitions to Diego Garcia. The administration views Iran’s nuclear threat, regional destabilization, and even assassination threats against Trump as justification. While a kinetic strike would carry serious risks, including massive Iranian retaliation, the U.S. may target nuclear sites, missile facilities, and air defenses if diplomacy fails. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI and Anthropic are fighting over college students with free AI

  • OpenAI and Anthropic launched competing higher education initiatives this week, targeting college students with tailored AI tools. Anthropic introduced Claude for Education with a new “Learning mode” that emphasizes Socratic questioning to boost critical thinking. It partnered with institutions like LSE and Northeastern University. OpenAI, already active in academia, announced that U.S. and Canadian college students can now access ChatGPT Plus for free through May, promoting features like Deep Research and advanced voice tools. Both companies are vying to become the default AI for the next generation of students.
    Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Chick-fil-A Ranks Last in Drive-Thru Speed But 1st in Drive-Thru Satisfaction, Study Shows

  • Despite having the slowest average drive-thru time, Chick-fil-A ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction, friendliness, food quality, and order accuracy in InTouch Insight’s annual drive-thru report. Mystery shoppers found that while Chick-fil-A customers waited nearly 8 minutes, they still rated their experience highest, valuing friendly service and accurate orders over speed. The study highlights that a warm, well-run experience matters more to many customers than a fast one. Chick-fil-A’s commitment to service excellence is rooted in its Christian values and longstanding corporate purpose. Click here to read more.

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

  • Chinese threat actor jumps on misdiagnosed RCE in Ivanti VPN appliances

  • A suspected Chinese APT group, UNC5221, is actively exploiting a critical flaw (CVE-2025-22457) in Ivanti Connect Secure VPN appliances, which was misclassified and inadequately patched in February. Initially labeled a denial-of-service bug, the vulnerability actually allows remote code execution. Google’s Mandiant team confirmed in-the-wild attacks since mid-March, with hackers deploying stealthy backdoors. Ivanti urges customers to upgrade to version 22.7R2.6 or later and run integrity checks to mitigate the threat. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Houthi missile hits Saudi Arabia en route to Israel

  • Houthi militants in Yemen have resumed missile attacks targeting Israel, with one ballistic missile falling in Saudi Arabia en route to Israeli territory on Thursday — the second such incident since late March. Sirens have sounded across Israel three times in the past week due to Houthi launches, following a temporary pause during the January–March ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In response, U.S. Central Command has intensified strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, including in the capital, Sana’a. The renewed escalation comes as the U.S. continues efforts to protect Red Sea shipping and deter further regional destabilization. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/2/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/2/25

by | Apr 2, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Sundry Photography | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We have a responsibility to secure the space domain to defend U.S. service members in harm’s way. We must contest to control the space domain, or else those service members will be at unacceptable risk of attack.”

 

— Gen. B. Chance Saltzman

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

  • Space Force picks Northrop for ‘Elixir’ satellite refueling demo

  • Northrop Grumman will demonstrate satellite refueling through a new Space Force mission called Elixir, building on its previous GAS-T tanker program. The Elixir payload, to be launched on the ROOSTER-5 spacecraft, will test key capabilities like rendezvous, docking, and fuel transfer in orbit. The mission aims to support the Space Force’s goal of greater space mobility amid rising concerns over Chinese satellite maneuvering. Elixir joins other planned refueling demonstrations as the Space Force evaluates how to incorporate servicing into its long-term architecture. Click here to read more.

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

  • Sony’s new Bravia lineup includes its ‘King of TV’ successor

  • Sony has unveiled its new Bravia 8 II QD-OLED TV, the successor to the award-winning A95L and a contender for the best TV of 2025. With 125% the peak brightness of the A95L and improved color accuracy, the Bravia 8 II aims to replicate Sony’s $40,000 studio reference monitor, though it stops short of matching its full HDR performance. Sony also debuted the Bravia 5 Mini LED TV with six times more dimming zones than its predecessor, and the entry-level Bravia 2 II LED TV for the U.S. market. The new Bravia Projector 7 and audio accessories like the Theater Bar 6 round out the home theater lineup. Pricing is expected later this spring. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Why Christians Must Protect Real Relationships in an Age of AI

  • AI-powered tools like the Sonny counseling chatbot are being introduced in schools and even churches, raising concerns about replacing real human relationships with artificial ones. Sonny, available to 4,500 U.S. students, uses a hybrid model with human oversight, while faith-based applications like an AI “Jesus” in Switzerland and a prayer app by Pastor Ron Carpenter demonstrate the growing role of AI in spiritual spaces. While helpful, these technologies cannot replicate genuine human connection or spiritual fellowship. Christians are reminded that the Body of Christ is relational by design and must not substitute real relationships with artificial ones. Click here to read more.

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

  • Startup aims to end phishing: what’s behind bold claims?

  • A new cybersecurity startup called Relock is aiming to revolutionize authentication with a technology called “continuous passive authentication,” which constantly reauthenticates users in the background without interrupting their experience. Founded by Polish developers Marcin Sznyra and Przemek Cherklevich, Relock’s JavaScript-based system issues and updates cryptographic keys on each user interaction, offering strong resistance to phishing, credential theft, and session hijacking. Already integrated into pilot projects in the U.S. and Europe, the solution requires no user installation and is compatible with current authentication methods. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

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

  • Lebanese army significantly improved anti-Hezbollah enforcement, IDF sources say

  • Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed during an IDF-embedded media visit that widespread destruction in southern Lebanon has delayed Hezbollah’s return, potentially for up to five years, as villages remain uninhabitable. IDF sources say only 20–30% of Lebanese civilians have returned since the ceasefire, easing concerns of Hezbollah fighters disguising themselves as noncombatants. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army has taken unprecedented anti-Hezbollah enforcement actions, reportedly conducting 500 operations with U.S. coordination. Katz also said Israel will maintain five outposts inside Lebanon and continue parallel military enforcement despite recent ceasefire terms. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/1/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/1/25

by | Apr 1, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Marine Corps Sgt. Jake McClung | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

 

— Steve Jobs

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

  • Marines launch new team focused on first-person drones that have dominated Ukraine war

  • The Marine Corps has launched a new Attack Drone Team based at Quantico, Virginia, to rapidly expand its use of first-person view (FPV) drones—affordable, precision-strike tools revolutionizing warfare in Ukraine. These drones, costing under $5,000 and capable of striking targets up to 12 miles away, give operators a cockpit-like perspective. The team will set standards for FPV drone operations, train Marines in combat deployment, and represent the Corps in national drone competitions. The move reflects the military’s growing urgency to adapt to modern battlefield tech. Click here to read more.

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

  • ChatGPT’s improved image generation is now available for free

  • OpenAI’s latest viral image generator—famous for uncanny Studio Ghibli-style art—is now available to all free ChatGPT users, CEO Sam Altman announced. The tool, powered by GPT-4o, originally launched on March 25 but saw its free rollout delayed due to overwhelming demand. Free users can now generate up to three images per day. The launch comes just after OpenAI secured a record-breaking $40 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to $300 billion. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Christian Ministries Rush Aid to Myanmar and Thailand after Deadly Earthquake

  • Christian ministries are mobilizing emergency aid to Myanmar and Thailand after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed at least 2,700 people and caused widespread destruction. Samaritan’s Purse, led by Franklin Graham, is deploying a DC-8 cargo plane with a mobile hospital and medical personnel, while the Southern Baptist Convention’s Send Relief is partnering with local churches to provide food, water, shelter, and supplies. The earthquake struck near Mandalay and was followed by a powerful aftershock, collapsing buildings in both countries, including a high-rise in Bangkok. Click here to read more.

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

  • Andreessen Horowitz now front runner to help buy out Chinese-owned TikTok – media reports

  • U.S. venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is in talks to invest in TikTok as part of a Trump-led effort to take control of the app from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, the Financial Times reported. The deal, backed by Oracle and potentially Blackstone, aims to meet an April 5 deadline and would carve TikTok out of Chinese ownership. President Trump is expected to review the final proposal this week in a meeting with top officials, including VP JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Click here to read more.

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

  • Turkey’s military expansion in Syria: A new threat to Israel’s security – opinion

  • Turkey’s deepening military presence in Syria is raising alarm in Israel, with officials warning that a direct conflict may be approaching. Following a Turkish-backed coup in Damascus, Ankara now controls significant Syrian territory and is negotiating a defense pact with Syria’s new Islamist government, potentially establishing permanent airbases and drone launch sites near Israel’s border. President Erdogan’s recent prayer for the “destruction of Zionist Israel” and support for Hamas have further heightened tensions. Israeli defense analysts say Turkey’s advanced drone capabilities and NATO-standard forces could pose a greater threat than Iran. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/31/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/31/25

by | Mar 31, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / KGrif | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.”

 

— President Ronald Reagan

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

  • US Bunker-Busting Bombers Positioned in Indian Ocean as Trump Sternly Warns Iran

  • In a stark warning over the weekend, President Donald Trump told NBC News that Iran faces devastating consequences if it refuses to negotiate, stating, “There will be bombs like they’ve never seen before.” The comment signals rising tensions as the U.S. builds up B-2 and B-52 bombers at Diego Garcia, potentially preparing for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran has rejected direct talks but left the door open to indirect diplomacy. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader renewed threats against Israel, while Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed firm responses to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Click here to read more.

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

  • United Airlines approved to fly first commercial Starlink-equipped airplane next month

  • United Airlines announced Monday that the FAA has approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, the Embraer 175, with the inaugural commercial flight set for May. The airline plans to outfit over 300 regional jets with the high-speed Wi-Fi technology by year’s end, installing Starlink on more than 40 planes per month. In partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, United aims to eventually bring Starlink to its entire fleet, offering free in-flight internet to MileagePlus members. The service will allow passengers to stream, shop, and work midair as seamlessly as on the ground. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Craig Morgan says his faith is ‘non-negotiable,’ praises ‘resurgence of American pride’

  • Country star and Army veteran Craig Morgan says patriotism is making a comeback in America. In a recent interview, Morgan celebrated a renewed sense of national pride, especially among young people, while promoting his new EP American Soundtrack, which centers on faith, family, and country. Known for hits like “What I Love About Sundays,” Morgan re-enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 and remains outspoken about his Christian faith, even after the tragic loss of his son in 2016. Touring with Blake Shelton this year, Morgan hopes his music reminds Americans of the blessings and freedoms they often take for granted. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers broke Google’s AI. Here’s how they did it

  • Ethical hackers from Lupin & Holmes struck again, exposing major security flaws in Google’s Gemini AI update and earning a payout in the process. The team, who previously won $50,000 in Google’s LLM bug bounty challenge, found they could access restricted files in Gemini’s coding sandbox—including fragments of Google’s internal source code, AI APIs, and security protocols. They even manipulated Gemini’s reasoning process to edge closer to escaping its security environment. While Google quickly patched the issues, the incident highlights growing concerns about AI vulnerabilities as these models are integrated into critical systems. Click here to read more.

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

  • Egypt military buildup in Sinai threatens peace with Israel, source warns

  • In a rare warning, Israel has accused Egypt of violating their longstanding peace agreement by deploying additional military forces in the Sinai Peninsula and expanding military infrastructure, including ports and airstrips. An Israeli security source said the buildup exceeds the permitted quota under the treaty, calling the move “intolerable” and urging the U.S.—a guarantor of the agreement—to intervene. While Israeli officials say the situation is reversible, they’ve made clear that such actions won’t be tolerated and are now in active talks with Cairo and Washington. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/28/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/28/25

by | Mar 28, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Hannah Kantner | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”

 

— Admiral Michelle Howard

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

  • This Navy Destroyer’s New Battle Flag Pays Tribute to the Service’s First Female Nurses

  • In a powerful tribute to the U.S. Navy’s first group of female nurses, the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee debuted a new battle flag in March bearing 20 gold stars encircling the number 20 — a nod to the “Sacred Twenty.” The destroyer is named after Lenah Higbee, a trailblazing Navy nurse and the only woman awarded the Navy Cross while still living. The Sacred Twenty, officially established in 1908, paved the way for women’s service in the Navy, challenging discrimination and shaping military healthcare. Their legacy now flies high aboard a warship. Click here to read more.

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

  • Musk’s xAI buys social media platform X for $45 billion

  • In a major tech merger, Elon Musk announced on Friday that his AI startup xAI has acquired social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in a $45 billion all-stock deal, including $12 billion in debt. Musk, who already owns both companies, said their “futures are intertwined,” emphasizing shared resources in data, computing power, and talent. The move values the newly combined entity at $80 billion. This comes after xAI’s $6 billion funding round and a failed $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI. Musk’s ambition to rival top AI firms like OpenAI and DeepSeek now fuses social media influence with AI innovation. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • ‘The Chosen’ Star Shahar Isaac Speaks Out for Hostages Still Held by Hamas

  • Israeli actor and former IDF soldier Shahar Isaac, best known for his role as Simon Peter in The Chosen, publicly called on the United States to apply pressure to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 terror attack. Speaking at a press event while wearing a yellow ribbon in solidarity, Isaac described the hostages’ suffering as “beyond any humane capture,” emphasizing that “every day can save another life.” He urged the U.S. to act immediately, saying, “Whatever pressure this country can put on all the parties involved… needs to happen today.” The plea comes amid renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza following failed ceasefire negotiations, with Prime Minister Netanyahu blaming Hamas for rejecting multiple hostage-release offers, including one reportedly brokered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. Click here to read more.

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

  • If someone who sounds like Cristiano Ronaldo calls you, hang up

  • Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone the voices of famous athletes, raising alarm over a growing wave of audio deepfake scams. A new report from SeatPick and AI experts at AIPRM reveals that Cristiano Ronaldo’s voice has been cloned over 5,500 times, making him the most targeted sportsperson. LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes follow, with 4,700 and 3,000 clones respectively. While some uses may be playful, experts warn that these AI-generated voice scams are often used to trick victims into handing over money or sensitive information. In past incidents, cloned executive voices have enabled scammers to steal millions. Click here to read more.

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

  • US deputy Middle East envoy: Lebanese gov’t must eliminate groups firing on Israel

  • In a recent interview, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus called for diplomacy between Israel and Lebanon, urging Beirut to disarm Hezbollah and other militant groups responsible for recent rocket attacks on Israel. Speaking to Saudi outlet al-Hadath, Ortagus emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and described the rocket fire as a violation of the ceasefire. She noted that Iran and Hezbollah have dragged Lebanon into the conflict and stressed that a diplomatic solution, including Israel’s withdrawal from five disputed points, must be pursued. Washington continues to back the full disarmament of Hezbollah. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/27/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/27/25

by | Mar 27, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / TonyLMoorePhoto | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“One cat just leads to another.”

 

— Ernest Hemingway

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

  • What Cat Name Should Northrop Grumman Give Its Fighter If It Wins The Navy’s F/A-XX Competition?

  • If Northrop Grumman clinches the F/A-XX Next Generation Air Dominance contract, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike are calling for the return of the legendary “cat” names once used by Grumman for its naval fighters. With contenders like Shadowcat, Sabercat, Bobcat, and Thundercat emerging from a popular online poll, the overwhelming favorite was “Thundercat”—a name that balances power, stealth, and pop culture nostalgia. As the potential final manned fighter for the U.S. Navy, the naming stakes are high, and fans of naval aviation are eager to see if the tradition will roar back to life. Click here to read more.

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

  • Signal is app of choice for Trump allies and opponents alike

  • In Washington, Signal is becoming the go-to communication app across political divides, with both Elon Musk’s team and activists opposing his policies relying on its end-to-end encryption for secure messaging. U.S. downloads of the app rose 25% year-over-year in early 2025, as government officials, political aides, protesters, and even criminals turn to Signal to avoid surveillance. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency uses the app for internal coordination, while whistleblowers and civil service employees reportedly use it to avoid detection. Signal’s growing popularity highlights its dual role as a tool for both privacy and secrecy. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Archaelogists Uncover Ancient garden From Gospel of John Under Church of the Holy Sepulchre

  • In a significant archaeological find at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, researchers uncovered remains of an ancient garden beneath the site—supporting the Gospel of John’s account that Jesus was crucified and buried near a garden. Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, the excavation revealed 2,000-year-old traces of olive trees and grapevines, aligning with John 19:41. The discovery suggests the area transitioned from quarry to cultivated land, then to a burial site. While the dig resumes after Easter, experts say faith in the site’s sacredness has preserved it through centuries. Click here to read more.

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

  • FBI busts $1.5M Hamas-run crypto financing scheme used to fund terrorism

  • The U.S. Department of Justice announced on March 27, 2025, that it had dismantled a Hamas-operated cryptocurrency laundering network that funneled over $1.5 million to the terrorist organization over the past six months. Federal investigators seized more than $200,000 from 17 crypto wallets and personal accounts linked to Hamas supporters, primarily located in Turkey and other regions. The funds were collected via encrypted group chats and moved through virtual exchanges to obscure their origin. U.S. officials emphasized that disrupting terrorist financing remains a top priority. Click here to read more.

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

  • Jews and Arabs in Israel offer emotional support amid ongoing war – study

  • A new study from the University of Haifa reveals that, despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Jews and Arabs in Israel continue to show mutual emotional support, using similar strategies to comfort one another. Conducted three months after the October 7 attacks, the research involved 159 participants who wrote empathetic letters in response to fictional war-related scenarios. Regardless of whether the recipient was identified as Jewish or Arab, participants employed the same calming techniques, demonstrating shared humanity and emotional resilience. The act of helping others also improved participants’ own well-being. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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