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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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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.

     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/26/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/26/25

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Army Staff Sgt. Oscar Gollaz | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.”

 

— Henri Frederic Amiel

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

  • Army still searching for 4 soldiers who went missing in Lithuania despite early reports they died

  • A submerged U.S. Army M88 Hercules armored vehicle has been recovered in Lithuania following the disappearance of four American soldiers during a training exercise near Pabradė, close to the Belarusian border. The troops, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division on NATO rotation, went missing early Tuesday during tactical operations. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte initially suggested the soldiers had died, NATO later clarified the troops’ fate remains unknown, and search and rescue efforts continue. The incident underscores the challenges of operating in the boggy Baltic terrain. Click here to read more.

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

  • How Extropic Plans to Unseat Nvidia

  • A new startup called Extropic has unveiled what it calls the world’s first scalable, mass-manufacturable, and energy-efficient probabilistic computing platform—using thermodynamic effects in conventional silicon to perform Monte Carlo simulations without extreme cooling. CEO Guillaume Verdon, known online as Based Beff Jezos, says the platform offers a radical alternative to traditional AI chipmakers like Nvidia. While Nvidia dominates in AI training, Extropic’s architecture could meet skyrocketing computational demands in fields like AI, finance, and biology with far lower energy costs. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Greg Laurie reveals why ‘House of David’ is among ‘greatest evangelistic opportunities in recent history’

  • A new Prime Video series, House of David, is gaining attention as a powerful tool for spiritual renewal, with Pastor Greg Laurie calling it “one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities in recent history.” Ranked No. 2 on Amazon Prime, the series dramatizes the biblical story of David and Saul, blending cinematic storytelling with biblical themes. Laurie, who consulted on the project, also created a 30-day devotional and documentary to accompany the series. While encouraging viewers not to replace Scripture with entertainment, Laurie sees House of David as a bridge to deeper faith and biblical engagement. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI’s launches new 100K bug bounty and AI cybersecurity initiatives

  • OpenAI has raised the top reward in its Bug Bounty program from $20,000 to $100,000, signaling a bold push to prioritize AI cybersecurity. The program now includes bonus promotions for specific vulnerability categories, and the company is also expanding its Cybersecurity Grant Program with new focus areas like AI-powered software patching and agentic security. A new red team partnership with SpecterOps and broader use of its own AI for threat detection reflect OpenAI’s intensified efforts to safeguard advanced AI systems like Operator and Deep Research from emerging threats. Click here to read more.

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

  • Katz warns Gazans: Remove Hamas, release hostages or war will continue

  • In a rare and significant public protest in Hamas-controlled Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians in Beit Lahiya took to the streets on March 25, 2025, waving white flags and chanting “Hamas out!” while calling for peace, an end to the war, and the release of Israeli hostages. Dubbed the “Intifada of the North,” the demonstration reflected growing public anger over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and Hamas’s leadership. Protesters accused Hamas of prolonging the war and using civilians as shields, with some directly rejecting the group’s control over the territory. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cited the protest as a turning point, urging other Gazans to follow suit if they want the war to end. Click here to read more.

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

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

Image Credit: iStock / HUNG CHIN LIU | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Facts are stubborn things.”

 

— John Adams

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

  • US Sees Russia, Ukraine Choosing a Longer War over a Bad Deal

  • A new U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that both Russia and Ukraine see more strategic benefit in continuing their three-year war than in accepting a premature or unsatisfying peace settlement. The report, which will be presented to the Senate Intelligence Committee, contrasts with President Donald Trump’s push for a rapid ceasefire, potentially as soon as April 20. The analysis notes that Russia’s current battlefield momentum and Ukraine’s need for Western guarantees complicate negotiations. It also warns of growing risks, including potential nuclear escalation by Moscow. Click here to read more.

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

  • OpenAI and Google face Hollywood pushback on California copyright bill

  • A new battle over AI is erupting in California, as Hollywood creatives back Assembly Bill 412, which would require AI companies to disclose copyrighted content used to train their models. Sponsored by SAG-AFTRA and supported by stars like Paul McCartney and Cate Blanchett, the bill aims to protect artists from unauthorized use of their work. Tech firms like OpenAI and Google oppose the bill, warning it threatens innovation and favors big players. Critics argue the bill could stifle startups, while supporters see it as a vital step toward AI accountability. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Blake Shelton’s New Song ‘Let Him In Anyway’ Has Fans in Tears over its Powerful Message

  • Blake Shelton has released a new single, Let Him In Anyway, a heartfelt ballad exploring divine forgiveness and the pain of loss, ahead of his upcoming album For Recreational Use Only, due out May 9. Co-written by HARDY, the song reflects on the hope that a flawed friend might still be welcomed into heaven. Shelton calls it “one of the most powerful songs” he’s ever recorded. The album—his first in nearly four years—features guest appearances from Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan. Click here to read more.

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

  • How to delete your 23andMe data

  • 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, prompting privacy concerns over its vast genetic database. If sold, users’ sensitive DNA and personal data could be transferred to a new owner they never agreed to. While the company claims it stores genetic data separately from personal info, past cases show anonymization can fail. Users can still delete their data: go to Settings, verify your age, request deletion, and confirm via email. However, 23andMe will retain some data like your genetic info, birth date, and email for legal reasons. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hundreds of Gazans march in rare anti-Hamas protest

  • A rare and significant protest erupted in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians marched with white flags demanding an end to Hamas rule and the ongoing war. Chanting “Hamas out!” and “We want to live,” protesters called for the release of Israeli hostages and decried the suffering inflicted by Hamas’s leadership. The demonstration, dubbed the “Intifada of the North,” reflects growing public frustration with Hamas amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Protesters also criticized the media for ignoring the event, highlighting their desire for international attention and peace. Click here to read more.

     

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