THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/17/25

by | Sep 17, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Sullivan | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“If a danger exists in the world, it is a danger shared by all; and equally, that if hope exists in the mind of one nation, that hope should be shared by all”

 

— Dwight D. Eisenhower

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • US, Saudi forces hunt drones in 10-day exercise CENTCOM says identifies ‘best in breed’ tech

  • U.S. and Saudi forces just completed the Middle East’s largest counter-drone live-fire exercise at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, running from September 7–16, 2025. More than 300 personnel fielded 20 anti-drone systems in drills designed to detect, track, and eliminate aerial threats, with layers of defense tested from advanced aircraft like AC-130 Ghostriders and Saudi Typhoons down to drone defeat rounds fired from 12-gauge shotguns. The exercise, led by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Saudi chief of staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Raqed Al-Ruwaili, showcased “best in breed” technologies to address growing threats from Iran and its proxies, who increasingly use drones in attacks across the region. The drills reflect lessons learned from Ukraine’s war and ongoing Houthi drone strikes, underscoring the urgency of strengthening integrated air defenses in the Middle East. Click here to read more.

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

  • Americans want AI to stay out of their personal lives

  • A new Pew Research Center study shows that most Americans remain skeptical about AI’s role in their lives. Half of respondents said they are more concerned than excited about AI, a notable increase from 37% in 2021. The biggest worries are that AI will harm creativity and human connection, with only 18% believing AI should play any role in dating and just 3% supporting a “big role” in matchmaking. Strong majorities want AI to stay out of love lives (66%) and religious guidance (73%). While many are open to AI being used for large-scale tasks like weather prediction or medical research, misinformation ranked as a top concern, with 53% admitting they aren’t confident in spotting AI-generated content. Interestingly, younger adults under 30 were more worried (57%) than seniors over 65 (46%) about AI eroding human abilities. Overall, 61% of Americans want more control over AI in daily life, but 57% feel they currently have little to none. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • J.D. Vance Highlights Charlie Kirk’s Boldness and Devotion to Christ

  • Vice President J.D. Vance honored Charlie Kirk’s legacy this week by stepping in as host of The Charlie Kirk Show, describing the slain Turning Point USA founder as a “joyful warrior” who fearlessly brought conservative and Christian values into challenging spaces. Vance praised Kirk’s courage, influence on young conservatives, and devotion to his faith and family, noting his desire to be remembered for his faith above all else. He also highlighted Kirk’s personal life, sharing how Erika Kirk described her late husband as gentle and kind, never raising his voice or acting harshly. Vance said Erika wants Turning Point USA to continue growing stronger, with a renewed mission to inspire the next generation to speak truth with courage. He concluded by urging supporters to carry forward Kirk’s vision of boldness, faith, and family-centered values. Click here to read more.

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

  • Russian hackers bombard Liverpool City Council with cyberattacks

  • Liverpool City Council confirmed it has been under repeated cyberattacks for the past two years from Russian state-backed hackers linked to the pro-Russian group Noname057(16). The attackers, known for targeting Western governments, militaries, and healthcare systems, used large distributed botnets to launch DDoS assaults in an effort to overwhelm or disable city systems. In response, Liverpool has deployed ISP-level anti-DDoS services, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and traffic management tools to protect operations. The report noted that other UK cities are facing similar threats, as Noname057(16) has expanded its scope from Ukraine to Western nations supporting Kyiv. Europol has been pursuing the group, recently adding a Spanish professor accused of aiding its attacks to its Most Wanted list, and earlier this year dismantling parts of its infrastructure through Operation Eastwood raids. Click here to read more.

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

  • Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’ fully operational to hit missiles along with drones

  • Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that the “Iron Beam” laser defense system is now fully operational, marking a major leap in the country’s air defense capabilities. Unlike traditional systems such as the Arrow or Iron Dome, which cost millions or tens of thousands of shekels per interceptor, Iron Beam’s laser shots cost roughly the same as “turning on a light,” making it vastly more economical for countering mass attacks. The system can shoot down drones, rockets, missiles, and mortars at the speed of light, often destroying threats while still over enemy territory. Officials highlighted its ability to handle barrages of simultaneous aerial threats, not just one or two at a time, which could dramatically reduce the need for bomb shelter alerts in Israel. Three variants — Lite Beam, Iron Beam M, and the full-size Iron Beam — provide flexibility from vehicle-mounted 10kW lasers to stationary 100kW beams. Israel is the first country to move such laser defenses from testing into real-world deployment, positioning itself ahead of other nations like the U.S., U.K., China, and Russia that are still in development stages. Defense officials said the rollout of nationwide batteries will transform future battle zones globally by making laser systems the standard for low-cost, rapid-response defense. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Digital Archiving, Information Security, Information Technology, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/16/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/16/25

by | Sep 16, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Army Sgt. Dana Vermilye | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Chronic wrongdoing, or an impotence which results in a general loosening of the ties of civilized society, may in America, as elsewhere, ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation, and in the Western Hemisphere the adherence of the United States to the Monroe Doctrine may force the United States, however reluctantly, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing…to the exercise of an international police power.”

 

-Theodore Roosevelt

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Trump Says US Forces Sank Third Suspected Drug Boat off Venezuela

  • U.S. naval forces have sunk a third suspected drug-smuggling boat off Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, escalating a campaign framed as both national security and foreign policy. The president said three boats had been destroyed in total—two previously acknowledged and a third now confirmed—though he did not specify the number of fatalities in the latest strike. Trump accused Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro of sending drugs and gang members like Tren de Aragua operatives to the U.S., while Maduro blasted Washington for plotting an invasion. The operations, which already killed at least 14 suspected traffickers this month, have drawn legal and diplomatic concerns as international law restricts use of force against civilians. The U.S. has deployed eight warships, F-35s, and 4,500 personnel in its largest Caribbean show of force in decades, a scale some analysts call disproportionate to the threat, raising fears of further regional escalation. Click here to read more.

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

  • Nothing plans to launch ‘first AI-native devices next year’

  • London-based tech startup Nothing has raised $200 million at a $1.3 billion valuation and announced plans to launch its first “AI-native” devices next year, built on a new operating system centered around delivering a hyper-personalized experience. CEO Carl Pei said the company is developing an “AI OS” designed to work across current devices like smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches, as well as future technologies such as smart glasses, electric vehicles, and humanoid robots. While details remain unclear on whether this OS will be Android-based like Nothing OS, Pei argued that owning the last-mile user experience gives Nothing a unique advantage in shaping AI-driven hardware. The move puts the company in competition with giants like Apple and experimental projects like Jony Ive’s OpenAI-backed device, raising the question of whether consumer appetite for AI-native hardware will finally materialize. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Gavin Ortlund Shares 5 Steps for Christians to Stay Grounded in Dark Times

  • Christian theologian Gavin Ortlund responded to the shock of Charlie Kirk’s assassination by sharing five steps to help believers stay grounded in their faith during dark times. Speaking as president of Truth Unites and theologian-in-residence at Immanuel Nashville, Ortlund urged Christians to focus on Christ and anchor themselves in Scripture, to boldly continue doing good and spreading hope, and to avoid hateful voices online. He also advised logging off the internet to reduce anxiety, taking life one day at a time without being overwhelmed by tomorrow’s problems, and remembering how Christ Himself endured suffering that ultimately brought resurrection hope. Emphasizing that the gospel is central to enduring life’s darkest moments, Ortlund said he could not face evil without it and encouraged believers to cling to that sustaining hope. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hackers setting traps for vibe coders: AI assistants can deliver malware

  • Security researchers at Unit 42 (Palo Alto Networks) warn that hackers are now exploiting AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot by planting malicious prompts in external sources, creating traps that can deliver malware directly to developers. These attacks, known as indirect prompt injections, involve embedding harmful instructions in websites, repositories, documents, or APIs that AI models pull from, tricking them into generating backdoored code. A second risk arises when users attach external context, such as a repository or file, which might already be compromised. Unit 42 even demonstrated how poisoned social media posts could cause chatbots to output malware-laced code that unsuspecting developers might copy and run. Other threats include hackers jailbreaking AI assistants to misuse them for credential theft or malicious outputs. Researchers urge developers to review all AI-suggested code before execution, double-check for hidden behaviors, and be cautious with any external context provided to LLMs. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu: Israel’s economy is very strong, still needs to build ‘independent arms industry’

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel must build an “independent weapons industry” capable of withstanding embargoes, arguing that the October 7 massacre showed the danger of relying on others for critical defense supplies. While stressing that Israel’s economy remains strong—with a robust shekel, stock market growth outpacing the S&P, and high-tech and defense exports surging—Netanyahu insisted that national security demands greater self-reliance. He said Israel will cut bureaucracy, encourage foreign investment, and expand its arms industries to ensure security and resilience in the face of international pressure, comparing the nation’s situation to ancient Greece: “We are Athens and Sparta, or perhaps Super-Sparta. We have no choice.” Netanyahu also accused Qatar of spearheading a “media and economic blockade” against Israel, vowing that domestic weapons production will be the key to breaking through. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/15/25

by | Sep 15, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Tom McPherson | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For good or for ill, air mastery is today the supreme expression of military power and fleets and armies, however vital and important, must accept a subordinate rank.”

 

— Winston Churchill

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • British P-8 Poseidon Flies Unusual Overland Mission Along Polish Border

  • A UK Royal Air Force P-8A Poseidon conducted an unusual overland ISR mission along Poland’s borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus, likely collecting ELINT amid heightened tensions after Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace and as Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills unfold; the sortie underscores the P-8’s multi-mission role beyond maritime patrol while NATO rushes additional air defenses—French Rafales, German Eurofighters, Italian and Dutch F-35s, and upcoming UK Typhoons—under Operation Eastern Sentry, as Poland weighs tougher responses including a limited ‘no-fly’ zone over Ukraine that Moscow warns could mean war, highlighting the escalatory risks and intelligence stakes on NATO’s eastern flank. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple iOS 26 update, new Apple Intelligence features, rolls out today

  • Apple has officially released iOS 26, bringing a refreshed Liquid Glass interface, Adaptive Power Mode for extended battery life, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and Vision Pro devices. The update introduces Live Translation, upgraded Wallet order summaries, smarter Reminders, customizable automations, and enhanced CarPlay, Messages, and Music features, alongside developer tools to build AI-powered apps. New child safety measures include expanded parental controls, detailed App Store age ratings (13+, 16+, 18+), and communication limits for teens. With compatibility spanning from iPhone SE 2 up through the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, iOS 26 marks a major step in Apple’s effort to unify its ecosystem with intelligence-driven experiences and stronger family protections. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows to Carry Forward His Mission and Make it ‘Greater than Ever’

  • Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional vow to continue her husband’s mission, promising it will grow “stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.” Speaking for the first time since the assassination, she said she believes God will use his death to expand the movement’s impact, citing Romans 8:28 and recalling testimonies of lives her husband touched. Erika pledged that Turning Point’s tours, America Fest, and Kirk’s radio show will continue, urging students and pastors alike to join the cause, while also sharing her family’s grief through a touching story about their young daughter. Framing the struggle as ultimately spiritual, she shared the gospel and stressed her husband’s passion for proclaiming Christ and reviving America, declaring that the mission he began will not end. Click here to read more.

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

  • AI failed the Holocaust test – and that should worry us all

  • A new study by Cornell historian Jan Burzlaff warns that AI stumbles badly when asked to retell Holocaust survivor testimonies, often smoothing over suffering, omitting crucial details, and distorting memory itself. In one case, ChatGPT left out a harrowing moment when a starving child was kept alive by her mother’s blood, an absence Burzlaff says proves why human historians remain essential. Published in Rethinking History, his findings argue that while AI excels at coherence, it fails at honoring contradictions and silences, turning memory into something technically accurate but ethically hollow. Burzlaff frames Holocaust testimony as a litmus test—if AI cannot hold on here, where suffering is beyond dispute, how can it handle more complex histories? The real danger, he concludes, is not obvious errors but the flattening of the past into something easy to consume yet stripped of its force. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF invasion of Gaza City erupts as Palestinians report tanks in heart of the Strip

  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale invasion of Gaza City late Monday night, with tanks entering the heart of the city after weeks of escalating airstrikes and artillery fire. Palestinian sources reported scenes of intense warfare not seen in northern Gaza for nearly two years, as hundreds of thousands fled south while roughly 700,000 civilians remained. The move has sparked global controversy and deep divisions within Israel’s defense establishment, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir opposing the order but choosing not to resign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the invasion was necessary to further weaken Hamas, while U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas over reports hostages were being used as human shields. Families of Israeli hostages, meanwhile, condemned the decision, accusing Netanyahu of risking their loved ones’ lives and vowing not to forgive the potential sacrifice. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/11/25

by | Sep 11, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Greens87 | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness.”

 

– George W. Bush

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Our Hearts Feel Even Heavier Than Usual on This 9/11 Anniversary

  • On this 24th anniversary of 9/11, Jim Geraghty reflects on how the tragedy remains vivid for those who lived through it, even as nearly a third of Americans today were not yet born and can only learn about it secondhand. He stresses the responsibility of older generations to tell their stories—the fear, the grief, and the sense of a world suddenly changed. While Osama bin Laden is gone, the Taliban still rule Afghanistan, a bitter reminder of unfinished struggles. This year’s commemoration feels even heavier, marked by the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down in front of his family and supporters simply for his beliefs. Geraghty draws a parallel between the hatred that fueled the 9/11 attacks from abroad and the violence now seen within America’s own borders, where expressing strong convictions can tragically become a death sentence. Click here to read more.

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

  • Gmail is launching a tab for all your Amazon purchases

  • Gmail is adding a Purchases tab on mobile and web that pulls together order-related emails—like confirmations, shipping estimates, and package updates—building on its existing tracking cards and “arriving soon” notices; it’ll live in the sidebar, while the Promotions tab is also getting smarter with timely deal flags and a new “most relevant” filter based on brands you interact with (you can switch back to “most recent” anytime), with Promotions updates rolling out to personal accounts in the coming weeks. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Remembering Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA

  • Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, was killed Wednesday after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was only 31 and leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children. Known for launching Turning Point USA at just 18, Kirk became one of the most influential conservative activists of his generation, dedicated to spreading biblical and conservative values on campuses nationwide. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with President Trump ordering flags at half-mast and faith leaders like Franklin Graham highlighting his love for both country and Christ, while even critics of his politics condemned the violence and urged national reflection on the state of discourse in America. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple Unveils iPhone Memory Protections to Combat Sophisticated Attacks

  • Apple has added Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) to its new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, offering always-on memory safety protection against advanced spyware threats that typically exploit memory vulnerabilities. Built on Arm’s Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension and Apple’s own secure allocators, MIE strengthens the kernel, Safari, and Messages, making exploit chains fragile and costly to develop. Apple’s security head Ivan Krstić said MIE will disrupt decades-old attack techniques and raise the barrier for mercenary spyware vendors, while testing shows it stops threats early by collapsing entire chains. This launch parallels Google’s new Advanced Protection mode for Android, highlighting an industry push to harden smartphones against state-backed surveillance. Click here to read more.

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

  • Growing assessment that no senior Hamas officials killed in Doha, Israeli official tells ‘Post’

  • Israeli officials now fear that their strike in Doha on Tuesday may not have killed any senior Hamas leaders, despite earlier optimism that top figures were eliminated. Investigators believe some officials were in a different room than targeted, leaving them with only minor injuries, while Arab media reports claim the leaders survived after leaving their phones in one room and moving elsewhere to pray. Funerals in Qatar identified six victims—including five Palestinians and one Qatari officer—but none were confirmed as senior Hamas members, and unnamed bodies found on-site are now assessed not to belong to the group’s top leadership. This shift reflects growing pessimism in Jerusalem about the operation’s outcome. Click here to read more.

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

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

by | Sep 9, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / e-crow | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

 

— Romans 13:4 (KJV)

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Israel Executes Unprecedented Strike On Hamas Leadership In Qatar (Updated)

  • Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike on Hamas’ top leadership in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against the group. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the operation involved 15 Israeli fighter jets firing 10 precision munitions at a single target, killing at least Hammam Khalil al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and several others. The strike, planned for months, comes as Hamas negotiators were considering a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar condemned the attack as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty, while Hamas claimed its senior leaders survived. U.S. officials confirmed they were informed shortly before the strike but had little time to respond, raising tensions given Qatar’s role as a key U.S. ally and host of Al Udeid Air Base. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack could “open the door to ending the war,” while the U.N. Secretary-General condemned the escalation. The strike has complicated ongoing ceasefire talks and heightened regional tensions. Click here to read more.

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

  • Apple “Awe Dropping” event introduces the “slimmer than slim” all new iPhone Air and much more

  • At Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, the company unveiled a series of major product launches, including the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air, upgraded AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and iOS 26. The highlight was the ultra-thin iPhone Air at just 5.6mm, built with grade-five titanium and a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability, starting at $999 and featuring the new A19 Pro chip, N1 wireless chip, and C1X cellular modem. The iPhone 17 series introduces brighter displays, Pro Motion tech up to 120Hz, and a 48MP dual fusion camera with improved stabilization, starting at $799. AirPods Pro 3 add real-time language translation, improved spatial audio, and enhanced noise cancellation for $249. The new Apple Watch Series 11, SE3, and Ultra 3 integrate Apple Intelligence, offering Emergency SOS, sleep tracking, hypertension alerts, and satellite connectivity on the Ultra model. iOS 26 brings an Adaptive Power Mode, AI-driven personalization, and “Liquid Glass” visuals, launching September 15, 2025. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Terrorist attack in Jerusalem: What does it say about God’s love?

  • Following the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem that claimed six lives, Yael Eckstein reflects on its deeper spiritual meaning as the Jewish community prepares for Rosh Hashanah. She emphasizes that the holiday centers on life — not only physical life but a life lived with purpose, moral courage, and devotion to God. In contrast, she views the attackers’ motives as rooted in destruction — of life, morality, compassion, and meaning itself. Eckstein highlights the mission of The Fellowship, which she leads, to “give life” daily through support for the poor, security for communities, and spiritual guidance for immigrants in Israel, aided by Christian supporters worldwide. Amid tragedy, she reaffirms the Jewish belief that “life, and a life for God, is our very DNA” and cannot be compromised. Click here to read more.

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

  • Microsoft Patches 86 Vulnerabilities

  • Microsoft has released its September 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, addressing 86 vulnerabilities across Windows and other products, including several critical security flaws. While no vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild, eight are rated as “exploitation more likely,” including privilege escalation bugs in Windows Kernel, Hyper-V, TCP/IP, NTLM, and SMB, as well as a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Windows NTFS. The most severe issue, CVE-2025-55232 in the High Performance Compute (HPC) Pack, has a CVSS score of 9.8, with Microsoft advising customers to secure TCP port 5999 with firewall rules. Other high-risk RCE flaws affect Routing and Remote Access Service, SharePoint, Office, and SQL Server, though most are rated as less likely to be exploited. Administrators are strongly encouraged to apply updates promptly to reduce exposure to potential attacks. Click here to read more.

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

  • Hamas assassination op. in Qatar will aid hostage deal talks, Israeli officials claim

  • Israeli officials claim the strike in Qatar targeting senior Hamas leaders could ultimately aid hostage deal negotiations, despite initial backlash from Hamas. Sources say Hamas will likely pause talks briefly but eventually resume, with surviving leader Khaled Mashaal expected to push for an agreement. Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch noted that “Hamas Abroad” had long obstructed progress, and officials believe the assassination weakens their influence, reducing Qatar’s role in mediation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the timing, stating, “The days are over when terrorist leaders could enjoy immunity anywhere.” However, Mossad chief David Barnea reportedly opposed carrying out the strike while negotiations were active, warning it could complicate talks. The U.S. was briefed but disputes claims of granting formal approval, while President Trump reassured Qatar’s leadership that such actions would not recur on their soil. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/8/25

by | Sep 8, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of War (DoW) / Navy Seaman Andrew Eggert | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Make no mistake about it, what you’re doing right now, it’s not training. This is the real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America.”

 

— Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War

I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Top U.S. Military Leaders Visit Puerto Rico As Caribbean Operations Aimed At Venezuela Heat Up

  • Top U.S. military leaders, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, visited Puerto Rico as tensions rise with Venezuela and operations in the Caribbean intensify. Puerto Rico is serving as a key staging ground for equipment and personnel as the Trump administration targets Venezuelan-backed drug cartels, labeling leader Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist.” During the visit, Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers and toured the USS Iwo Jima, part of ongoing amphibious exercises involving 4,500 Marines and sailors. The deployment includes MQ-9 Reaper drones, warships, and F-35 fighter jets, signaling a strong show of force amid increased cartel-related strikes and growing confrontations with Venezuelan forces. While officials maintain the mission focuses on counter-narcotics, analysts believe it sends a broader message to Maduro’s regime. Click here to read more.

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

  • Google admits the open web is in ‘rapid decline’

  • In a recent court filing, Google admitted that “the open web is already in rapid decline,” contradicting its public claims that search traffic is healthy and expanding. The statement came as part of Google’s defense against a U.S. Department of Justice proposal to break up its advertising business, which the company argues would further harm publishers reliant on open-web display ads. Google later clarified that it was referring specifically to open-web display advertising, not the open web overall, citing shifting investments toward connected TV, retail media, and other formats. Still, publishers report declining traffic linked to Google’s search algorithm changes and the rise of AI-powered summaries, despite Google insisting it continues to drive “billions of clicks” daily. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Latest Blood Moon Sparks End Times Reflection and Talk of Biblical Prophecy

  • A blood moon over the weekend has reignited conversations among Christians about biblical prophecy and the end times. While total lunar eclipses like this occur naturally about once every two to three years per location, many believers cite verses from Joel, Revelation, Matthew, and Acts linking blood moons to significant prophetic events. Pastor John Hagee and others see potential divine signals, referencing historical “tetrads” connected to major milestones in Jewish history, while theologians like Albert Mohler urge caution, emphasizing Scripture over astronomical speculation. This latest blood moon was the second in a series of four consecutive eclipses, fueling renewed debate over their spiritual meaning. Click here to read more.

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

  • China is blurring the lines between civilian AI and military power

  • China is increasingly integrating civilian AI technologies into its military infrastructure, blurring the lines between commercial innovation and defense applications, according to a recent CSET report. Everyday tools like voice recognition apps, drones, and satellite mapping software are being adapted for battlefield use, enabling functions like surveillance, swarm coordination, and missile targeting. Over 1,500 Chinese organizations, including startups, universities, and tech giants like iFlytek and PIESAT, have secured PLA contracts since 2023. Because many of these companies remain unsanctioned, they still access Western chips, research, and academic partnerships, raising concerns about potential technology leakage. The U.S. faces a dilemma between tightening controls to protect sensitive innovations and avoiding stifling its own AI development. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza,’ UK government concludes

  • The UK government has officially concluded that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, marking a significant shift from its previous stance that only international courts could determine such matters. In a letter dated September 1, Deputy Prime Minister and then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that while the humanitarian situation is “utterly appalling,” Israel’s actions do not meet the Genocide Convention’s threshold, which requires a “specific intent to destroy” a protected group. The decision follows the International Court of Justice’s assessment, which warned of genocide risks but has not ruled Israel in breach. Critics, including former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, accused the government of quietly releasing the ruling, while Lammy also emphasized maintaining the UK’s role in the global F-35 defense program, despite halting direct F-35 parts exports to Israel. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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