THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/17/25

by | Feb 17, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / EzumeImages | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.”

 

— George Washington

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

  • Letter George Washington Wrote in NJ In 1777 Is for Sale. Here’s the Price Tag.

  • A rare George Washington letter from May 7, 1777, written during the Revolutionary War, is now up for sale at $150,000. The letter, recently acquired by The Raab Collection, reflects Washington’s optimistic resolve despite a British victory in Danbury, Connecticut. He reassured Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons that the loss was not devastating and that colonial resistance would make an impact. This historic artifact, a powerful glimpse into Washington’s leadership, is being sold on a first-come, first-served basis—not at auction. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Office jobs vs manual labor: who survives the AI revolution?

  • For years, automation was expected to replace factory jobs first, yet AI is now eliminating junior coding roles at a faster pace than manual labor. Companies like Meta and Replit are already reducing their reliance on human coders, while AI tools can now build websites and write software without technical expertise. Meanwhile, blue-collar jobs in manufacturing and construction remain relatively untouched by automation—at least for now. Will AI continue reshaping white-collar work while robotics lags behind? Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The Young Lawyer Who United Lebanon’s Christians in Worship

  • With 12 officially registered Christian sects, Lebanon’s church is deeply fractured, yet in January 2024, thousands of believers gathered in Beirut for an ecumenical worship event led by Maronite Catholic layman Mark Merhej. Featuring a 300-person choir and orchestra, the event brought together patriarchs, bishops, and pastors across denominations to pray for unity. But after orchestrating this unprecedented gathering, Merhej stepped back, wrestling with God’s call for personal retreat. Now, as Lebanon faces war and sectarian tension, will this movement spark lasting change? Click here to read more.

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

  • “I’m feeling very spooked by Garmin:” user hints at another possible smartwatch bug

  • After the Garmin “blue triangle” bug left many smartwatches unresponsive, users are now reporting a mysterious Bible notification appearing on their Garmin Venu 3S. The message invited users to download scripture to their wrist, with some seeing their battery drop from 50% to 8% shortly after. Garmin support blamed Reddit notifications, but users with notifications disabled remain puzzled. While the glitch sparked hilarious reactions online, it raises further concerns about Garmin’s software stability after recent firmware issues and customer service complaints. Click here to read more.

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

  • IDF begins withdrawal from Lebanon, forces to triple along border

  • The IDF is withdrawing from southern Lebanon but will maintain five outposts near the border, each manned by a company of troops, to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing positions in the area. While the Lebanese Army has improved, Israel convinced the U.S. that it cannot fully prevent Hezbollah’s return, justifying the IDF’s continued presence for at least two to eight months, possibly longer. The overall Israeli border defense force will be three times larger than before the war, ensuring stability and security for northern Israel amid ongoing regional tensions. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/14/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/14/25

by | Feb 14, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Oleksii Liskonih | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.”

 

-Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

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

  • Saturday Noon Hostage Deadline Looms for Hamas as Rubio Journeys to Israel

  • Hamas faces a looming Saturday noon deadline to release more Israeli hostages—or risk an all-out return to war. Israel has warned that if the hostages aren’t freed by then, the IDF will resume fighting until Hamas is defeated. President Donald Trump echoed the ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of all remaining captives and warning, “Saturday at 12 o’clock, and after that, all hell is going to break out.” Yet Hamas insists it will only release three hostages as planned, tying further releases to demands for aid and heavy equipment for Gaza—a condition Israel denies agreeing to. With tensions at a breaking point, all eyes are on the high-stakes deadline. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • TikTok isn’t out of the woods yet

  • TikTok has regained momentum in the U.S. after Apple and Google reinstated the app following private assurances from Attorney General Pam Bondi that they wouldn’t face penalties. At a company-wide meeting, TikTok CEO Shou Chew acknowledged past political missteps but expressed confidence in stabilizing the situation. Despite the turbulence, TikTok’s advertising business and user engagement remain strong, signaling resilience in the face of regulatory pressure. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • The Doomsday Clock vs. God’s Timing

  • The Doomsday Clock has been set to 89 seconds before midnight, the closest ever, reflecting escalating global risks like nuclear threats, climate change, and disruptive technologies. While scientists warn of humanity’s self-destruction, some view these crises through a biblical lens, seeing them as signs of the end times foretold in Scripture. However, the ultimate timing of the world’s end, according to Christian belief, is in God’s hands alone. The call remains for repentance and faith in Christ as the only true hope beyond human efforts to reverse impending catastrophe. Click here to read more.

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

  • I wanted to keep my TP-Link router but security pros roasted me

  • If you’re concerned about security risks with your TP-Link router, experts agree that replacing it is the safest option. While adding a firewall or flashing custom firmware might provide some protection, these solutions aren’t foolproof, and potential backdoors could still allow data to be sent back to China. If you must keep your TP-Link router, disabling remote management, changing default credentials, and segmenting your network are crucial steps. However, cybersecurity pros emphasize that the best way to eliminate risk is to switch to a trusted brand. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump says he would take hard stance on Gaza on Saturday

  • President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating that if all hostages are not released by 12 p.m. on Saturday, he would support canceling the ceasefire and allow Israel to take decisive action. This comes after Hamas initially threatened to withhold hostage releases, alleging Israeli violations of the agreement. However, the group is now expected to release three hostages—Sagui Dekel Chen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn—on Saturday. Click here to read more.
     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/13/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/13/25

by | Feb 13, 2025 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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

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

“Collision at sea can ruin your whole day.”

 

— U.S. Naval Saying

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

  • Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman Collides With Merchant Ship (Updated)

  • The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) collided with the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, while preparing to enter the Suez Canal, according to the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet. The nuclear-powered carrier remains operational with no reports of flooding, injuries, or propulsion issues. The Besiktas-M sustained damage above the waterline but continued on its journey under its own power. Carrier collisions are rare due to strict escort protocols, making this incident notable. An investigation is underway, and updates are expected as more details emerge. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Over half of LLM-written news summaries have “significant issues”—BBC analysis

  • A new BBC analysis has found that popular AI chatbots frequently introduce errors, misquotes, and misrepresentations when summarizing news. The study tested ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Copilot Pro, Google Gemini, and Perplexity on 100 news-related questions, instructing them to use BBC News sources where possible. After reviewing 362 AI-generated responses, 51% were found to have significant issues, with Google Gemini performing the worst (over 60% inaccurate) and Perplexity the best (over 40%). Accuracy was the biggest problem, with one in five responses misattributing key facts like dates, numbers, and statements. The findings suggest AI cannot yet be relied upon for accurate news reporting. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Most Brits see role for faith-based organisations in addressing social problems – study

  • A new study reveals that 60% of Brits—including 72% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials—believe faith-based organizations play a crucial role in tackling societal challenges like homelessness, mental health, and youth crime. The survey, conducted by Research Without Barriers and commissioned by UCKG, also found that 73% of Londoners trust religious groups in addressing these issues. Nearly three-quarters of respondents trust faith-based organizations as much as or more than secular charities, with Gen Z showing the strongest preference. The findings align with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to enhance collaboration with faith communities through a dedicated minister and formal covenants. Click here to read more.

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

  • Palo Alto raises annual revenue forecast on steady cybersecurity demand

  • Palo Alto Networks increased its full-year revenue forecast, expecting $9.14 billion to $9.19 billion in revenue for fiscal 2025, driven by rising demand for AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. CEO Nikesh Arora cited cloud investment and infrastructure modernization as key growth factors, with Q2 revenue climbing 14% to $2.26 billion, slightly above estimates. Analysts see Palo Alto as well-positioned in the AI security race, and the company recently expanded its board with former Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt and ex-UBS CEO Ralph Hamers. Click here to read more.

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

  • ‘The girls suffered, but men suffer more’: Shira Albag speaks about Liri’s time in captivity

  • Liri Albag’s return from captivity has been met with relief, but her journey to healing is far from over. After 477 days as a hostage, she is struggling to reintegrate, haunted by the psychological terror she endured and the horrors she witnessed. Her mother, Shira, describes Liri’s survival instinct—learning Arabic, understanding her captors, and enduring relentless mind games. Now, as Israel continues efforts to bring back remaining hostages, Liri’s story is a stark reminder of the trauma inflicted. Click here to read more.
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/12/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/12/25

by | Feb 12, 2025 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“We must make the investments necessary to deter, and if necessary, defeat this new axis of aggressors.”

 

— Rep. Mike Rogers

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

  • Republicans propose at least $100 billion in extra defense spending in the next decade

  • Congressional Republicans are proposing a $100-$150 billion increase in defense spending over the next decade to expand the Navy, modernize strategic nuclear forces, and strengthen missile defense. The Senate’s proposal calls for 5% of GDP to be allocated to defense, while the House proposes a $100 billion cap. The move aligns with President Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda amid threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Democrats argue the plan balloons national debt while cutting social programs. If passed, the budget resolutions will allow Republicans to bypass Senate filibuster rules. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • JD Vance rails against ‘excessive’ AI regulation in a rebuke to Europe at the Paris AI summit

  • Vice President JD Vance warned against overregulating AI at a Paris summit, arguing it could stifle innovation, in contrast to Europe’s strict AI laws and China’s state-backed AI expansion. The U.S. refused to sign a global AI pledge backed by over 60 nations, including China, deepening divisions over AI governance. Meanwhile, France pitched a “third way” to balance regulation and innovation, while China advocated for open-source AI despite Western security concerns. With AI shaping global power struggles, Musk’s bid for OpenAI and U.S.-Europe tech tensions add further uncertainty. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Marc Fogel’s 95-year-old mom celebrates release from Russian prison after fighting to bring him home

  • After three years in a Russian penal colony, American teacher Marc Fogel has returned home following a prisoner exchange negotiated by President Donald Trump. Fogel, detained for carrying doctor-prescribed medical marijuana, was greeted at the White House alongside Trump, calling the president a “hero” for securing his release. His 95-year-old mother, who had long advocated for his freedom, said she nearly fainted upon hearing the news. The exchange also involved the release of an unidentified Russian citizen held in the U.S. Click here to read more.

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

  • CISA, experts urging users to patch new Windows zero-days: “test and deploy quickly”

  • The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an urgent alert regarding two actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, urging users to patch them before March 4th. The flaws—CVE-2025-21418, affecting Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, and CVE-2025-21391, targeting Windows Storage Link—allow attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges and delete critical data. Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday update also includes fixes for 63 security flaws, with three rated critical, including a wormable remote code execution vulnerability in Windows LDAP. Click here to read more and secure your systems.

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

  • Israel considers striking Iranian nuclear sites – report

  • A U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that Israel may be planning major strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities this year, with hopes of securing U.S. support under President Donald Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report indicates that Israel views this as a critical window to weaken Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as concerns grow over Tehran’s expanding capabilities. American military sources suggest that U.S. weapons and logistical support would be crucial for the success of any such operation. Trump has expressed a preference for negotiating a non-nuclear deal with Iran rather than military action, stating, “I would prefer that to bombing the hell out of it.” Click here to read more.
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/11/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/11/25

by | Feb 11, 2025 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

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

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

“Offense is the essence of air power.”

 

-Henry H. Arnold

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

  • Tankers Flood Airspace Off The California Coast For China-Focused Air Combat Exercise

  • The Bamboo Eagle 25-1 exercise has kicked off with a massive U.S. and allied military presence, including 20 Air Force tanker aircraft, advanced fighter jets, and intelligence planes, all simulating a potential conflict in the Pacific with China. This exercise, led by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, features key allies like Britain, Australia, and Canada, and integrates new combat strategies like Agile Combat Employment (ACE) to counter evolving threats. With aerial refueling capacity and base security in focus, Bamboo Eagle is shaping up to be a major force-building event ahead of this summer’s massive REFORPAC exercise. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Here’s How All Online Maps Are Handling the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ Name Change

  • Major map services are split on whether to adopt President Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America.” Google Maps has already made the switch in search results and map labels, while Apple Maps, Bing Maps, and others have yet to follow suit. Some apps, like Google Maps, display both names, while Baidu, OpenStreetMap, and Yandex still list the traditional name. The inconsistency reflects tech companies’ different policies on government directives and geographic naming. Click here to read more.

     

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

  • Is God having a cultural ‘moment’?

  • Interest in God and the Bible is surging, with Bible sales up 22% in the U.S. last year and faith discussions becoming more prominent in football, media, and secular intellectual circles. Figures like Elon Musk, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Jordan Peterson have sparked renewed dialogue on Christianity’s role in Western civilization. While some embrace “cultural Christianity” as a societal good, true faith demands belief in Christ as King. This moment presents an opportunity for Christians to guide seekers toward the full truth of the Gospel. Click here to read more.

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

  • Millions exposed as 14M shipping records accidentally leaked

  • A massive data breach at Hipshipper, an international shipping platform used by eBay, Shopify, and Amazon sellers, exposed over 14.3 million shipping labels, leaking customer names, addresses, phone numbers, and order details. The unprotected AWS bucket, discovered in December 2024, left customers vulnerable to phishing, scams, and even physical threats. Although Hipshipper has since secured the data, experts warn businesses to tighten access controls and encryption to prevent future breaches. Click here to read more.

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

  • Netanyahu declares war to resume if hostages not returned by Saturday

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat until Hamas is decisively defeated. The decision, unanimously backed by Israel’s cabinet, follows Hamas’s suspension of hostage releases. Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli forces are amassing inside and around Gaza in preparation for potential military action. Meanwhile, the IDF has raised its alert level and deployed additional troops and reservists to the Southern Command. Click here to read more.
     
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/10/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/10/25

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Defense, Information Security, Information Technology, THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: iStock / Vlad Yushinov | Imagery Disclaimer

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

“Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”

 

— Winston Churchill

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

  • US Officials Are Bound for Europe for Top-Level Talks on Ukraine

  • President Donald Trump’s administration is in talks with European officials this week to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz emphasizing sanctions and economic pressure on Russia to push Vladimir Putin to negotiate. Reports suggest Trump spoke with Putin, though he declined to confirm, insisting progress is being made. Meanwhile, top U.S. officials are attending high-level meetings in Paris, Munich, and Brussels to shape Europe’s role in the conflict and discuss scaling back U.S. aid to Ukraine. As Russian forces advance, Ukraine’s delegation at the Munich Security Conference, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pushing for international security guarantees. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • Elon Musk just offered to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion

  • Elon Musk has launched a $97.4 billion bid to buy OpenAI’s nonprofit arm, teaming up with xAI, Valor Equity Partners, Ari Emanuel, and 8VC in a move to reclaim the company’s original open-source mission. The bid comes as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman juggles a $40 billion fundraising effort and a $500 billion AI infrastructure plan, creating a high-stakes battle for the future of AI. In response, Altman dismissed the offer, jokingly offering to buy Twitter for $9.74 billion instead. The bid complicates OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model and raises questions about Musk’s influence in AI’s future. Click here to read more.
     

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

  • ‘Thank you, Jesus’: Eagles coach praises God for blessing his team after Super Bowl victory

  • Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni openly thanked Jesus on national TV after leading his team to a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Overcome with emotion, Sirianni declared, “Thank you, God, thank you, Jesus”, emphasizing faith as a driving force behind the team’s success. He credited his players, coaching staff, and GM Howie Roseman while celebrating with his family on the field. After falling short in Super Bowl LVII, Sirianni and the Eagles left no doubt this time, securing their second franchise championship in a commanding performance. Click here to read more.

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

  • Russia disappearing from the internet: cloaking digital presence brings strategic cyberwarfare advantage

  • Russia has drastically reduced its internet-exposed infrastructure, with over two-thirds of publicly discoverable services and devices vanishing behind a digital firewall in just six months. Driven by cybersecurity concerns, Western sanctions, and efforts to tighten control over its internet, Russia has disconnected large parts of the country and tested its “sovereign internet” system. The Kremlin has invested 59 billion rubles ($648 million) into restricting internet traffic and migrating users to state-controlled platforms. With fewer attack surfaces visible, security experts suggest the U.S. should follow suit by tightening exposure and enforcing stricter security measures. Click here to read more.

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

  • Trump: If all hostages not released by Saturday, Gaza ceasefire should be canceled

  • President Donald Trump has stated that if all hostages held in Gaza are not released by Saturday at noon, Israel should cancel the ceasefire and take full military action. His remarks came after Hamas announced a delay in hostage releases, citing Israeli violations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has convened top security officials to assess the situation. Trump also hinted at cutting aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept relocated Palestinian refugees from Gaza, a move widely rejected by Arab nations. Click here to read more.

     

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