THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/20/25

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

“History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”

— Ronald Reagan

B-1 bombers fly over South Korea in show of force against North’s threats
The U.S. and South Korean air forces conducted a joint aerial drill over South Korean airspace on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, featuring two B-1B Lancer bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, escorted by U.S. F-16s, Marine Corps F-35Bs, and South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles. The drill, aimed at deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, was the first such demonstration this year and follows previous trilateral exercises with Japan. Lt. Gen. David Iverson emphasized the importance of maintaining high readiness levels for combined defense. The exercise comes amid North Korea’s continued missile tests and threats, with the regime recently vowing to bolster its nuclear capabilities and conducting multiple ballistic and cruise missile launches in January. Click here to read more.

Microsoft prepares for OpenAI’s GPT-5 model
Microsoft is gearing up to host OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 as early as next week, with GPT-5 expected by late May, aligning with the Microsoft Build developer conference. GPT-4.5, codenamed Orion, is OpenAI’s last non-chain-of-thought model, while GPT-5 will introduce OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model and unify its AI offerings for a more seamless experience. Microsoft is also developing Copilot updates and exploring Operator AI, which allows automated web interactions. Additionally, Microsoft’s Xbox AI model, Muse, is advancing gameplay generation, while its quantum computing breakthrough, Majorana 1, could revolutionize computing with a topoconductor-based processor. Other updates include Outlook mobile’s new email recall feature, expanded Xbox external storage support, and Windows Recall progressing toward public release. Expect major AI announcements from Microsoft at Build in May, as it competes with Google I/O in the race for AI dominance. Click here to read more.

Jelly Roll Opens Up about His Faith, Declares ‘I Have a Heart for Jesus’
Country singer Jelly Roll, known for his raw storytelling and themes of redemption, recently opened up about his faith journey in a heartfelt conversation with Christian artist Brandon Lake. He revealed how his collaboration on Hard Fought Hallelujah rekindled his connection to God, describing the song as “worship music for sinners.” Despite past hurt from the church and criticism from some Christians, Jelly Roll remains committed to his faith, striving to follow Jesus in his unique way. Expressing a deep desire to be useful rather than simply happy, he continues to use music as a vessel for healing and faith. Click here to read more.

FTC wants to hear from victims who believe they’ve been censored on tech platforms
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking public input on potential censorship by tech platforms, inviting individuals—including current and former employees—who feel they have been unfairly restricted from sharing their ideas or affiliations. This initiative follows an executive order by former President Donald Trump, who has long accused major tech companies of suppressing conservative voices. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, a Trump appointee, emphasized that tech censorship could constitute deceptive business practices or anticompetitive behavior. The agency has released a series of questions for public submission, encouraging users to share experiences, upload evidence, and submit comments—anonymous or otherwise—before the May 21, 2025 deadline. Click here to read more.

Multiple buses explode across central Israel in mass bombing attempt
A series of planned terror attacks targeted central Israel as multiple buses exploded in Bat Yam, with authorities attributing the attack to Hamas operatives in the West Bank, allegedly supported by Iran. Though no injuries were reported, the bombs, containing non-standard explosive materials, were intended to detonate during peak hours to maximize casualties. Israeli security forces, including the IDF and Shin Bet, have launched a large-scale investigation and are ramping up preventive measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed a powerful military response against terror hubs, while Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered nationwide security checks on public transit. Click here to read more.