THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 2/7/25

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

“A country without borders is not a country.”

-Carlos Beruff

More active duty troops will head to US-Mexico border, bringing the total to 3,600
The Pentagon is deploying an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, bringing the total to about 3,600 soldiers in support of President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration crackdown. A logistics brigade from the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, has been approved for deployment, alongside 500 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division. Marines are also being sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where detained migrants will be held, with about 500 total Marines expected. The troops at the border will assist with installing barbed wire barriers, transportation, intelligence, and Border Patrol support, while those at Guantanamo are preparing the facility for incoming detainees. These deployments follow executive orders signed by Trump shortly after taking office on January 20. Click here to read more.

Instagram, Netflix, PayPal users think this privacy feature is stupid, do you agree?
Many apps, including Instagram, PayPal, and Netflix, have implemented screenshot restrictions for security, privacy, and copyright protection. Instagram now blocks screenshots of “view once” DMs to protect users from scams and sextortion, while banking and payment apps like PayPal prevent screenshots to safeguard sensitive financial data. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu restrict screenshots to prevent piracy and unauthorized content sharing. Meanwhile, WhatsApp does not allow users to screenshot profile pictures, but Facebook and other social media platforms have inconsistent screenshot policies. Despite these restrictions, users have found workarounds, such as using Google Assistant, third-party software, or Incognito mode to bypass screenshot bans. While companies claim these measures enhance security and privacy, many users argue that they should have control over their own devices. Click here to read more.

Lauren Daigle Sees ‘Vindication’ as She Prepares to Perform at Super Bowl Pregame Show
Christian artist Lauren Daigle will perform “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl LIX pregame show in New Orleans, marking what she calls a moment of vindication after facing public backlash in 2020. Daigle, a Louisiana native, previously encountered criticism from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell after participating in an outdoor “Let Us Worship” event led by Sean Feucht, which violated public health guidelines. The controversy led to her being removed from Dick Clark Productions’ New Year’s Rockin’ Eve lineup. Reflecting on the experience, Daigle stated, “When people need an element of hope, coming together is one of the most beautiful things.” She expressed deep appreciation for the spiritual significance of the song’s lyrics, particularly the line “God shed His grace on thee.” Daigle will perform alongside jazz musician Trombone Shorty, with Feucht celebrating her comeback, calling it a “vindication moment” on Instagram. Click here to read more.

UK demands Apple break encryption to allow gov’t spying worldwide, reports say
The United Kingdom has reportedly issued a secret order requiring Apple to create a backdoor for government security officials to access encrypted iCloud data, according to The Washington Post. The undisclosed demand, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), would grant blanket access to all Apple users’ encrypted data worldwide, not just for targeted investigations. Apple has long opposed such measures, arguing that encryption backdoors compromise user security and could be exploited by hackers and foreign governments. The order primarily targets Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, which provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, and notes. In response, Apple is reportedly considering removing encrypted storage services from the UK market rather than comply. However, this would not satisfy the UK’s demand for access to data stored outside Britain, including in the United States. Apple can appeal the order to a secret technical panel and a judge, but the IPA does not allow compliance delays during the appeal process, raising concerns about privacy and government overreach. Click here to read more.

US plans $7.4 billion arms sales to Israel
The United States has approved military sales to Israel worth an estimated $7.4 billion, including missiles, munitions, guidance kits, and fuses, the Pentagon announced on Friday. The State Department authorized a $6.75 billion package with Boeing as the principal contractor, along with a separate $660 million deal for Hellfire missiles produced by Lockheed Martin. The announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and follows a previous $8 billion arms sale proposal under Joe Biden’s administration before Donald Trump took office on January 20. Trump has strongly backed Israel and recently suggested that the United States could take over Gaza. The arms sales still require approval from House and Senate committees before proceeding. Click here to read more.