THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/18/25

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

“Space is now a warfighting domain.”

— Gen. John Raymond

China demonstrated ‘satellite dogfighting,’ Space Force general says
U.S. Space Force has observed Chinese satellites practicing ‘dogfighting’ maneuvers in low Earth orbit, signaling advances in space warfare capabilities. According to Gen. Michael Guetlein, five Chinese satellites—including Shiyan-24C and Shijian-605 A & B—executed coordinated proximity operations, demonstrating potential on-orbit engagement tactics.This follows Russia’s 2019 “nesting doll” satellite maneuver, heightening concerns that U.S. space dominance is shrinking. Space Force leaders emphasize the urgent need to maintain superiority, ensuring the protection of military satellites and preparing for potential offensive space operations. Click here to read more.

Goodbye cables, hello lasers: Alphabet’s plan to outshine Starlink
Google parent Alphabet is spinning off Taara, a new venture using laser beams instead of fiber cables to transmit data. Its Taara Lightbridge system can be deployed in hours, offering a cheaper, faster alternative to traditional infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas. Taara’s lasers can transmit up to 12 miles at speeds of 20Gbps, potentially outpacing fiber in some urban environments. However, challenges like rain, dust, and high-rise buildings may limit its use. Expected to be commercially available by 2026, Taara joins a competitive space alongside Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper in bridging the global digital divide. Click here to read more.

Students Chalk Entire Gospel of John All Over Western Kentucky U: ‘I Want Them to See Christ’
Nearly 70 students from Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Baptist Campus Ministry, Cru, and Hilltoppers for Christ covered a two-mile stretch of campus with all 879 verses of the Gospel of John. The effort, completed in two hours, was followed by a prayer gathering for students and faculty. While some students found it inspiring, others questioned the effort, with one anonymous critic suggesting they should have spent time volunteering elsewhere. However, many see it as part of a broader revival movement happening on college campuses, including UniteUS, which has drawn thousands of students to worship and baptism events across the country. Student leaders at WKU hope the project inspires faith and connection to the church within their community. Click here to read more.

Hackers claim they’ve breached Orange and have “very detailed” information
Babuk ransomware, a notorious cybercrime group, claims to have stolen 4.5TB of data from Orange Telecom, threatening to leak 1TB if ransom demands are unmet. The hackers allege they obtained customer records, source code, invoices, contracts, credit card details, call logs, and employee data from orange.com and orange.ro (Romania). Cybernews researchers found the leaked data sample credible, containing thousands of internal documents, employee details, and project management files. If confirmed, the breach poses severe risks, including identity theft, phishing, and corporate espionage. Orange has yet to respond, and French regulators have been contacted for clarification. Click here to read more.

Hamas gathered forces during ceasefire for attempted invasion into Israel – report
Israeli security forces report a sharp increase in Hamas attacks targeting IDF forces in Gaza, raising concerns about another potential incursion into Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas is actively preparing for an invasion, echoing tactics used in the October 7, 2023 attack. Despite an ongoing ceasefire, the IDF has conducted multiple strikes against Hamas operatives attempting to plant explosives near Israeli troops. Meanwhile, Hamas has denied the allegations, calling them a pretext for renewed conflict. Reports indicate Hamas has rebuilt its ranks, now boasting 25,000 armed fighters, with 12,000 new recruits since January. Israeli lawmakers are demanding urgent action, warning that the war’s objectives remain unfulfilled. Click here to read more.