THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 3/27/25

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

“One cat just leads to another.”

— Ernest Hemingway

What Cat Name Should Northrop Grumman Give Its Fighter If It Wins The Navy’s F/A-XX Competition?
If Northrop Grumman clinches the F/A-XX Next Generation Air Dominance contract, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike are calling for the return of the legendary “cat” names once used by Grumman for its naval fighters. With contenders like Shadowcat, Sabercat, Bobcat, and Thundercat emerging from a popular online poll, the overwhelming favorite was “Thundercat”—a name that balances power, stealth, and pop culture nostalgia. As the potential final manned fighter for the U.S. Navy, the naming stakes are high, and fans of naval aviation are eager to see if the tradition will roar back to life. Click here to read more.

Signal is app of choice for Trump allies and opponents alike
In Washington, Signal is becoming the go-to communication app across political divides, with both Elon Musk’s team and activists opposing his policies relying on its end-to-end encryption for secure messaging. U.S. downloads of the app rose 25% year-over-year in early 2025, as government officials, political aides, protesters, and even criminals turn to Signal to avoid surveillance. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency uses the app for internal coordination, while whistleblowers and civil service employees reportedly use it to avoid detection. Signal’s growing popularity highlights its dual role as a tool for both privacy and secrecy. Click here to read more.

Archaelogists Uncover Ancient garden From Gospel of John Under Church of the Holy Sepulchre
In a significant archaeological find at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, researchers uncovered remains of an ancient garden beneath the site—supporting the Gospel of John’s account that Jesus was crucified and buried near a garden. Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, the excavation revealed 2,000-year-old traces of olive trees and grapevines, aligning with John 19:41. The discovery suggests the area transitioned from quarry to cultivated land, then to a burial site. While the dig resumes after Easter, experts say faith in the site’s sacredness has preserved it through centuries. Click here to read more.

FBI busts $1.5M Hamas-run crypto financing scheme used to fund terrorism
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on March 27, 2025, that it had dismantled a Hamas-operated cryptocurrency laundering network that funneled over $1.5 million to the terrorist organization over the past six months. Federal investigators seized more than $200,000 from 17 crypto wallets and personal accounts linked to Hamas supporters, primarily located in Turkey and other regions. The funds were collected via encrypted group chats and moved through virtual exchanges to obscure their origin. U.S. officials emphasized that disrupting terrorist financing remains a top priority. Click here to read more.

Jews and Arabs in Israel offer emotional support amid ongoing war – study
A new study from the University of Haifa reveals that, despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Jews and Arabs in Israel continue to show mutual emotional support, using similar strategies to comfort one another. Conducted three months after the October 7 attacks, the research involved 159 participants who wrote empathetic letters in response to fictional war-related scenarios. Regardless of whether the recipient was identified as Jewish or Arab, participants employed the same calming techniques, demonstrating shared humanity and emotional resilience. The act of helping others also improved participants’ own well-being. Click here to read more.