THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 5/19/25

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

“Whoever controls the electromagnetic spectrum controls the battlespace.”

— Adm. Jonathan Greenert

Marine unit conducts ‘first of its kind’ exercise to sense and target
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group recently concluded Exercise Kaiju Rain 25, a first-of-its-kind training operation focused on integrating cyber operations, electronic warfare, and multi-domain sensing to support distributed operations across the Indo-Pacific. Using the All Domain Operations Center (ADOC) as a central hub, Marines fused intelligence from across land, sea, air, and cyberspace to speed decision-making and enable long-range precision fires. The exercise brought together units from intelligence, communications, and signals teams to form a cohesive information combat element, advancing the Marine Corps’ ability to control and exploit information on a global scale. Click here to read more.

Before AI can conquer the world, it has to pass kindergarten
A new study from NYU suggests that teaching AI foundational skills first—much like early childhood education—leads to smarter, more adaptable machines. Inspired by kindergarten-style learning, researchers trained rats and AI agents using simple, sequential tasks with delayed rewards. These findings show that beginning with basic functions improves the AI’s ability to handle complex problems over time. The team’s use of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) revealed that early training helped AI better manage multitasking and decision-making later. As Professor Cristina Savin puts it, “AI agents first need to go through kindergarten.” Click here to read more.

Dear new graduates: A few important life lessons from history’s wisest person
Graduation season is a time of celebration and reflection, and as students of all ages mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, it’s also a fitting moment to revisit timeless wisdom. Drawing from the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12, Pastor Adam B. Dooley offers three powerful life lessons for graduates and adults alike. First, Solomon reminds us that life without God is ultimately empty—urging us to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth” to avoid the regret that comes with a self-centered life. Second, wisdom without divine revelation is shallow; though education is valuable, it’s the enduring truth of Scripture that offers lasting insight. Finally, hope without obedience is dangerous, as real faith is proven through transformed lives, not mere belief. True success, Solomon teaches, comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments. In a culture that often prizes independence and self-fulfillment, these ancient principles remain both countercultural and deeply relevant. Click here to read more.

From 60 to 4,000: NATO’s Locked Shields Reflects Cyber Defense Growth
The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence hosted Locked Shields 2025, the world’s largest and most complex cyber defense exercise, drawing 4,000 experts from 41 nations to simulate large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure. Held virtually, the event tasked multinational teams with defending 8,000+ systems against thousands of cyberattacks while navigating disinformation, legal, and strategic challenges. The top-scoring teams included Germany-Singapore, Poland-France, and Italy-Slovenia-U.S. Organizers emphasized that while high scores highlight technical skill and teamwork, they don’t equate to national cyber readiness. Locked Shields 2025 also introduced AI-driven narratives, quantum computing scenarios, and enhanced cloud components, with next year’s focus set on expanding critical system simulations and automation. Click here to read more.

‘IDF movement on ground in Gaza aids US hostage efforts,’ Adam Boehler says at ‘Post’ conference
U.S. Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler said at the Jerusalem Post Conference that ongoing IDF operations in Gaza are aiding efforts to secure a hostage deal and reiterated that the U.S. remains open to a legitimate offer from Hamas. Boehler emphasized that Hamas is the primary obstacle to reaching a ceasefire-hostage agreement and warned other groups like Kata’ib Hezbollah to release hostages or face consequences similar to Hamas and Hezbollah. Speaking about President Trump, Boehler noted his willingness to engage adversaries and reaffirmed Trump’s opposition to Iranian uranium enrichment, while highlighting Trump’s recent Middle East visit focused on hostages and expanding the Abraham Accords. Click here to read more.