THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 5/7/25

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

“In war, truth is the first casualty.”

— Aeschylus

China’s PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Appears To Have Been Used In Combat For The First Time
The escalating air conflict between India and Pakistan has likely seen the first operational use of China’s advanced PL-15 air-to-air missile by Pakistani forces, with debris reportedly found in Indian territory. Pakistan claims to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including a Rafale fighter, though confirmations remain murky amid conflicting accounts and propaganda. Meanwhile, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror-linked sites across Pakistani territory using BrahMos cruise missiles, asserting preemptive action following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir. With civilian casualties mounting on both sides, and each accusing the other of aggression, tensions between the nuclear-armed nations are dangerously high. Click here to read more.

OpenAI and the FDA Are Holding Talks About Using AI In Drug Evaluation
The FDA has been meeting with OpenAI and others to explore how AI could help streamline drug approvals, including a possible tool called “cderGPT” to assist in scientific reviews. While the agency recently completed its first AI-assisted review, sources say broader ambitions include reducing drug review times and improving efficiency using generative AI from OpenAI, Meta, and others. Former and current officials emphasize the importance of safeguards and clarity around AI model performance and data training. OpenAI has yet to comment, and no contracts have been signed, but the collaboration could mark a significant shift in regulatory science. Click here to read more.

Christian Leaders Call for Global Prayer as India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates
As India and Pakistan edge closer to war following deadly airstrikes and mounting rhetoric, Christian leaders are calling on believers worldwide to fast and pray for peace. Citing terrorism, water disputes, and decades-old religious tensions as drivers of the crisis, church leaders in Pakistan, including Bishop Nadeem Kamran and Reuben Qamar, warned that war would only bring destruction and suffering. American theologian Albert Mohler highlighted the religious roots of the divide, dating back to the 1947 partition. As tensions escalate, the global church is being urged to respond with unified prayer. Click here to read more.

REAL ID is ‘giant bullseye for every hacker in the world,’ security expert warns
As the May 7th REAL ID deadline arrives, U.S. travelers must now show the federally standardized ID for domestic flights and access to federal facilities. While intended to boost security and streamline identity checks through facial recognition, experts warn it also consolidates biometric and biographic data into a massive database, making it a tempting target for hackers and a potential surveillance risk. Proponents say REAL ID enhances trust and lays the groundwork for secure digital identity, but critics stress the need for transparency, opt-out options, and user control. Click here to read more.

Police thwart Iranian plot to target London’s Israeli embassy – report
British authorities foiled an alleged Iranian terror plot targeting the Israeli embassy in London, arresting eight individuals—seven of whom are Iranian nationals—just hours before they were reportedly set to launch an attack, according to The Telegraph. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called it “one of the biggest counterterror operations in recent years.” One of the suspects is said to have strong ties to the Iranian regime, with family reportedly operating major businesses in Iran. All were detained under the UK’s National Security Act 2023. Iran’s foreign ministry has denied involvement. Click here to read more.