THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/19/25

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

“There is a price we will not pay. There is a point beyond which they must not advance.”

-Ronald Reagan

Trump Edges Closer to War Order; Netanyahu Vows Iran to Pay for Missile Strike on Hospital, Civilians
After Iranian missile strikes hit a hospital in Beersheva and residential buildings in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Tehran’s regime would “pay the full price,” calling the attacks war crimes. Defense Minister Katz declared a goal to destabilize Iran’s leadership, while IDF forces expanded their strikes on key regime sites around Tehran. In Washington, President Trump confirmed U.S. war plans are ready, stating he seeks “total, complete victory” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Amid growing chaos, Netanyahu envisions a historic transformation in the region following an Israeli victory. Click here to read more.

How Much Energy Does AI Use? The People Who Know Aren’t Saying
As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, concerns over its energy use and environmental impact are growing—but reliable data remains elusive. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that a ChatGPT query uses 0.34 watt-hours, yet experts argue this lacks transparency and likely omits factors like model training and server cooling. A study shows that most AI usage involves models with no environmental disclosures, and myths—like ChatGPT being 10 times more energy-intensive than a Google search—often stem from unverified remarks. Researchers urge better disclosure and smarter deployment of low-energy models to curb emissions, as current practices obscure AI’s true carbon cost. Click here to read more.

Ted Cruz cites Genesis 12:3 as ‘personal motivation’ for supporting Israel in heated Tucker Carlson interview
In a fiery interview with Tucker Carlson, Senator Ted Cruz defended his support for Israel by citing Genesis 12:3 as a personal motivation, emphasizing his belief that those who bless Israel will be blessed. The exchange turned tense as Carlson questioned AIPAC’s influence and Cruz accused Carlson of veiled antisemitism for focusing criticism on Israel rather than other foreign powers. Cruz clarified that his position stems from both biblical conviction and strategic alliance, insisting the modern state of Israel represents the same nation referenced in Scripture. The debate underscored growing divisions within evangelical circles over U.S. support for Israel. Click here to read more.

Hackers turn Grok, Mixtral chatbots into malicious WormGPT tools
Cybercriminals are disguising legitimate AI tools like Grok and Mixtral as uncensored hacking platforms under the WormGPT brand, using jailbroken system prompts to bypass built-in safeguards and generate malicious content. Researchers found these tools—sold for up to $100/month—are not original models, but wrappers around existing AI services, repurposed to craft phishing emails, malware scripts, and more. This growing trend of manipulating LLMs into cyberweapons signals a broader threat, as hackers exploit APIs or run local instances to offer illicit AI-as-a-service products. Click here to read more.

Israel is now turning ‘ring of fire’ back on Iran, IDF chief says at intelligence HQ
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir declared that Israel is now turning Iran’s long-feared “ring of fire” strategy back against the regime itself, leveraging advanced intelligence and precision strikes on Iranian soil. Praising the Intelligence Directorate, Zamir described their operations as “historic,” asserting they are reshaping the Middle East. Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder detailed recent successful hits on Quds Force leaders and hidden regime headquarters, including the elimination of top commanders within hours of relocating. Israel vows to accelerate the campaign, signaling zero tolerance for continued threats. Click here to read more.