THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 6/3/25

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

“Whoever controls the high ground of space controls the world.”

— Lyndon B. Johnson

Space Force awards BAE $1.2B deal for missile-tracking satellites
The Space Force awarded BAE Systems a $1.2 billion contract to build 10 satellites for the second phase of its Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Missile Warning and Tracking program, part of a broader effort to bolster U.S. defenses against Chinese and Russian missile threats. Scheduled for first delivery in 2029, these satellites add resilience to an expanding space-based architecture that also includes Epoch 1 satellites from Millennium Space Systems and low Earth orbit systems from the Space Development Agency. The initiative aligns with President Trump’s $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile shield vision, which anticipates operational capability within three years and is expected to receive a significant funding boost through a GOP-backed defense package. Click here to read more.

You are hardwired to blindly trust AI. Here’s how to fight it.
Two newspapers recently included fictional titles in their summer reading lists—books hallucinated by AI—highlighting a broader problem: people’s blind trust in generative technologies. Whether it’s fake citations in legal filings or a White House report referencing nonexistent studies, experts say we’re all vulnerable to automation bias—the tendency to defer to machines even when their output is wrong. Despite disclaimers, tools like ChatGPT and Tesla’s Autopilot are often used as unquestionable authorities. Researchers recommend a “distrust but verify” mindset, noting that stress and social pressures can increase our reliance on AI, especially when productivity is at stake. Click here to read more.

Texas Approves Law Requiring Ten Commandments in All Classrooms
Texas is poised to mandate that every public school classroom display the Ten Commandments, following House approval of SB-10, a bill championed by Republican lawmakers who say it’s a return to America’s religious heritage. Backers, including First Liberty Institute, argue the law aligns with recent Supreme Court rulings supporting religious expression in schools, while critics like the ACLU warn it violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The bill also shields school districts from legal battles, placing the burden on the state. This measure reflects a broader push in Texas to reintroduce faith into education, alongside laws protecting school prayer and requiring “In God We Trust” displays. Click here to read more.

Over 8M records with US patient medical data have been spilled online
A major data breach has exposed the personal information of 2.7 million patients and 8.8 million appointments due to an unsecured MongoDB database, with evidence pointing to dental marketing firm Gargle as the likely source. The leak, discovered and reported by Cybernews, revealed names, birthdates, contact details, billing information, and appointment records, creating a goldmine for identity theft, fraud, and phishing schemes. Though the database has since been secured, the breach underscores serious concerns over third-party HIPAA compliance and the risks of poorly configured infrastructure in the healthcare sector. Click here to read more.

Israel Katz says Syrian president Sharaa ‘directly responsible’ for threats to Israel
A barrage of rockets fired from southern Syria into northern Israel on Tuesday evening triggered widespread sirens but caused no harm, as the IDF confirmed the initial rockets landed in open areas. In response, the Israeli military launched artillery strikes on southern Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for the attack and warned of a full response. Though it remains unclear which group was behind the launch, the rockets reportedly came from deep within Syria, suggesting the use of medium-range weapons. This marks the first cross-border fire from Syria since Assad’s regime fell in December 2024. Click here to read more.