THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 9/2/25

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

“For where no law is, there is no freedom.”

— John Locke

U.S. Strikes Venezuelan Drug Boat In The Southern Caribbean (Updated)
The U.S. military has carried out its first lethal strike against a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 suspected members of the Tren de Aragua cartel, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization. President Trump confirmed the operation, sharing declassified video of the strike and warning other traffickers to “beware.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the targeted vessel was following a common smuggling route and indicated that more operations will follow. This marks a major escalation in U.S. counter-narcotics efforts in the region since warships were deployed earlier this year. Click here to read more.

Google gets to keep Chrome, judge rules in search antitrust case
A federal judge has ruled that Google can keep its Chrome browser despite being found guilty of illegally monopolizing online search, rejecting the Justice Department’s push for a breakup. Instead, Judge Amit Mehta ordered Google to share some search data with rivals and barred it from making exclusive distribution deals, while still allowing it to pay partners like Apple and Mozilla for default placement. The decision marks the most significant antitrust remedies ruling against a tech giant in decades, though critics argue it fails to meaningfully curb Google’s dominance. Google now has the chance to appeal, with the case potentially headed to the Supreme Court. Click here to read more.

Jesus: The most ambitious person to ever walk the Earth
In this op-ed, Russ Ewell reflects on the dangers of selfish ambition and contrasts it with what he calls “spiritual ambition,” embodied perfectly by Jesus. While selfish ambition leads to brokenness, insecurity, and disorder, Jesus’ ambition was rooted in love and God’s glory, aiming to save the world through humility and sacrifice. Ewell urges readers to follow Christ’s model by rejecting self-centered pursuits, embracing quiet and humble leadership, and devoting energy to building character and serving others. True ambition, he argues, is found in glorifying God and seeking healing for both ourselves and the world. Click here to read more.

PA Attorney General hit by ransomware attack, data impacted still a mystery as court delays continue
Nearly three weeks after a ransomware attack crippled the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, officials say network restoration is underway but remain silent on what data may have been compromised. The breach forced 1,200 staff across 17 offices to switch to manual workarounds, delayed some court cases, and knocked out email, phones, and the agency’s website. While Attorney General Dave Sunday confirmed no ransom has been paid and prosecutions remain on track, concerns linger over whether sensitive legal files were accessed. The full scope of the attack and its impact on state systems is still unclear. Click here to read more.

‘Remnants of Houthi leadership’ are fleeing Sanaa, abandoning residents, Katz says
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that senior Houthi leaders are fleeing Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, for fortified hideouts in Saada, Amran, and other areas under their control, following deadly Israeli airstrikes. Katz accused the Houthis of abandoning residents to protect themselves, comparing their actions to Hamas leaders in Gaza and Qatar. Reports from Asharq al-Awsat confirm that top officials, including Mohammed Ali al-Houthi and Abdul Karim al-Houthi, have recently disappeared from the capital, with families evacuated by bus amid fears of further strikes. Click here to read more.