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Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Security News, and Inspiration.
“The inclusion of Australia in this year’s [Orient Shield] signals the evolution of our trilateral partnership — a powerful testament to the trust, cooperation and shared commitment across our forces.”
-Brig. Gen. James Dooghan
I. National Security: Key developments in national security, particularly cyber and technological warfare.
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Orient Shield training in Japan adds Australian troops as tensions with China rise
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U.S., Japanese, and Australian troops are conducting joint drills in Japan’s Orient Shield exercise, marking the first time Australia has formally joined the annual training amid growing tensions with China. Running from September 16–24 across multiple prefectures, the exercise includes infantry assaults, mortar fire, logistics, and medical evacuations, with around 2,100 troops participating. The expansion follows a reciprocal access agreement allowing Japan and Australia to train on each other’s soil, reflecting deeper trilateral security ties alongside the U.S. Brig. Gen. James Dooghan of U.S. Army Japan called Australia’s inclusion a sign of strengthened alliances, while Japanese and Australian commanders emphasized enhancing operational effectiveness and readiness. The exercise comes as China steps up naval activity near Taiwan and Japanese-controlled islands, and as the U.S. deploys new missile systems to the region. Click here to read more.
II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.
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Professors flip the script on ChatGPT with AI-resistant teaching methods
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Universities are adapting to the age of ChatGPT by designing AI-resistant teaching methods that emphasize authentic learning and human output. Professors are moving toward in-class writing, oral exams, presentations, and even reviewing Google Doc histories to ensure originality, while some are embracing “hyper-scaffolding,” a strategy that gradually develops process skills like debating, research, and public speaking to reduce reliance on AI. While these methods strengthen transparency and critical thinking, challenges remain for large classes and online settings where AI use is harder to police. Some suggest codes of conduct against AI use, though critics warn such measures could create adversarial relationships between students and faculty. Ultimately, the push for AI-free education reflects growing concern about over-reliance on technology and the need to preserve genuine student development. Click here to read more.
III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.
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Erika Kirk Forgives Charlie’s Killer in Heartbreaking Memorial Speech: FULL TRANSCRIPT
- At a memorial service for her late husband Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk delivered an emotional and faith-filled speech to more than 100,000 attendees and millions online, offering forgiveness to Charlie’s assassin and vowing to carry on his mission through Turning Point USA. Speaking with raw grief and deep conviction, she recounted their life together, his devotion to God, and his tireless efforts to guide young men toward purpose, faith, and family. Drawing strength from scripture, Erika said she forgave the shooter because “it’s what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do,” emphasizing that love, not hate, must be the answer. She pledged to expand TPUSA’s work, encouraging men to lead courageously, women to be virtuous, and all Christians to choose faith and discipleship as Charlie did. Her words framed his death not as the end of a mission, but as the spark for revival and renewed commitment to truth, family, and Christ. Click here to read more.
IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.
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European Airport Disruptions Caused by Ransomware Attack
- A ransomware attack against Collins Aerospace has caused significant disruptions at major European airports, according to ENISA, the EU’s cybersecurity agency. The attack crippled Collins’ check-in and boarding systems, forcing airports in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland — including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin Brandenburg — to resort to manual processes. Heathrow reported mostly minor delays, but Brussels Airport had to cancel nearly 140 flights. An internal Heathrow memo revealed that over a thousand computers may have been corrupted and that hackers were still inside Collins’ network even after systems were rebuilt. Security experts believe the attack targeted ARINC’s SelfServ vMUSE systems, which lacked key protections. While investigators haven’t named the culprits, cybercrime groups ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider are suspected despite claiming to have retired. Collins says it is finalizing software updates to restore services, but uncertainty remains. Click here to read more.
V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.
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Rosh Hashanah 2025: Your guide to the Jewish new year holiday – explainer
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Rosh Hashanah 2025 begins the evening of September 22 and ends the evening of September 24, marking the start of the Jewish year 5786 and ushering in the High Holy Days. Known also as Yom Teruah, it’s a two-day observance focused on prayer, repentance, and reflection, with traditions like eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year, sharing symbolic foods (simanim), and hearing 100 blasts of the shofar each day. Services include the moving Unetanneh Tokef prayer, while customs such as tashlich—casting bread into water to symbolically shed sins—are also practiced. Holiday greetings range from “Shana Tova” to “Ketiva ve’hatima tova,” wishing one to be inscribed in the Book of Life. Candle lighting times vary by city, with New York at 6:27 p.m. on September 22 and Jerusalem at 6:12 p.m. Click here to read more.
