International
Trump Nominates South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security

In a strategic cabinet move, President Donald Trump has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. Known for her firm stances on border security and states’ rights, Noem brings a strong conservative approach to the role, aligning closely with Trump’s vision for a robust Homeland Security agenda.
Noem’s Background and Experience
Kristi Noem has served as the Governor of South Dakota since 2019 and is a vocal advocate for conservative values, limited government, and border security. Before becoming governor, Noem represented South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she sat on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees. Her tenure in Congress included significant work on national security, military issues, and public land policies, providing her with experience relevant to her new role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
As governor, Noem prioritized law enforcement support, limited government mandates, and individual liberties, frequently aligning her policy stances with Trump’s national agenda. Her response to the COVID-19 pandemic drew national attention, as she resisted lockdowns and mandates, advocating instead for personal responsibility and individual choice—a stance that resonated with Trump’s base.
Reactions to the Nomination
Noem’s nomination has sparked a range of responses from lawmakers, security experts, and the public. Supporters of the decision applaud Noem’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and her strong advocacy for states’ rights, viewing her as a candidate who will prioritize securing America’s borders and strengthening internal security. They argue that Noem’s alignment with Trump’s policies will facilitate swift implementation of the administration’s homeland security objectives.
“Governor Noem has demonstrated her commitment to protecting Americans’ rights and our nation’s security,” said a Trump administration official, highlighting her dedication to conservative principles.
Critics, however, question her qualifications for leading the DHS, a sprawling agency with complex responsibilities that include immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster response, and counterterrorism. They point to her lack of direct experience in federal homeland security operations and argue that her governance style may not translate easily to an agency that requires detailed knowledge of national and international security protocols. Some worry that her strong ideological stance could lead to politicization within an agency tasked with nonpartisan protection of the American people.
Homeland Security Priorities Under Noem’s Leadership
If confirmed, Noem is expected to focus on policies that align with Trump’s security agenda, including enhancing border security, cracking down on illegal immigration, and supporting law enforcement initiatives across the country. Her appointment may signal a push for stricter immigration policies, increased border patrol resources, and expanded support for federal and state partnerships in handling homeland security threats.
In addition to border security, Noem’s leadership could bring a renewed emphasis on domestic counterterrorism and cybersecurity initiatives. Recent years have seen a rise in cyber threats and domestic security incidents, and the DHS plays a critical role in mitigating these risks. Experts believe that Noem’s close relationship with state governments will strengthen DHS’s ability to collaborate with local law enforcement and respond more effectively to emergencies and security challenges.
Noem’s conservative stance on personal liberties may also shape her approach to national security, with an emphasis on safeguarding civil liberties while implementing stringent security measures.
Confirmation Process and Challenges
Noem’s confirmation process is expected to be rigorous, with questions likely to center on her experience and her ability to manage the wide-ranging functions of the DHS. Democratic senators, as well as some moderate Republicans, may scrutinize her stance on issues such as immigration enforcement and emergency response management. Given the DHS’s responsibility for handling natural disasters, terrorist threats, and cyberattacks, her qualifications and adaptability will be under close examination.
Some analysts argue that her close alignment with Trump’s policies could help her navigate the confirmation process, particularly among Trump-aligned senators, while others predict a challenging road ahead, as she faces criticism over her state-level experience and potential lack of federal security expertise.
Looking Ahead
As she steps into this pivotal role, Noem’s leadership will be closely watched, both for her adherence to Trump’s agenda and her ability to address the complex, evolving landscape of homeland security. Her focus on state rights and individual freedoms may shape her approach to balancing security measures with civil liberties, while her commitment to securing America’s borders is expected to remain a key priority.
business
🇲🇦 King Mohammed VI’s Speech Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament — “جيل زد يُجيب”
Rabat — October 2025
Inside Morocco’s Parliament, tension and reflection filled the air just hours after His Majesty King Mohammed VI delivered his opening-session speech. What was meant as a national roadmap quickly turned into a day of open confrontation, emotional testimonies, and unexpected admissions from members of both majority and opposition blocs.
🏛️ A Speech That Touched Nerves
The King’s address, described by analysts as “direct and reform-oriented,” called for greater social justice, job creation, and balanced development across Morocco’s regions.
“No village left forgotten, no coast without a hand,” the King declared — a message that resonated deeply with citizens and lawmakers alike.
Within hours, parliamentary corridors buzzed with interviews, arguments, and introspection. Some MPs hailed the speech as “a moral reset,” while others questioned whether the government was capable of turning royal vision into tangible results.
🧠 From Rabat to the Sahara — Gen Z Responds
Younger members of Parliament — labeled as جيل زد (Gen Z) — became the focus of cameras and public curiosity. Many expressed frustration at what they see as a widening gap between political promises and everyday realities faced by Moroccan youth.
“The King spoke about unity and work. We agree — but the youth need a chance to prove themselves,” said one 28-year-old deputy.
“We have the energy; the system just needs to open its doors.”
Another young MP caused a social-media storm after saying that “in some ways, Moroccan social values are stronger than Germany’s.”
Critics accused him of downplaying Europe’s economic strength, while others applauded his pride in Moroccan family cohesion.
He later clarified his words, emphasizing that every nation faces challenges — and that Morocco’s real wealth lies in its people.
💬 Resignation, Reflection, and Responsibility
Just a week earlier, one deputy had submitted his resignation in protest over what he called “a lack of listening to the new generation.”
After the King’s address, he withdrew it.
“The royal speech gave me renewed hope. This is not the time to quit — it’s time to work,” he told reporters.
Across party lines, both RNI and PAM youth wings echoed similar messages: commitment to reform, but also impatience with bureaucracy.
Several MPs criticized ministers who, they said, “do not answer calls, do not reply to written questions, and have lost touch with citizens.”
⚖️ Opposition Voices: ‘A Government in Denial’
Members of the opposition used the session to accuse the cabinet of denial and poor communication, arguing that ministers are “living in a different reality” from citizens struggling with prices and unemployment.
“The royal messages were clear,” said one opposition leader. “The problem is not the King’s vision — it’s implementation.”
🌍 Morocco’s Path Forward
Analysts note that the King’s address aligned with long-standing themes: national cohesion, balanced territorial development, and respect for dignity in public service.
But the 2025 context — economic pressure, youth disillusionment, and the digital activism of Gen Z — gives these calls new urgency.
“This generation communicates differently,” said a policy researcher. “If institutions don’t adapt, they’ll lose credibility.”
🕊️ A Message Beyond Politics
As the parliamentary session ended, one young MP summed up the mood:
“الملك تكلّم… ونحن سنُجيب بالعمل — The King spoke, and we will answer through action.”
For now, the chamber that often echoes with partisan debates found itself united — briefly — under a single message:
Morocco’s future belongs to its youth, but responsibility belongs to everyone.
data breaches
Manufacturing Software at Risk from CVE-2025-5086 Exploit

Dassault Systèmes patches severe vulnerability in Apriso manufacturing software that could let attackers bypass authentication and compromise factories worldwide.
A newly disclosed flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-5086, poses a major security risk to manufacturers using Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA Apriso platform. The bug could allow unauthenticated attackers to seize control of production environments, prompting urgent patching from the vendor and warnings from cybersecurity experts.
A critical vulnerability in DELMIA Apriso, a manufacturing execution system used by global industries, could let hackers bypass authentication and gain full access to sensitive production data, according to a security advisory published this week.
Dassault Systèmes confirmed the flaw, designated CVE-2025-5086, affects multiple versions of Apriso and scored 9.8 on the CVSS scale, placing it in the “critical” category. Researchers said the issue stems from improper authentication handling that allows remote attackers to execute privileged actions without valid credentials.
The company has released security updates and urged immediate deployment, warning that unpatched systems could become prime targets for industrial espionage or sabotage. The flaw is particularly alarming because Apriso integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain, and industrial control systems, giving attackers a potential foothold in critical infrastructure.
- “This is the kind of vulnerability that keeps CISOs awake at night,” said Maria Lopez, industrial cybersecurity analyst at Kaspersky ICS CERT. “If exploited, it could shut down production lines or manipulate output, creating enormous financial and safety risks.”
- “Manufacturing software has historically lagged behind IT security practices, making these flaws highly attractive to threat actors,” noted James Patel, senior researcher at SANS Institute.
- El Mostafa Ouchen, cybersecurity author, told MAG212News: “This case shows why manufacturing execution systems must adopt zero-trust principles. Attackers know that compromising production software can ripple across supply chains and economies.”
- “We are actively working with customers and partners to ensure systems are secured,” Dassault Systèmes said in a statement. “Patches and mitigations have been released, and we strongly recommend immediate updates.”
Technical Analysis
The flaw resides in Apriso’s authentication module. Improper input validation in login requests allows attackers to bypass session verification, enabling arbitrary code execution with administrative privileges. Successful exploitation could:
- Access or modify production databases.
- Inject malicious instructions into factory automation workflows.
- Escalate attacks into connected ERP and PLM systems.
Mitigations include applying vendor patches, segmenting Apriso servers from external networks, enforcing MFA on supporting infrastructure, and monitoring for abnormal authentication attempts.
Impact & Response
Organizations in automotive, aerospace, and logistics sectors are particularly exposed. Exploited at scale, the vulnerability could cause production delays, supply chain disruptions, and theft of intellectual property. Security teams are advised to scan their environments, apply updates, and coordinate incident response planning.
Background
This disclosure follows a string of high-severity flaws in industrial and operational technology (OT) software, including vulnerabilities in Siemens’ TIA Portal and Rockwell Automation controllers. Experts warn that adversaries—ranging from ransomware gangs to state-sponsored groups—are increasingly focusing on OT targets due to their high-value disruption potential.
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-5086 flaw underscores the urgency for manufacturers to prioritize cybersecurity in factory software. As digital transformation accelerates, securing industrial platforms like Apriso will be critical to ensuring business continuity and protecting global supply chains.
data breaches
Spyware Surge: Apple Sends Fourth Security Alert to French Users

CERT-FR and Apple warn of sophisticated spyware targeting iCloud-linked devices via zero-click exploits; high-profile individuals at risk.
Apple and France’s CERT-FR have issued a fourth spyware notification in 2025, alerting users to potential compromise of iCloud-linked devices through highly sophisticated zero-click attacks. Targets include journalists, activists, politicians, and officials. Authorities urge urgent updates, lockdown measures, and enhanced defenses amid rising mercenary spyware risks.
PARIS — Apple has issued its fourth notification of the year to French users, warning that at least one device linked to their iCloud account could have been compromised in a sophisticated spyware campaign, authorities confirmed Friday.
- On September 3, 2025, Apple alerted users in France via iMessage, email, and iCloud notifications that their devices may have been targeted by spyware. The Hacker News+1
- This marks the fourth such advisory this year, with prior alerts issued on March 5, April 29, and June 25. The Hacker News+1
- According to France’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-FR), the threats are highly targeted, aimed at individuals based on status or function, including journalists, lawyers, activists, politicians, senior officials, and those connected to strategic sectors. The Hacker News+1
- CERT-FR clarified: “Receiving a notification means that at least one of the devices linked to the iCloud account has been targeted and is potentially compromised.” Dark Reading
- The alerts often arrive several months after compromise attempts, and the time lag is variable. Dark Reading
- Known spyware implicated in similar campaigns includes Pegasus, Predator, Graphite, and Triangulation—tools described by CERT-FR as “particularly sophisticated and difficult to detect.” Dark Reading+1
Historical or Geopolitical Context:
- CERT-FR has been issuing these notifications since November 2021 but has intensified alerts in 2025 with four documented campaigns in France alone. The Hacker News+1
- Globally, mercenary spyware campaigns against civil society figures and officials have drawn scrutiny for their use of zero-click and zero-day vulnerabilities. TechRadar+1
- CERT-FR (France’s national cybersecurity agency): “Receiving a notification means that at least one of the devices linked to the iCloud account has been targeted and is potentially compromised.” Dark Reading
- Security researcher interviewed by Dark Reading (paraphrased): “Spyware programs like Pegasus, Predator, Graphite, and Triangulation are particularly sophisticated and difficult to detect.” Dark Reading
- El Mostafa Ouchen, international cybersecurity adviser and author, added: “This pattern of repeated, stealthy attacks underscores the importance of proactive device defenses. When high-profile individuals are targeted, detection must coincide with rapid response protocols—regular updates, lockdown modes, and separation of sensitive from general-use environments aren’t optional; they’re essential.”
Technical Analysis
How the Incident Occurred & Possible Attack Vectors:
- The attacks largely exploit zero-click vulnerabilities, which allow spyware to be delivered and activated on a device without any interaction from the user. Dark Reading
- Zero-day flaws—previously unknown and unpatched security vulnerabilities—are used as entry points, including flaws in the ImageIO framework (e.g., CVE-2025-43300) and WebKit. Dark Reading+1
- iCloud-linked devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, are susceptible due to their integration with account syncing and messaging services (iMessage, iCloud). TechRadar+1
Affected Systems:
- Devices tied to impacted Apple IDs—even those not actively in use—may be exposed if they remain connected via iCloud.
- Alerts are triggered when Apple identifies indicators of compromise tied to known spyware chains.
Mitigations and Remediations:
- Users are urged to update their devices immediately, enabling automatic updates to ensure timely patching of zero-day vulnerabilities. Dark Reading
- CERT-FR recommends enabling Lockdown Mode, a feature that restricts many device functionalities to mitigate spyware risk. Dark Reading
- Regular device restarts also aid detection and disrupt latent malware activity. Dark Reading
Impact & Respons
Who Is Affected:
- Individuals in France (and possibly elsewhere) whose devices are linked to compromised Apple IDs, spanning prominent roles in journalism, politics, law, and activism. The Hacker News+1
Actions Taken:
- Apple is dispatching notifications and sending alerts via email, iMessage, and iCloud logins.
- CERT-FR has issued official advisories and security guidance.
- Apple patched at least seven zero-day vulnerabilities this year, including those in ImageIO and WebKit. TechRadar
Possible Long-Term Implications:
- Continued exploitation of zero-click spyware may accelerate regulatory pressure on mercenary spyware firms and drive policy changes.
- Public trust in mobile device security may erode unless transparency and mitigation improve.
- Surveillance of high-profile individuals raises concerns about privacy, democratic integrity, and misuse of advanced spyware.
- France is among several countries where Apple has stepped up threat notifications tied to sophisticated spyware campaigns.
- The use of mercenary spyware—commercially sold surveillance tools used by governments, including NSO Group’s Pegasus—has been a global concern over the past several years.
- Zero-click attacks have been notably difficult to detect, and have been implicated in espionage of journalists, dissidents, and government officials in multiple regions.
The revelation that Apple users in France are now facing a fourth spyware alert in 2025 signals an escalation in stealthy, targeted cyber intrusions. As attackers rely on elusive zero-click and zero-day exploits, rapid technological and policy responses are essential. Continued vigilance, device hygiene, and legislative action may be needed to shield democracy’s key voices from such pervasive threats.