Short Takes – 1-29-25

Trump’s reported plans to save TikTok may violate SCOTUS-backed law. ArsTechnica.com article. Nothing in law is simple. Pull quote: “There's no telling yet if Trump's plan can set up a better version of Project Texas or convince China to sign off on a TikTok sale. Analysts have suggested that China may agree to a TikTok sale if Trump backs down on tariff threats.”

New study reveals 92% of industrial sites at risk from unsecured remote access. SecurityInfoWatch.com article. Pull quote: “The study's timing is particularly relevant as recent research from Claroty in 2024 indicates that organizations are deploying too many remote access solutions within OT environments. This over-deployment creates excessive risk and operational challenges. Additionally, separate research by Takepoint Research found that remote services were the primary attack vector in 17 out of 24 major cyberattacks on OT environments.”

ExxonMobil demonstrates new hydrogen burner at Baytown plant. HazardExOnTheNet.net article. Pull quote: “ExxonMobil now plans to install these 100% hydrogen-capable burners in additional steam cracking furnaces at the Baytown Olefins Plant over the next few years. The company is planning to build a plant at Baytown that would produce up to 1 billion cubic feet per day of hydrogen. Furthermore, the plan is to also capture and store more than 98% of the CO2 emissions associated with its production.”

Bird flu has made eggs more expensive — does it also make them unsafe to eat? TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “Further, eggs, like poultry, that are prepared correctly and cooked properly are safe to consume, the USDA notes. That applies regardless of whether there’s a bird flu outbreak or not.”

EO 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. Federal Register.

EO 14152, Holding Former Government Officials Accountable for Election Interference and Improper Disclosure of Sensitive Governmental Information. Federal Register.

EO 14153, Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential. Federal Register.

EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy. Federal Register.

EO 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency. Federal Register.

EO 14157, Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Federal Register.

EO 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Federal Register.

EO 14160, Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship. Federal Register.