Don't Let Your Passwords Get Hacked: NordPass Reveals the 10 Most Common Passwords to Avoid in 2023

NordPass recently released a list of most common passwords used by people around the world to help users avoid them in 2023.

Online authentication is here to stay, but hackers always find new ways to crack passwords. To help users stay safe online, NordPass recently released a list of 200 commonly used passwords worldwide and estimated the time hackers take to crack them.

This compilation features the ten most commonly used passwords worldwide and vital facts on their prevalence and vulnerability to hacking. Among them, "password," "123456," and "123456789" top the list of frequently used passwords and can be cracked in a matter of seconds, posing a severe risk to your online security.

Stay safe online by avoiding these weak passwords and following recommended password guidelines. Upgrade your online security by switching to a password manager and authentication app instead of relying on common passwords.

These programs don't only make life easier; they can also make difficult, one-of-a-kind passwords for you and automatically input your login information, saving you time and lessening the aggravation of signing in.

The ability to save and access your credentials across several platforms is another benefit of password managers. Password managers will help you avoid using the same password across several accounts, check your accounts frequently to maintain their security, and always come up with a complex and strong password. Using obsolete or weak passwords puts your online security at risk.

As an extra layer of protection against cyber attackers, users should always opt for two-factor authentication when available and use strong passkeys with unique characters and numbers instead of common words or phrases such as password or qwerty, which are easily cracked by hackers in seconds or minutes, depending on their computing power available.

Protect yourself and your data now by choosing a secure password that can't be easily guessed or hacked. Remember to avoid the passwords on NordPass' list for 2023, and remember: the stronger the password, the safer you'll be online. Keep updated with security best practices and stay one step ahead of hackers.

Read next: New Report Reveals 3.3 Billion Interconnected Devices Will Start Trading Money and Data by 2030

by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Trouble For Reddit As Popular Subreddits Will ‘Go Dark’ By Next Week

The popular social media app Reddit has a lot of things to worry about right now. And one of those is linked to trouble for its Subreddits.

The platform’s subreddits are gearing up to ‘go dark’ as early as next week and that is another way of it showing great discontent regarding the new and increased API price plans.

This past month, the platform mentioned how it would be increasing the pricing for the API access so that it could make a whole lot of funds through the likes of developers that had big names. They are the ones who have been making use of the app to fuel systems.

It should be added how so many generative AI tools were making use of other apps like Twitter and even Reddit for the sake of carrying conversational data so that they could design their models. Now, those enterprises are selling it out to their own clients, making close to billions and most of it has to do with chats taking place on both Twitter as well as Reddit.

Remember, Twitter ended up raising the prices so that those who wished to attain API access for the app would need to pay more. Tech billionaire Elon Musk made it very clear that no one would be getting anything for free anymore and would have to pay for exclusive access.

Therefore, Reddit appears to be following in those same footsteps that Twitter took this year in March. They wish to design a system that they refer to as more equitable.

This change is going to affect plenty of small-scale clients arising from third parties of the app, including tools that a lot of people are making use of to get access to the platform.

One of the biggest examples, in this case, is Apollo. The latter is the name given to a reader platform of Reddit that gives a new and different Reddit experience. It is made use of by so many people and gives more functionality including the best compatibility for screen reading while ensuring more people gain entry to the application.

The new range of charges for API access has gotten an estimated figure of $2 million each month and that would ensure the app continues to run. And when that takes place, it could take the app out of the competitive market of today and would hence create a major rumble across Reddit’s community.

Read next: Reddit’s Biggest Investor Fidelity Slashes Its Equity Stake Worth By 41%
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Researchers Discover Piles of Explicit Images Displaying Child Abuse On Twitter Despite Elon Musk Vowing To Remove Such Content

Twitter chief Elon Musk has long been mentioning how the app’s top priority remains the safety of young audiences on the platform.

But recently, an array of shocking images displaying child abuse and explicit material was located online from the app, moments after he took on the firm. Moreover, such content of this kind was being posted over the last couple of months and it was located by researchers through various platforms.

Many find the news really hard to believe, especially when the firm’s head vowed to delete and even restrict such graphic material from appearing on the app, just days after he acquired the organization.

Clearly, Musk has failed at staying true to his promise and ridding the app of explicit material. The report shows how a staggering 40 different pictures were found on the app between the period of March 12 toward the end of May. This type of content was flagged as per reports from researchers at Standford University but it was appealing how it was never removed, confirmed a recent report by the Wall Street Journal.

The team of researchers spoke about spotting such pictures on the app and proved how it was a major deal and lacked the right kind of enforcement. Remember, Elon Musk has already gotten rid of nearly 90% of his company’s staff and the app has witnessed plenty of outages and major issues too. This entails a whole array of technical glitches that included Flordia’s Governor Ron DeSantis unveiling officially that he was running for President in the upcoming elections.

The news led to outrage and after the matter was publicized, we saw Twitter sent out a response to researchers in the past week. He indicated that it was making great advancements to the whole CASM system and that researchers were noting how the app resolved the matter in the past month.

Then in February, the app revealed how it was moving at a fast pace and even in an aggressive manner to overcome things like child exploitation within the app. It also took great pride in getting rid of evidence in the form of images by restricting so many accounts which published and communicated with such explicit content.

During the start of this year, the app says that it ended up suspending nearly 40,000 accounts that it produced, engaged with, and even passed on featuring this content. And as you can imagine, it’s a massive 112% rise in suspensions for CSE since the start of November.

Twitter on the other hand seems to be staying the same when it comes down to transparency. And that might affect researchers in terms of finding more breaches of a similar kind.

Remember, Twitter’s chief has spoken about raised pricing tiers for API so why would anyone wish to pay extra to attain access, right? We’re talking about a staggering rise in costs where researchers might need to spend $42k or more to attain Twitter’s access and make it a wildly affordable ordeal.

Read next: |Elon Musk’s Post Acquisition Honeymoon is Over as Twitter Usage Starts to Decline
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Trust vs. Convenience Battle for Data Privacy Divides Social Media Users

In today's digital age, a significant number of social media users express their lack of trust in social media companies' ability to protect their personal data. However, despite concerns over data privacy, a mere one in five users claim to have quit a social media platform in the past year, highlighting the convenience and challenges associated with preserving personal privacy.

The ubiquitous phrase "if you're not paying for the product, you are the product" aptly captures the trade-off social media platforms demand from their users. In exchange for free access to services, these platforms collect and sell user data for various purposes, including targeted advertising.

Unfortunately, this exchange appears to be losing its appeal among social media users. According to a recent Morning Consult survey, only 38% of users trust social media platforms with their personal information. Many individuals believe that the online experience would be enhanced if data collection were eliminated, but the majority continues to use these platforms due to their convenience and the formidable challenges associated with safeguarding personal privacy.

Major social media companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat face a common challenge: their business models rely on monetizing user data to sustain operations. Consequently, they resort to advertising and information collection to offset the costs of providing their services. Jon Callas, Director of Public Interest Technology at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, explains that social media has become an essential part of many people's lives, and users unknowingly pay for these services with their personal information because there are no viable alternatives.

Sara Collins, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge, believes that data collection, when reasonably necessary to provide a service, is not inherently harmful. However, companies have been incentivized to collect as much data as possible to maximize profit. This approach has dominated the social media landscape, with paid subscription models primarily targeting power users and content creators rather than the average person.

The survey reveals that over half of social media users distrust platforms' ability to protect their online data—the highest level of distrust among all industries covered in the study. Senator Michael Bennet proposes the Data Care Act, which would require online services to safeguard personal information and prevent the misuse of user data. He points out that Americans face an unequal negotiation when using digital platforms, where they must choose between staying connected in a digital world or preserving their privacy. This paradox is absent in other sectors such as healthcare or aviation, where consumer safety is not left to individual responsibility.

Despite concerns about data privacy, most social media users trust themselves more than social media companies when it comes to protecting their personal data. However, this self-trust seems contradictory as individuals willingly surrender their information to untrusted entities. People often underestimate the extent of data collection and usage, leading to unexpected consequences. For instance, sensitive information from online therapy services has been sold for targeted advertising, compromising user privacy.

In conclusion, while many social media users express concerns about data privacy, only a small portion have actually quit a platform due to trust issues. Transparency and clear information about data abuse is crucial for building trust. Users' decisions to leave platforms over privacy concerns can drive market improvements. However, privacy-focused alternatives in social media are scarce, making it challenging for individuals to resist data-driven business models. Meaningful systemic changes and innovative solutions are needed to empower users in their pursuit of data privacy.

Read next: Your Devices May Have Hacker Protection, but Loved Ones Are Snooping Too
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Microsoft Introduces Third-Party Browser Support for Bing Chat and Expands their User Base

Microsoft has shared an intriguing update about its AI chatbot service, Bing Chat. In the past, Bing Chat could only be accessed through the Edge web browser, but Microsoft has recently disclosed its intentions to test the waters by introducing support for third-party browsers. This experimental integration is set to begin in the current month, allowing users to access Bing Chat through browsers other than Edge.

A user of Reddit has shared his experiences of using Bing Chat on well-known browsers such as Safari and Chrome, leading to a surge of interest and questions. Recognizing the excitement surrounding this development, Mikhail Parakhin, Microsoft's head of Advertising and Web Services, took to Twitter to validate the news. He acknowledged that Microsoft is actively testing third-party browser support for Bing Chat and intends to introduce it gradually. While the company has not revealed the specific browsers that will be compatible with Bing Chat, it is clear that Microsoft is committed to expanding its reach across various platforms.

Microsoft intends to broaden the reach of Bing Chat by offering compatibility with additional web browsers. The goal is to attract a larger user base for the chat service. As per StatCounter's data, Edge currently occupies the third spot among the most popular browsers, holding a market share of 9.91%. In contrast, Google Chrome dominates the market with an impressive 66.02%, followed by Apple Safari in second place with 12.79%.

In order to ensure a seamless transition, Microsoft is expected to initially restrict access to Bing Chat through Safari and Chrome browsers while they assess user feedback and evaluate performance. Once the testing phase concludes successfully, Microsoft will then contemplate expanding the availability of Bing Chat to a wider audience.

Microsoft has introduced several improvements to Bing Chat that go beyond extending browser support. Users now have the benefit of an increased limit for daily chat turns, with the number raised to 300 compared to the previous cap of 200. Moreover, the per session turns have been elevated from 20 to 30, allowing for more extended and productive conversations. Another enhancement involves the expansion of the Bing Image Creator functionality within Bing Chat, which now includes Precise and Balanced modes alongside the existing Creative mode. These updates have been implemented to offer users a more diverse and interactive experience when utilizing Bing Chat.

• Also read: The GPTZero vs. Turnitin Battle for Academic AI Supremacy

Furthermore, Bing recently commemorated its 14th anniversary, signifying the date of its official release on June 3, 2009. Microsoft remains committed to pushing boundaries and improving its services, aiming to deliver a chatbot experience that is smooth, effortless, and highly efficient through Bing Chat.

In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to introduce third-party browser support for Bing Chat marks an exciting development in expanding its accessibility and user base. By allowing users to access Bing Chat through popular browsers like Safari and Chrome, Microsoft aims to provide a seamless and versatile chatbot experience. These advancements, coupled with increased daily chat turns and expanded functionality, demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to refining Bing Chat and delivering an enhanced user experience. As Bing celebrates its 14th anniversary, this expansion paves the way for further innovation and growth in Microsoft's chatbot services.

Read next: Prominent Accounts on Alternative Social Media Are More Likely to Ask Followers for Money
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Prominent Accounts on Alternative Social Media Are More Likely to Ask Followers for Money

A major trend that can be seen in social media over the past few years is the rising proportion of alternative sites. Rumble and BitChute are just two examples, and most of these sites tend to be personality driven with all things having been considered and taken into account. The most prominent example of all is perhaps Truth Social, and it relies heavily on its founder, former US president Donald Trump, to drive engagement on the platform.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 23% of the accounts on these platforms appear to be asking their followers for some form of financial support, as per Pew study. That might not seem notable at first, but it is a far higher proportion than can be seen in other social media platforms that are more mainstream.

19% of the prominent accounts are asking for donations or offering paid subscriptions to their content. 7% are trying to sell merch. The combined total comes to around 23%, and it represents a growing trend of influencers who are heading to these platforms to make it easier to obtain revenue than might have been the case otherwise.

It turns out that 36% of the adults who use these alternative media sites have given money to their favorite major accounts. Such a trend is notable because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up suggesting the presence of high demand for alternative social media.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, major sites like Parler have already shut down. The presence of big names on these sites is allowing them to continue their growth, and the cash they can get from their followers is likely a strong factor in that regard.

Rumble may also provide an alternative to YouTube due to its focus on video, with 47% of its users accepting donations as compared to 41% for the Google owned video streaming and social media platform. More political tensions might fuel further exoduses to these alternatives.

Read next: Survey Reveals YouTube Creators Outshine Instagram and TikTok in Earnings
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Survey Reveals YouTube Creators Outshine Instagram and TikTok in Earnings

In the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing, a recent survey has shed light on the most profitable platform for brand partnerships: YouTube. According to the survey conducted by Aspire, an influencer marketing platform, YouTube creators are earning more from their collaborations compared to their counterparts on Instagram and TikTok.

The statistics clearly demonstrate the financial success of YouTube creators. An impressive 6 percent of YouTubers earn over $10,001 per month, significantly higher than the 2 percent and 3 percent of TikTok and Instagram creators respectively who reach that income level. Moreover, a remarkable 50 percent of YouTube creators report monthly earnings surpassing $500, surpassing Instagram's 40 percent and TikTok's 36 percent in terms of financial achievement.

While it may require a higher investment to collaborate with YouTube creators, brands are urged to consider the platform due to its exceptional engagement metrics. On average, YouTube creators achieve an impressive 50 percent engagement rate, surpassing TikTok's 3 percent and Instagram's 2 percent. The survey defines engagement as a combination of likes, views, shares, and comments. The longer video format on YouTube enables creators to delve deeper into product features, making it especially advantageous for brands selling complex items like tech gear or furniture requiring step-by-step tutorials.

The survey drew insights from a diverse group of 1,000 creators, encompassing various audience sizes, preferred platforms, and industries. Combining Aspire's internal data with the survey responses, the study provides valuable insights into the earning potential of creators. It's worth noting that the majority of the creators surveyed were based in the United States.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, YouTube has solidified its position as the go-to platform for creators seeking to maximize their earnings through brand partnerships. Its high engagement rates and the ability to provide in-depth content contribute to its appeal among both creators and audiences alike. For brands aiming to optimize their return on investment in influencer marketing, directing their focus toward YouTube proves to be a wise strategic move.

In conclusion, this survey provides valuable insights for marketers and brands venturing into the ever-changing realm of influencer marketing. By gaining an understanding of the platforms that hold the most promise for collaboration, brands can adapt their strategies and establish fruitful partnerships with YouTube creators who possess the ability to captivate and connect with their desired audience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying attuned to emerging trends and platforms becomes crucial for brands seeking to harness the immense potential of influencer marketing in today's fiercely competitive marketplace.

Read next: Creators Weigh In on the State of the Industry
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World