Ransomware Affected 80% of Education Providers in 2023

Cybersecurity is the sort of thing that can impact all sorts of industries, and the education industry is no different with all things having been considered and taken into account. It turns out that education might just be the single most impacted sector of all as far as ransomware is concerned, with 80% of lower education providers and 79% of higher education providers getting affected by it last year.

This comes from a recent survey conducted by Sophos which shed some light on the matter at hand. According to the findings presented in this survey which asked questions of 3,000 IT experts across 14 countries, few industries came close to education in terms of how ransomware may have inhibited their ability to educate children.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the construction industry was not all that far behind either. 71% of construction firms were targeted with ransomware attacks this year. Following close behind and tying for third place were central and federal government institutions and media and entertainment agencies both of which saw a 70% attack rate apiece.

Local and state governments were attacked 69% of the time, as were retail outlets. Rounding off the top five list are energy and utility companies, 67% of which received ransomware attacks in the previous year, as well as distribution and transportation concerns which faced a similar proportion of attacks.

The Biden-Harris administration has spoken out about this issue because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up derailing the entire American economy. They have outlined a plan that will serve to bolster the level of cybersecurity that K-12 schools can end up relying on, thereby rendering them safer from these attacks than might have been the case otherwise.

36% of attacks for lower education institutions and 40% for higher education came from compromised credentials. That makes this a singularly important thing to focus on in order to keep ransomware attacks at bay, and the Biden administration would do well to emphasize this.

Read next: North Americans Are 20% More Likely to Have Their Password Leaked
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Which media industry is most affected by piracy?

The industry affected the most by piracy is streaming services, TV networks, and big Hollywood studios, which include audiovisual content such as movies and TV shows.

Muso, an anti-piracy company, reported in 2022 that around 46% of piracy websites provided illicit TV content directed toward site hosting. Moreover, almost 13% of visits to film piracy sites are due to traffic. However, software and music contributed to less illicit website traffic as they combined led to less than 15% of the traffic at piracy portals. 28% of global piracy traffic was due to publishing sectors such as print media, ebooks, and other types of digitalized print content.

With concern to the TV and film sector, Muso reported that the top 5 countries that visited the most are the United States (14 billion), India (9 billion), Russia (8 billion), China (4 billion), and finally the United Kingdom (4 billion). The total percentage of illicit streaming sites is 95% of the TV piracy traffic, as the majority of the traffic intention is for viewing and obtaining movies illegally.

Since the early 2000s, the torrent has been the perfect delivery method because of its peer-to-peer file-sharing ability. However, they have lost their standing and only add up to a minimal amount of the total traffic to piracy sites.

In 2022, there were 215 billion visits to piracy websites, which was 18% more than in the year 2021, according to the report of Muso. It would be insufficient to calculate the revenue loss as piracy is highly differentiable and is influenced by its source. For a deeper understanding of the revenue loss, consider the report by the Nera Economic and the Global Innovation Policy Center, which claimed that there are $29 billion in missed earnings for the U.S. economy due to global video piracy. In contrast, the figures of missed earnings can’t be independently verified due to verification obstacles, but at least they provide a rough estimate of media piracy on the economy.

H/T: Statista
Read next: iOS Apps Earn 700% More than Android, New Research Reveals
by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

New Warning Issued Against Smart Devices Collecting More User Data Than Required

A new right-wing group from the United Kingdom is speaking about how smart devices such as TVs, speakers, and even doorbells can end up grabbing plenty of data belonging to users.

While we do agree that a certain amount is necessary for use, the new study by the consumer rights group says the amount of data collected is unnecessary for the device to function. But that’s not all.

The data is shared with top social media firms as well as marketing organizations for the sake of targeted advertising purposes. Alarmingly, a lot of users unknowingly agree to this, not realizing the dangers that it poses.

In most situations, they don’t clearly go through the policies outlined, and close to two-thirds of them are only skimming the passage.

While the regulations linked to data protection in the United Kingdom run at an all-time high, we see how so many firms are getting more and more transparent regarding how they collect user information and what their entire processing phase comprises.

Most people do it in a tiny print and we feel that shouldn’t be the case if they really want people to read and understand what’s going on with their data.

Let’s take the policy from Google Nest, for instance. This has close to 20k words and would take nearly 13.5 hours to go through the whole documentation that features a whopping 23 different brands.

As it is, so many people who purchase a certain smart device are jetting out thousands so the last thing they’d ever want is to pay more funds to go through legal terms and conditions that are too lengthy to be true.

As per this new study based in the UK, it was proven how Android applications ended up requesting more data share than those who had Apple devices. Most brands did end up needing users to give out more data like their location, no matter how the operation system was functioning. And it’s harrowing to see how that was the case when no product was even in use.

And if some user tries to opt out of the ordeal linked to default settings, you’ll be shocked to notice which parts of the device can be controlled and which cannot.

Remember, tech giant Apple is a hardware seller while search engine giant Google is more based on the likes of advertising and business promotions. This probably has a lot to do with how differently they both collect data across the board.

This was the case with the company’s long list of products from Nest and a few others too. A statement unleashed by tech giant Google says it’s complying with whatever laws are put into place and making sure its users attain transparency of the greatest level.

Better products are required for the sake of clients and now, Amazon is also jumping to confirm how the last thing on its mind is selling user data for its own gains. They also claim that user data is always in the safest of hands and more means are developed to ensure things remain this way.

More details showed how smart cameras grab the exact location of the user, its size, and the cars inside, and can even gauge how well off a certain user is. Moreover, the type of queries that are being used to address users having smart speakers is also crazy. This includes what kinds of products they might wish to purchase.

Clearly, users are being warned against such practices and are told to read through the policy before making a purchase and using the service offered.

Read next: North Americans Are 20% More Likely to Have Their Password Leaked
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Bidding Adieu to Threads by Unveiling the Hottest Mobile Apps of August

Threads, the once-popular social networking program, is no longer available for download. As we close up another month in the ever-changing world of mobile apps, let's take a deep dive into the fascinating domain of the top 10 mobile apps that dominated August worldwide. So get ready for a fantastic adventure into the app cosmos, where we will look at the numbers and the fascinating tales behind the rankings.

TikTok's Unstoppable Ascent

TikTok, the viral short-video platform that has taken the world by storm, led the pack in August, reclaiming its throne as the most downloaded app on the planet. With an astonishing 54 million new downloads from the App Store and Google Play, TikTok demonstrated its unrivaled popularity and influence.

TikTok's ascension to the top is nothing short of spectacular. It successfully dethroned Instagram, which had held the top spot since December of the previous year. TikTok and Instagram's rivalry is one of ongoing invention and adaptability. TikTok's distinct format and ability to capture the moment's zeitgeist have enabled it to consistently entice consumers worldwide.

Instagram's Silver Lining

In the second position, we find Instagram, the photo-sharing behemoth that continues to charm users with its captivating visuals and engaging features. With 52 million downloads in August, Instagram is far from being overshadowed by TikTok's meteoric rise.

One has to wonder if Threads, a standalone app launched by Instagram for close friends, had anything to do with Instagram's brief drop from first place. Threads aimed to provide users with a more intimate messaging experience may have sapped some of Instagram's momentum. It's an intriguing subplot in the larger story of app dominance.

The Facebook Trio's Tenacity

Moving down the rankings, we encounter the trifecta of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, securing spots three, four, and five, respectively. Facebook and WhatsApp, veterans in the app arena, have firmly entrenched themselves in these positions for quite some time. Meanwhile, Telegram, the upstart contender, has been making steady strides in recent months, finally breaking into the top five with a whopping 25 million new downloads.

The tenacity of Facebook and WhatsApp in retaining their ranks demonstrates their ongoing popularity. Their pervasiveness in our daily lives demonstrates their ability to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing digital context. The rise of Telegram, on the other hand, demonstrates the growing hunger for alternative messaging services, indicating a shift in user preferences.

A Rising Star - Temu's Triumph

Now, let's turn our attention to the star of the hour—Temu. Although not a household name, Temu has quietly been dominating the App Store charts for some time. However, it never broke into the top 10 charts until August.

Temu's spectacular leap to eighth place in August is an inspiring story of perseverance and improvement. This unheralded hero has taken the app market by storm, with a whopping 22 million new downloads. Even more impressive is Temu's success on Google Play in 2023. Google Play downloads increased by 500%, indicating the app's expanding prominence in the Android ecosystem.

As we head into the holiday season, it's safe to assume that Temu's upward trajectory will continue. Users are drawn to its unique features and offerings, and it's only a matter of time before Temu becomes a household name.

Threads Still Hanging Around

Threads, once the talk of the town, is now gently sinking into obscurity. Threads is no longer the belle of the ball, but it is far from forgotten. Threads received a healthy 19 million downloads in August, roughly evenly split between the App Store and Google Play. It's the app world's version of a bittersweet nostalgia trip.

Threads' loss in popularity reflects app users' ever-changing tastes. What was once a novel idea now faces fierce competition from TikTok, Instagram, and Temu. Threads' ability to remain in the top 10, albeit at a lower rank, speaks volumes about its ongoing attraction to a loyal user base.

Summing It Up

Together, according to our estimates, the top 10 most downloaded apps in the world amassed a staggering 318 million new downloads in August from the App Store and Google Play combined. It's worth noting that this number may seem slightly lower than July's figures, but a closer look reveals that Threads is the primary reason for this discrepancy. Removing Threads from the equation, August's performance closely mirrors that of July, as expected.

To summarize, the world of mobile apps is a dynamic, ever-changing arena where innovation, competition, and consumer preferences collide. The app universe is packed with surprises and stories waiting to be told, from TikTok's global supremacy to Temu's unexpected rise and Threads' gracious goodbye. As we move forward, it's impossible not to wonder what new advances the world of mobile apps has in store for us next. Keep those app stores handy, my readers, because the journey hasn't ended yet!

H/T: AppFigures
Read next: Snapchat's Cash Flow Surges with August's In-App Revenue Success Story
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Snapchat's Cash Flow Surges with August's In-App Revenue Success Story

Prepare to snap your fingers because Snapchat+, Snap's clever in-app revenue source, is making waves in the digital world. This unique innovation generated its highest-ever monthly revenue in August, up more than 12% from the previous month and more than 250% since its launch in July of the previous year.

In any case, what precisely is Snapchat+ presenting inside its app that is rounding up the dough? Indeed, at first, Snapchat+ was tied in with conceding early access to restrictive features. Notwithstanding, throughout recent months, it has advanced into something more similar to Twitter Blue or X Premium. Picture this: identification badges, upgraded experiences into stories, and a small bunch of other clever features to keep clients drew in and engaged.

Snap's strategic change is nothing short of brilliant, revitalizing the platform.

What's particularly noteworthy is that Snapchat+ is proven to be a more profitable venture for Snap than X Premium. Indeed, it is a resounding success!

According to our estimations, Snapchat Plus earned a whopping $17.9 million from the App Store and Google Play users in August alone. And here's the kicker: that's the net amount, which means Snap retains the difference after Apple and Google take their cut. What a successful month for Snapchat!

This August marked a significant milestone for Snapchat as it recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue, exhibiting a 12% increase compared to July. To put things into perspective, July itself was more financially rewarding than June, which outshone May. The upward trajectory of Snapchat+ revenue is nothing short of impressive.

What is driving this incredible expansion? Adding a badge not previously available in Snapchat+ has proven to be a game changer. This small emblem has become a sought-after digital accessory, increasing user engagement and, as a result, money.

Last year, the advent of social platforms directly monetizing their user base was a risky experiment. However, as the numbers continue to rise, it is developing into a sizable revenue stream. While it has yet to compete with the gigantic domain of advertising money, it is closing the gap at a rapid pace. In the future, these two revenue streams will have a considerably closer relationship.

To summarize, Snapchat's debut into in-app monetization with Snapchat+ has succeeded. It has clearly established itself as an influential participant in the developing environment of digital platforms, with skyrocketing income statistics and a growing user base. As time passes, we can only expect further breakthroughs and improvements in the realm of in-app revenue generation. Snapchat+ has raised the bar, leaving us excited to see what comes next in app-based financial prowess. So, keep those Snapchats up to date and ready because the future of in-app monetization appears to be brighter than ever.

Chart: AppFigures

Read next: Publishers Posting to Facebook Decreased by 8 Points in 2023
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

The iPhone 14 Offers 47% Faster 5G Speeds Than the iPhone 12

Every time Apple launches a new iPhone, it shows considerable improvements over previous models. The iPhone 12 was the first iteration of Apple’s flagship device that offered support for 5G, but subsequent models have been able to provide ever greater speeds from this network with all things having been considered and taken into account. A new report by Opensignal just revealed how much of a difference can be seen between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14, as well as what this means for the upcoming launch of the iPhone 15.

It turns out that there was a 47% increase in the range of 5G speeds offered by the iPhone 14 as compared to the iPhone 12. France saw an even greater uptick of 48%, and while most countries didn’t see similarly dramatic levels of growth, they nonetheless saw improvements in terms of 5G speed ranges. The UK saw a 29% differential between the iPhones 12 and 14, Germany saw 26%, Taiwan 21%, and only Italy hardly saw any progress with just a 4% increase.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the iPhone 14 was built to cater to the latest standards in 5G. It will be interesting to see how the iPhone 15 is able to take this forward, since it will contain even more advanced components.

The same trend can be seen with 4G as well. France saw a whopping 83% increase in 4G speeds between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 14, although the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 wasn’t quite as dramatic coming in at just 11%.

This just goes to show that making an upgrade can help users get far better internet speeds, especially when they are two or more models behind. With 5G seeing more and more advancement each year, the iPhone 15 may represent the biggest leap forward yet, and it will pave the way for more connectivity between all of its users. The 5G speed test will be critical for determining its potential for success.

Read next: iOS Apps Earn 700% More than Android, New Research Reveals
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Publishers Posting to Facebook Decreased by 8 Points in 2023

The question of whether or not a publisher wants to post content and advertising on social media platform has become quite pertinent these days. Twitter, which Elon Musk has now rebranded to X, has seen a dramatic decline in referral traffic. Meta’s answer to Twitter, Threads, has seen a similarly tough environment, struggling to receive the amount of publisher attention that Mark Zuckerberg had undoubtedly been hoping for.

A new survey conducted by Digiday+ Research which asked questions of 200 individuals working in the publishing industry shed some light on how things have changed in 2021. 2021 was an especially bad year for Facebook with 95% of publishers saying that they are going to post content on the social media platform with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This increased to 99% in 2022, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, 2023 ended up becoming Facebook’s worst year yet. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that just 91% of publishers admitted that they are willing to work with Facebook this year, which is a steep 8 point decline from the 99% that said the same last year.

Such a drop is concerning because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up making Facebook far less relevant than it used to be. There was a time when Facebook was considered to be the foremost social media platform thanks to its widespread reach. These recent developments seem to indicate that Facebook is starting to hold less sway than might have been the case otherwise.

One thing that bears mentioning is that this proportion refers to the number of publishers that have posted content to Facebook over the course of the previous month. Things start to seem even more dire when we widen the scope to take a look at how many publishers are posting their content on a daily basis.

Back in 2021, 85% of publishers said that their content ends up on Facebook each and every day. This dropped to 74% in 2022, although 2023 saw only a single point decrease to reach 73%. At the same time, more and more publishers are opting for weekly posts. Only 13% of publishers stated that they make weekly posts to Facebook in 2021, and by 2022, this had increased to 24% before declining somewhat to 23% by 2023.

This seems to suggest that publishers are now preferring to make weekly posts instead of daily ones, confirming that Facebook appears to be losing favor among them. The numerous controversies it has experienced including the revelation that it tries to stoke anger among its users to boost engagement have left a bad taste in the mouths of publishers. Furthermore, Facebook does not seem to have the same level of influence among the younger demographics.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here on out. We may be entering a day and age where Facebook will no longer be the single most powerful social media platform at least as far as publishers are concerned which could create a ripple effect down the line.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World