Emerging Cybersecurity Trends You Should Be Aware Of

The world has evolved technologically during the past few decades. As the advancement of technology continues to innovate, ease, and automate daily mundane tasks, it has also created a growing concern about privacy, data breaches, and potential security risks. Cybersecurity is the technological term for tackling such security concerns and protecting systems and networks from digital attacks.

Photo: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko

Businesses have now been paying more attention to hiring skilled IT personnel or signing up with a reputable IT company. Hirings and collaborations like these can help them manage their system’s vulnerability and security and shield their data from any unauthorized access. There is no doubt such a demand for cybersecurity is crucial as cyber threats continue to evolve and pose unrecoverable threats to sensitive data. Below, we have identified some emerging cyber threats you should look for.

1. Generative AI on Both Sides

As Artificial Intelligence rapidly evolves, more smart AI-powered attacks can be predicted. AI is reaching unprecedented levels of complexity, such as deep fake social engineering to elude detection.

However, this technology can also be used to maximize the potential of defensive measures. AI-powered real-time anomaly detection, automated incident response mechanisms, and adaptive authentication can be used to leverage our ability to detect, evade, and tackle cyber threats. In this battlefield of cyber attackers and defenders, AI is a potent tool that may be used by anyone who figures out how to use it to retrieve its maximum potential.

2. Vulnerability of the Cloud

Since an increasing number of organizations are setting up their servers and uploading their data to the cloud, security needs to be assessed on an increased basis. Cloud services use interfaces and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to interact with other users and services. If these interfaces are not properly secured, they can serve as an entry point for attackers to exploit and gain unauthorized access.

While companies like Google and Microsoft have equipped themselves with comprehensive security measures, it’s still the user end – sharing resources, installing malicious software, and insider threats – that could raise data privacy concerns despite the layers of additional security.

3. Remote Working Culture

Work-from-home culture has been widely adopted since the COVID-19 pandemic isolated the world. Even after SOPs were abrogated because of the decline in cases, remote work prevailed as a convenient solution for employees and employers.

However, the lack of security is concerning to many. Users share data from improperly secured devices and networks designed for ease and convenience rather than secure operations and transactions.

In an office setting, proper use of firewalls is implemented, and an IT team can be trusted to practice adequate security measures such as network security, endpoint protection, and regular security audits to avoid cyber threats.

The absence of firewalls and security standards in a remote working environment is an alarm for organizations to incorporate proper security tools and enhanced communication channels for maintaining a secure work environment outside the traditional office setting.

Endnote

As long as humanity exists, security will likely remain a concern, whether in a physical setting or over the internet. Although physical security measures are more tangible and can be well understood by an educated adult, cybersecurity demands specific knowledge about a particular subject matter.

Awareness of minute details and actions that could lead to more significant problems is crucial, and only a person with proficiency and skills developed in the cyber domain can effectively handle them.

Still, specific measures like not allowing unauthorized third-party access to your data, implementing encryption techniques to safeguard your data, and employing firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing data, etc., can be some basic steps to prevent data theft or a cyber attack, more proactive and diligent approaches can be taken at higher levels to assure the overall safety of your sensitive information.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Microsoft Copilot Deletes Answers Mid-Sentence

Microsoft’s AI chatbot Copilot has become a core component of the tech juggernaut’s recent offerings, but recently a unique behavior has been spotted. This basically involves the chatbot writing out a response to a query only to stop itself in its tracks and subsequently delete the answer in its entirety. It turns out that this is actually a form of censorship, since this behavior is only seen when inappropriate questions are asked, as spotted by a Reddit user.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that questions about human anatomy and the like often result in Copilot backtracking. It follows this up by apologizing and asking if there are any other lines of inquiry that you might be interested in. The most frequent deletions happen with questions of a sexual nature, and it’s currently unknown if Microsoft has enacted this censorship intentionally or not.

Screenshot: Reddit/PorkyPORM

It bears mentioning that Copilot does not use this level of censorship with other topics, even those of an extremely sensitive nature with all things having been considered and taken into account. For example, questions about the Holocaust or conspiracy theories about Jews controlling the media received reasonable and fact based answers, and Copilot had no trouble spelling out the process by which someone or the other might go about buying a gun. What's more is that it simply refused to answer the question when someone asked how to join the KKK.

Censoring certain responses makes sense, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the manner in which Copilot goes about it is questionable to say the least. ChatGPT avoids answering in the first place and describes OpenAI’s policies, but Copilot takes the terrible step of revealing part of the answer and then deleting it halfway through.

This just goes to show how haphazardly AI is being introduced to the general public. It’s just one of the many recent incidents that reveal deep flaws in AI including Bing allowing people to make images showing Spongebob involved in the 9/11 attacks, and blocking queries that mentioned Julius Caesar in any way, shape or form.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Top Advantages of a Hotel Booking System

When it comes to the hospitality industry, efficiency and convenience are paramount. In this fast-paced digital age, hotels around the world are turning to innovative solutions to streamline their operations and enhance the stay experience. One such solution that has revolutionized the way hotels manage their reservations and bookings is the Hotel Booking System.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Today, we will explore the top advantages of a Hotel Booking System, shedding light on how it has become an indispensable tool for modern hotels seeking to stay ahead in offering guests a seamless and personalized booking journey. From boosting revenue to improving customer satisfaction, the tool is a must-have for any hotel striving for success in today's dynamic industry.

1. Easy Accessibility

With a Hotel Booking System, travelers have the convenience of booking their desired accommodations from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether they are at home planning their trip or on the move, they can access the hotel's availability and make reservations at their convenience.

This accessibility is also a game changer for both guests and hoteliers as guests no longer need to wait for business hours to make a reservation. Plus, hotels can attract bookings around the clock.

2. Time Efficiency

Booking a hotel room has never been quicker. Instead of spending time on long phone calls or physically visiting the hotel, travelers can access the Hotel Booking System, check room availability, compare prices, and complete their reservations within a matter of minutes.

For hotel staff, this efficiency translates into reduced administrative work and faster booking processing, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of guest service.

3. Enhanced Accuracy

Human errors in manual booking systems can lead to double bookings or misunderstandings, causing inconvenience for guests and headaches for hotel staff. A Hotel System minimizes these errors by accurately recording every reservation.

The system ensures that rooms are allocated correctly and avoids overbooking, resulting in a smoother and more reliable booking process.

4. Real-Time Updates

Hoteliers can make instant adjustments to room availability, pricing, and special offers. This flexibility empowers hotels to respond promptly to changing demand, such as modifying rates during peak seasons or offering last-minute discounts.

This agile pricing strategy optimizes revenue potential and ensures that rooms are competitively priced in response to market dynamics.

5. Secure Payment Options

Booking systems integrate secure payment gateways, providing peace of mind to travelers. Guests can make payments for their reservations online, knowing that their financial information is protected from unauthorized access. This secure payment process enhances trust between the hotel and its guests, which is crucial for building a positive reputation.

6. Guest Preferences

Many Hotel Systems allow guests to specify their preferences during the booking process. These preferences can include room type (for example: king bed, twin beds), specific amenities (for example: a room with a view, non-smoking), or special requests (for example: late check-in). By accommodating these requests, hotels can tailor the guest experience, making it more personalized and enjoyable.

7. Resource Management

Hoteliers can optimize their resources based on real-time occupancy rates. For example, they can schedule staff shifts, allocate cleaning services, and order supplies more efficiently. This resource management not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces unnecessary costs during low occupancy periods.

Endnote

A Hotel Booking System is a powerful tool that simplifies the booking process for travelers and streamlines operations for hotels. Its advantages span convenience, accuracy, revenue generation, and environmental sustainability, making it an essential asset in the modern hospitality industry.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

What Americans Are Googling About Health

Americans ask Google a lot of health questions every day. From worries about monkeypox to the effects of eating mold (or molded food), people want to know. Soliant Health, a company that finds jobs for health care workers, looked into what health topics people in each state search for the most. They found a wide range of concerns. This shows how different things like where people live, the weather, and who lives there can affect what health issues they think about.

For example, people in Florida look up what happens if you eat mold. In Kentucky, they ask if you can live without a spine. People in Maryland want to know what happens if you swallow gum. In New Jersey, they're curious if diabetes comes from family genes. To help answer these questions, Soliant asked Karen Stockdale, a nurse with over 20 years of experience, for help. She gave clear answers to some common health questions.

One big question is whether bronchitis is contagious. The answer is that the sickness itself isn't, but the viruses that cause it, like colds or flu, can spread to others. Another question is about lupus, an illness where the body's defense system attacks its own parts, causing pain and swelling. This mainly affects women between 15 to 44 years old. People also wonder how much water they should drink each day. The answer depends on the person, including how much they weigh and how active they are.

Here's a look at the top health questions in different states.

In Alabama, people are asking how you get monkeypox, why they sweat in their sleep, and how to get rid of allergies. Alaskans want to know how many calories they should eat, what counts as a fever, and what monkeypox looks like.

Arizonans are curious about the right amount of sleep, how to ease bloating, how long allergies last, and if allergies can cause coughing. People in Arkansas are looking up gout, hemorrhoids, diabetes, ear infections, if sinus infections spread, and how to stop nosebleeds.

Moving on, Californians are researching sleep hours, juice cleanses, living without a kidney, constant yawning, stopping vertigo, night sweats, peeing when sneezing, the effects of swallowing gum, removing ingrown toenails, sleeping with a bra, and more.

Delaware folks are googling how to stop hiccups, daily water intake, the number of bones in the body, and anemia. In the District of Columbia, questions include the duration of strep throat, breaking a fever, heartburn feelings, and if poison ivy spreads.

The list goes on with each state having its own unique set of concerns. In Illinois, people are curious if you can live without a spleen, why they drool in sleep, what causes restless legs, and how to kill toenail fungus.

Indiana residents ask about normal blood pressure, bunions, constant hunger, and easing gas pain.

Maine is looking into how to relieve sinus pressure. Marylanders are asking about swallowing gum, skin tags, sleep paralysis, red eyes, and if allergies cause headaches.

Massachusetts folks want to know about back cracking, high cholesterol, preventing shin splints, and pneumonia.

New Mexico searches include going without food, high blood pressure, heartburn, ear infections, and if allergies can cause sore throats. New Yorkers are curious about dry hands, treating food poisoning, swollen gums, genetic allergies, and winter allergies.

In North Carolina, searches include the effects of too much water, feeling lightheaded, and causes of excessive gas. Oklahomans are asking about coffee limits, rare blood types, eczema, and tonsil stones. Oregonians are looking up swollen feet and stopping ear ringing.

The list of concerns reflects a wide range of health issues Americans are curious about. Each state has its unique set of questions, showing the diverse health interests across the country.

Soliant's study with answers from a seasoned practitioners aims to provide reliable information to these curious searchers, bridging the gap between wonder and knowledge.

Photo: Digital Information World - AIgen

Read next: Google Pledges 25 Million Euros For The Betterment Of AI Education And Training In EU
by Mahrukh Shahid via Digital Information World

Meta Announces New Topics Feature For Political Content Recommendations On Threads

Tech Gian Meta is on the rise to compete with arch-rival X as the US elections draw near.

The company had previously spoken about how it was not keen on allowing any kind of political content recommendations. But today, it has altered its mind and opted to roll out a new test feature for the Threads app.

The trending rollout might be their answer to automated recommendations so that users on the app could find a list of trending topics that others were seen discussing through the popular social media app.

The feature would be dubbed Today’s Topics and it would be based on the likes of what’s trending in the community and which posts users are mostly interacting with today. Meta explained how the feature would be found on Threads in two specific areas. This entails the Search Page and the For You newsfeed.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram explained that, "Our content specialists will review the topics selected by our AI systems to make sure they’re not duplicative or confusing, but by and large, we want them to accurately represent what is actually topical on Threads. Political trends will be eligible." Adding further, "We’ll learn from this test and iterate over time."

Moreover, the algorithm would similarly take into consideration a long list of signals that entails the number of discussions surrounding one specific topic and how many individuals were engaging with the posts seen online in that category.

The company added how the long list of content specialists found on the team will make sure the topics are not violating the page’s Community Guidelines and a whole list of integrity guidelines too.

In the same manner, it mentioned how the firm’s team would ensure there were no duplicates for a certain category and that any topics in this list were not deemed to be misleading or nonsensical.

Additionally, all users would be given the chance to flag content they feel is problematic in a certain case that surfaces online and violates guidelines. But that would not be caught immediately by the page’s list of moderators.

Now the point in question that happens to be on many people’s minds is whether or not Meta would be able to silence political content seen across X’s Topics feature. Remember, just last week, it spoke about no longer adding political recommendations through apps like Instagram and Threads.

This change would affect the recommendations feature seen on both the leading social media platforms. Moreover, this alteration would also affect things like Reels on the Instagram platform and Instagram Explore, not to mention recommendations done in-feed through both Instagram and Threads.

But that was then and this is now. The company says it would not be suppressing any topics linked to the politics genre. They only hope to get rid of political content if they’re seen to be in violation of the Community Guidelines or any kind of political topic.

Today, such a feature does make sense as it timely reflects all kinds of relevant topics seen on the platform, while customized recommendations would be barred.

So as you can see, such topics would be better determined thanks to algorithms. They are not individual to end users in the sense that they would not be swept up through the app’s content purge, thanks to recommendations seen online.

Such a feature seen on Threads by Meta is deemed to be a source of competition for arch-rivals like X which was known as Twitter in the past. This is because it would give rise to users seeking timely chats and debates that arise on the platform.

This means saying hello to a feed that’s more real-time as compared to before. In the same manner, it would help users look for debates and conversations on trending matters, giving a more real-time feeling at all times that may have been lacking in the past.

Read next: LLMs Might Get an Upgrade With This Proposed Self-Discover Prompting Framework
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

LLMs Might Get an Upgrade With This Proposed Self-Discover Prompting Framework

Large language models are arguably the most prominent forms of tech out there at this current point in time, and Google’s Deepmind division has been hard at work trying to take them to the next level. It turns out that the researchers working on this project collaborated with experts at the University of Southern California to propose a new prompting framework that can enhance the abilities of LLMs with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This framework prioritizes self-discovery and the use of task specific logic and reasoning to come up with a solution to the problem that was posed to the chatbot in question. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that their research yielded positive results about the kind of impact it can have on the performance of GPT-4 and other LLMs.

The way this works is that the model crafts a reasoning structure of the LLM and leverages a variety of reasoning modules such as step by step thinking as well as critical thinking. If the proposed framework comes through, it would be enormously useful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up reducing the amount of computing power required for inference between 10 to 40 times over.

One of the biggest issues facing LLMs as of right now is that they require a lot of energy for computational processes. As a result of the fact that this is the case, any research that can reduce the energy load has the potential to end up being a game changer, and this proposed framework is no different.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here on out, since Google has mostly been playing catch up with the likes of OpenAI and Microsoft after their enormous headstart with ChatGPT last year. A framework like this could give the tech juggernaut the edge it needs, and possibly give the entire industry a path forward that can pave the way for newer start ups to throw their hat into the ring.

Image: Digital Information World - AIgen

Read next: The Essential Guide to Implementing Generative AI in Small Businesses
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

The Essential Guide to Implementing Generative AI in Small Businesses

Generative AI is a paradigm shift in how small businesses operate. By reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and enabling high-quality content and service delivery, AI is leveling the playing field, allowing small companies to truly compete in the digital age.

But how can they use these new technologies to achieve their business outcomes? That question inspired this latest piece of research from the team at OnDeck. They spent some time looking at the best generative AI tools for small businesses, then put together a how-to guide explaining how to integrate them into daily operations.

Let's get into it.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a 'creative' form of artificial intelligence that can generate 100% original content, including text, images, videos, music, and software code.

How does it work?

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E utilize machine learning models and neural networks to identify, analyze, and understand patterns and features. It then uses these data to generate new content based on recognized patterns but is 100% original in composition. This could include poems, stories written in a particular style, an original image in an impressionist or abstract style, or a digital illustration of objects or scenes that don't exist in the real world.

Is Generative AI actually creative?

Not really. Its outputs are defined by the quality and diversity of training data. Essentially, AI's creations are a blend together of patterns it has learned. It does not 'understand' the content in the way humans do. Instead, it's predicting and repeating statistical patterns.

How small businesses are using Generative AI

Generative AI has revolutionized the landscape for small businesses. They now have access to tools to produce content at scale quickly, using technology that was previously exclusive to larger corporations with substantial resources.

This technology is a game-changer in several key areas, including:

Content Creation and Marketing: Generative AI can produce a variety of content, including written articles, social media posts, and marketing copy, quickly and cost-effectively. It saves time and enables small businesses to maintain a solid online presence, which is crucial for building a brand and attracting new customers.

• Also read: Creatives Are Struggling to Meet Production Quotas, Could AI Be the Answer?

Graphic Design and Branding: Hiring a professional graphic designer for branding or marketing materials is an expense many small businesses can't afford, especially in the start-up days. AI-driven tools can generate logos, promotional materials, and website designs, offering the perfect, cost-effective solution.

Personalization at Scale: Generative AI can analyze customer data to help create personalized experiences and content, a key strategy proven to significantly boost engagement and sales. Small businesses can use these AI-powered insights to tailor their marketing efforts, product recommendations, and customer interactions, providing a level of service that rivals larger competitors with giant in-house marketing departments.

The benefits of using Generative AI

Here are some stats highlighting why every small business should start using generative AI:

• AI tools increase content output by up to 500%.
• By using AI-driven design tools, small businesses report up to 40-60% savings on graphic design and branding costs.
• Small businesses using AI for personalized marketing see an average increase of 20% in customer engagement.
• Automation of routine tasks by AI can lead to a 30-50% reduction in time spent on administrative work.
• Companies leveraging AI for personalized customer experiences have seen a 10-15% sales increase.
• Small businesses using AI for product development report a 25% faster time-to-market for new products.
• Implementing AI chatbots leads to an average increase of 35% in customer satisfaction scores due to quicker and more efficient service.
• Businesses incorporating AI tools report an average revenue increase of 15-25% within two years of adoption.

The do's and the don'ts of using Generative AI as a small business

We've looked at why businesses should use generative AI; now let's look at how they can utilize it.

A recent guide put together by the team at OnDeck includes some golden rules for adopting generative AI tools. They include:

• Use AI to generate basic, high-volume, time-consuming content like titles, snippets, alt text for images, and meta descriptions.
• Always fact-check and edit any AI-generated content. The final sign-off before publishing should always come from a human content creator.
• Be careful about what information you put into generative AI tools. You may give away company secrets or breach confidentiality agreements with clients.
• Don't use AI to create all your content, especially on your website. Too much AI-generated content may impact your SEO ranking.

Text creation with AI tools

Copy.ai offers a free AI text generator that is ideal for crafting basic content. For extended, long-form content, consider subscribing to premium services like ChatGPT or Jasper. They're well worth the investment and can produce quality blogs/articles in just a few minutes.

• Also read: 41% of Marketers Say AI is Less Creative Than Them

Top tip: It's crucial to fact-check, as Jasper and ChatGPT can sometimes produce inaccurate or even offensive content.

Applications of generative text tools include:

• Developing chatbots for simple customer inquiries
• Crafting basic marketing materials
• Brainstorming content ideas and strategies
• Summarizing lengthy reports, articles, and industry papers

AI-driven image creation tools

Thanks to AI tools like Midjourney and Canva, anyone can now produce high-quality, professional images and designs by typing a few simple inputs into an AI generator. And it costs less than $15 per month.

Use these tools for:

• Designing graphics for blogs, websites, and social media
• Editing and improving existing images
• Creating logos and brand elements
• Producing striking advertising visuals

AI audio generation for small businesses

Podcasting is an effective medium for audience engagement and thought leadership. And with AI tools like Riverside available for around $15 a month, a lack of technical skills is no longer a barrier to producing great podcasts that drive customer engagement.

You can also use platforms like Vowel to transcribe audio content from meetings and interviews. Think of it like your virtual admin assistant. And the best part? It's completely free for sessions that are 40 minutes long or less.

AI audio platforms can also:

• Produce music, jingles, and sound loops
• Convert written content into audio formats
• Transcribe audio to text

AI in video content production

Businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on using video content to educate customers and train staff. A recent survey found that 98% of small business owners recognize video as essential for learning and development.

• Related: 70% of SMBs Repurpose Content, Here's Why

So take some time to look at AI video platforms like Pictory, wave.video, and Synthesia. They can help a small business:

• Create training videos for employees
• Produce promotional videos
• Transform blog content into engaging video formats

Take a look at the infographic below for more insights:

Read next: GenAI Prism: This Infographic Illuminates the Expansive Universe of Generative AI Tools
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World