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Worst passwords of 2024 prove we still suck at digital security

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:27

NordPass has released its sixth annual study on the 200 most common passwords in the world. Unfortunately, it seems as though the sixth time is still not the charm, with the list still topped by many of the same easily-cracked suspects as last year.

"After analyzing 6 years' worth of data, we can say there hasn't been much improvement in people's password habits," wrote NordPass. It's easy to imagine an air of resignation surrounding that statement.

SEE ALSO: The best password managers for all your online accounts

This year NordPass' study was conducted in collaboration with NordStellar, and used a 2.5TB database of information gathered from publicly available resources — including some found on the dark web. Passwords used had been exposed via malware or in data leaks, with the complete study using information from people across 44 countries.

According to NordPass' research, 2024's top 10 most used passwords globally are:

  1. 123456

  2. 123456789

  3. 12345678

  4. password

  5. qwerty123

  6. qwerty1

  7. 111111

  8. 12345

  9. secret

  10. 123123

NordPass estimates that it would take a hacker less than one second to crack each of these passwords. This is the fifth year that "123456" has topped the list, having only been beaten out once since NordPass began its annual study.

The list looks slightly different when strictly looking at passwords for U.S. accounts, though there's still a lot of overlap. While the global list favours number-based passwords, presumably as they're used across different languages, 2024's 10 most popular passwords in the U.S. has more English-based entries:

  1. secret

  2. 123456

  3. password

  4. qwerty123

  5. qwerty1

  6. 123456789

  7. password1

  8. 12345678

  9. 12345

  10. abc123

These too would take less than a second to crack.

Corporate America's most popular password is 'password'

This year, NordPass also made a separate list of passwords used for corporate accounts. Most passwords used in the study were leaked alongside a corresponding email address, enabling NordPass to distinguish between work and personal accounts by looking at the domain name.

Sadly, it looks as though those hours of mandatory corporate privacy training we've all endured have borne little fruit, with people still using the same or similar weak passwords as they do in their private lives.

The 10 most popular passwords people used at work in 2024 are:

  1. 123456 

  2. 123456789

  3. 12345678

  4. secret

  5. password

  6. qwerty123

  7. qwerty1

  8. 111111

  9. 123123

  10. 1234567890

In the U.S. specifically, 2024's most popular corporate passwords are:

  1. password

  2. 123456

  3. qwerty123

  4. qwerty1

  5. aaron431

  6. password1

  7. welcome

  8. 12345678

  9. Password1

  10. abc123

"aaron431" is an unusual outlier compared to its compatriots, having no blatantly obvious rhyme or reason. However, it has been recognised as a popular password in several industries for years. Some have speculated that "aaron431" is the default password for a widely used program, and that people just haven't bothered changing it. NordPass estimates it would take about five minutes for a hacker to crack it.

If you're guilty of using any of these popular passwords, now would be a good time to consider changing them and getting a password manager. Even if you don't use any of the entries on these lists, a password manager will still go a long way in helping you keep your passwords strong and your data secure.

Treat yourself to the Amazon Fire Stick 4K at its lowest-ever price

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:25

SAVE $27: As of Nov. 15, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale at Amazon for $32.99, a savings of 45% and the lowest it has ever been priced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $32.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday event is not officially here yet, but the deals have already started. You can find discounts already kicking off on a wide range of Amazon's products, including the beloved Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. It comes with a remote with Alexa built-in, helping you turn any TV into a smart TV.

SEE ALSO: Walmart Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy online

As of Nov. 15, you can buy the Amazon Fire Stick 4K for its lowest-ever price, now just $32.99.

You don't need to worry about a complicated setup, these handy remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

And with the Fire Stick 4K, you can enjoy stunning 4K Ultra HD visuals with advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This model also boasts a much more powerful processor and enhanced Dolby Atmos support than its predecessor, ensuring a smoother performance and better quality sound.

This is a limited-time only deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Speed up your WiFi with this Amazon eero 6+ deal

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:22

SAVE $105: As of Nov. 15, the Amazon eero 6+ router is on sale at Amazon for $194.99. That's a 35% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started at a range of retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy, and while Amazon's Black Friday deals don't officially begin until Nov. 21, there's already a great selection of active discounts that are worth your attention.

That's including this great deal on the Amazon eero 6+ router system. As of Nov. 15, this product is reduced to $194.99, saving you 35%. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

The eero 6+ is an exceptional router system that offers gigabit wifi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups.

It boasts Wi-Fi 6 technology and an extra boost from the 160 MHz radio channel, so the eero 6+ ensures fast and reliable connectivity for the entire household. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

And if you're worried about the setup, there's no need. The system is super easy to set up and can be done in minutes by using the eero app.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, however, so move fast.

Stuff your Kindle with these free open door romance books

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:20

FREE E-BOOKS: On Nov. 15, hundreds of e-books are completely free on Amazon. Shop these open door romance books for free today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free E-Books on Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

If the sound of free books is like music to your ears, then you'll love Stuff Your Kindle Day. While it may sound too good to be true, there's no catch, we promise.

Nov. 15 is a day when thousands of e-books at Amazon are reduced to the low, low price of $0. There are a variety of subgenres on offer, but romance is at the forefront of this author-driven event. This latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is a romance-focused free book blast that features "cinnamon roll main male characters," a term to describe sweet and kind male leads.

Hosted by Alpharoll, you can expect all genres and heat levels of romance to be featured, and organized by heat level and subgenre.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

And if you are a real fan of open door romance novels, there are plenty of books for you to download. Overwhelmed? Here's a pick of some of the best books you can download for free.

Best open door romance to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

Book lovers, download free closed door and fade to black novels on Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:18

FREE E-BOOKS: On Nov. 15, hundreds of e-books are completely free on Amazon. Shop these closed door and fade to black books for free today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free E-Books on Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

For book lovers, there is no better holiday than Stuff Your Kindle Day. While it may sound too good to be true, there's no catch.

Nov. 15 is a day when thousands of e-books at Amazon are completely free. Yes, free. There are a variety of genres on offer, but romance is at the forefront of this author-driven event. This latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is a romance-focused free book blast that features "cinnamon roll main male characters."

Hosted by Alpharoll, you can expect all genres and heat levels of romance to be featured, and organized by heat level and subgenre.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

And if you are a real fan of closed-door and fade-to-black novels, there are plenty of books for you to download. Overwhelmed? Here's a pick of some of the best books you can download for free.

Best closed door and fade to black to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

Black Friday TV deal: Save $250 on the 75-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:14

SAVE $250: The Hisense QD6 Series 75-inch QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) is just $449.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15. This budget-friendly big screen is perfect for upgrading your home entertainment setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense QD6 Series 75-inch QLED 4K UHD $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

If your TV feels like a postage stamp compared to today’s screens, it’s time to upgrade. Enter the Hisense QD6 Series — a 75-inch QLED 4K Smart TV that delivers eye-popping visuals without emptying your wallet. Thanks to a $250 Black Friday discount at Best Buy, this beast is just $449.99.

What makes the QD6 worth it? For starters, its sheer size — 75 inches of cinematic glory that will make you wonder how you ever lived with less. Pair that with QLED Quantum Dot technology, and you’ve got a screen that makes every color pop, offering over a billion shades for vibrant sunsets, lifelike skin tones, and oceans so blue you’ll want to dive in.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

But this TV isn’t just a pretty face. Gamers will appreciate Game Mode Plus, a combo of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode to keep gameplay smooth and lag-free. Whether you’re fragging enemies or exploring fantasy worlds, the 4K AI Upscaler ensures everything looks crisp—even older games or content that’s less than 4K.

Smart features? This Hisense is practically a genius. Powered by Google TV, it organizes your apps, subscriptions, and live TV into one easy-to-navigate interface. Still trying to decide what to watch? Google TV will recommend options tailored to your tastes. And the voice remote? It’s like having a personal assistant who never takes a day off.

Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Audio round out the cinematic experience, turning every movie night into a theater-quality event. At $449.99, the Hisense QD6 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Whether planning movie marathons or gaming binges, this Black Friday deal is a steal. Snap it up now because deals this good don’t last long (unlike your popcorn).

Best Buy Black Friday deal: Snag the ASUS ROG Ally for $499.99

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:10

SAVE $150: The ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 512GB storage, and 7-inch FHD 120Hz display is just $499.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme $599.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Black Friday Doorbuster deals are here, and Best Buy has just leveled up your gaming setup with a $150 discount on the ASUS ROG Ally. This portable powerhouse is now $499.99 — its lowest price yet. If you’re looking for a gaming device that can do it all, this is your chance to grab one before they’re gone.

The ROG Ally is more than just a gaming console; it’s a gaming PC you can take anywhere. Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it packs 8.6 teraflops of computational power (yes, you read that right) into a sleek handheld design. Its 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology ensures visuals are crisp, fluid, and completely tear-free.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

But the ROG Ally isn’t just for solo handheld play. Hook it up to a TV, connect some controllers, and you’ve got a multiplayer console for gaming nights with friends. Want to take things even further? Pair it with the ROG XG Mobile eGPU to turn it into a full-fledged gaming PC, complete with support for a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and more.

Other highlights include a generous 512GB SSD for lightning-fast load times (and plenty of storage for your game library), 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and quick-charge technology that gets you from 0% to 50% battery in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re on the couch, on the road, or in the middle of a gaming marathon, the ROG Ally keeps up with your pace.

With access to games across platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, and even Android apps, the ASUS ROG Ally is the ultimate all-in-one solution for gamers who want it all. Best Buy’s Black Friday price makes this an unbeatable deal — but don’t wait too long, or it might disappear faster than your last online match.

This Best Buy Black Friday doorbuster deal will save you $200 on the LG OLED B4 TV

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:06

SAVE $200: The 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024) is now $599.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15. This Black Friday Doorbuster won’t last long.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024) $599.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

It’s time to upgrade your home entertainment setup with a deal to make your living room the ultimate viewing destination. The 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV is now just $599.99 at Best Buy, a $200 discount for their Black Friday Doorbuster sale. That’s serious value for a TV packed with features movie buffs and gamers alike will love.

What sets this Black Friday TV apart? First, let’s talk about those OLED visuals. With over 8.3 million self-lit pixels, the LG OLED B4 delivers perfect black levels and vivid, lifelike colors. Whether binge-watching your favorite series or diving into the latest blockbuster, the α8 AI Processor ensures every frame looks (and sounds) unique by automatically optimizing picture and audio based on your content.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

Cinephiles will appreciate features like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and FILMMAKER MODE, bringing the cinema experience properly to your couch. Imagine hearing every whisper of dialogue and feeling every explosion without leaving your house (or changing out of sweatpants).

But that’s not all. Gamers are in for a treat, too. This LG OLED TV has NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for ultra-smooth gameplay. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, you’ll have plenty of room to connect your console, streaming devices, and more. And thanks to the LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer, your gaming controls are always within reach.

The smart features are just as impressive. Powered by LG webOS 24, the B4 makes streaming a breeze with easy app organization and instant access to over 300 free LG Channels. Plus, LG promises up to five years of software updates, so your TV stays fresh well into the future.

Black Friday Doorbusters like this are meant to disappear quickly, and with a feature set like this, the LG OLED B4 won’t stick around for long. Don’t miss your chance to snag a premium TV at a budget-friendly price.

Save $200 this Black Friday Doorbuster on the MacBook Air M2 chip at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 04:02

SAVE $200: The 13-inch Apple MacBook Air with the M2 chip, 16GB memory, and 256GB SSD is now $1,099 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15. This Black Friday Doorbuster won’t last long.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch Apple MacBook Air with the M2 chip $749.00 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

It’s officially Black Friday season. Best Buy has unleashed its second wave of Doorbuster deals — including a tempting $200 discount on Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip. Priced at $1,099 (down from $1,299), this deal is a head-turner for anyone in the market for a premium laptop that delivers both style and performance.

Black Friday Doorbusters are all about grabbing attention, and this deal on the MacBook Air does precisely that. Apple rarely discounts its tech, so a $200 price drop is like spotting a unicorn — magical, rare, and likely to vanish fast.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

The MacBook Air M2 is the total package for work, play, and everything in between. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, its fanless design keeps things whisper-quiet. At the same time, the M2 chip ensures lightning-fast performance for editing videos, streaming shows, or juggling spreadsheets. Add a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (hello, 500 nits of brightness) and up to 18 hours of battery life, and you’ve got a laptop that can keep up with even the busiest days.

This model also boasts a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, Spatial Audio speakers for immersive sound, and the return of the beloved MagSafe charger (no more accidental cord-yanks sending your laptop flying). Plus, you’ll have Apple’s latest features and security updates with macOS Sequoia.

Black Friday Doorbusters like this one are designed to create FOMO for a good reason. Once supplies run out, the deal is gone for good. If this MacBook Air is calling your name, don’t wait — snap it up while you can.

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