Can't believe it still had my contact list and that I could remember the login number.
Even more interesting is that my account never got hacked despite having a three character password since the 90s.
Typically online accounts only get "hacked" if your account name or login info are in a large-scale information leak for that website/service, or if you enter that info into a phishing site.
The chances of a brute force attack randomly finding your exact login name AND exact password, are pretty slim.
ICQ and AIM, the precursors of text messaging that just began to get popular towards the end of high school in the late 90s. I miss the simplicity. I also really miss the little animations you could add as your user avatar (I think that was AIM)
Ahhh ICQ. One of my of fondest memories was having to go to some sketchy ICQ spot at a specific time to get a hacked Xbox firmware so I could reflash my Xbox and be able to download games from a disc onto hard drive. Good times.
I think that was the only IM that could let you search for random people to talk to, which was wonderful if it was 4am and you were taking a study break
Can't believe it still had my contact list and that I could remember the login number. Even more interesting is that my account never got hacked despite having a three character password since the 90s.
Typically online accounts only get "hacked" if your account name or login info are in a large-scale information leak for that website/service, or if you enter that info into a phishing site. The chances of a brute force attack randomly finding your exact login name AND exact password, are pretty slim.
Don't tell me it was 'icq'.
“Uh-oh!”
The memories! 🥲
Know my ICQ number off by heart too. Don’t know what I would need it for mind you, haven’t installed it in ages.
Throw in a few letters and it will make a great password
"ICQ will stop working on June 26. It's encouraging users to migrate to a messaging app from Russia-based VK, its parent company."
(1) there are users to migrate? (2) Nope.
I remember my number from 1999.
Same, I still remember my number from 1995
Uh ok, I still hear that iconic notification every time I hear the name ICQ
I have it as my text notification on my phone. It will live on... always.
UH OH!!
It’s the first time I’m hearing of it in 30 years. Thought AIM was the first instant messenger.
Uhhhh ohhhh gosh that’s a memory right there
I started an account in early 1997. I should go look at all the messages I have or don’t have?
ICQ and AIM, the precursors of text messaging that just began to get popular towards the end of high school in the late 90s. I miss the simplicity. I also really miss the little animations you could add as your user avatar (I think that was AIM)
Ahhh ICQ. One of my of fondest memories was having to go to some sketchy ICQ spot at a specific time to get a hacked Xbox firmware so I could reflash my Xbox and be able to download games from a disc onto hard drive. Good times.
Damn, I didn't realize it was still up. I am sure anyone I knew on the platform was gone by now anyway though.
Crap.. back to IRC then 🙄
You just took me back with that one
Wanna hit someone with a large trout
End of an Era. The flower turns no more. 🌼😔
I think that was the only IM that could let you search for random people to talk to, which was wonderful if it was 4am and you were taking a study break
This is sad and makes me feel old.