Nowadays, most children have access to the internet or own smartphones and tablets, so parents must stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats targeting children in order to protect them from potential risks.
According to the latest online statistics, 91% of children aged 3-15 play games on some type of device. For some games, uncensored voice chat and messaging are a crucial part of the experience. With more and more young people engaging in online activities, cybercriminals tend to befriend young players, offering them valuable gifts or promises to build trust. Once they gain trust, cybercriminals steal personal information by asking victims to click on phishing links to download malicious files disguised as game mods.
Despite the increasing number of smart home device threats, manufacturers have yet to create cyber-immune technology to prevent potential exploits. This means children could become tools for criminals in a cyberattack. When a smart device becomes a fully functional surveillance tool and a child is home alone, cybercriminals can contact them through the device and request sensitive information such as names, addresses, and times their parents are away, or even their parents' credit card information.
Kaspersky experts recommend the following measures to protect children: Stay updated on the latest threats and actively monitor children's online activities, so that parents can create a safer online environment for their children; Parents must openly discuss potential risks they may encounter online with their children and provide strict guidance to ensure their safety; To help parents familiarize their children with cybersecurity in the context of increasing threats, Kaspersky experts have developed Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet with key concepts in the cybersecurity industry; To protect children from downloading any malicious files while playing games, Kaspersky recommends installing a reliable security solution on their devices; With appropriate tools such as the Kaspersky Safe Kids app, parents can effectively protect their children from online threats in the digital age…
Andrey Sidenko, a security and privacy expert at Kaspersky, stated: “As we can see, many ongoing trends in society are also affecting children, making them potential targets for attackers. This includes the development and widespread adoption of AI and smart homes, as well as the expansion of the gaming world and the FinTech industry. Therefore, it is crucial to teach children the basics of cybersecurity from a young age to avoid falling into the traps of cybercriminals, the potential cyber threats that can occur while playing games, and how to properly protect their personal data.”
KIM THANH
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