Kaspersky Forecasts 2024 Cyber Threats To Children

Given the widespread access to smartphones and tablets among children, the age at which they first encounter the digital realm continues to decrease. It is imperative for parents to stay well-informed about the latest cybersecurity threats aimed at children to effectively shield them from potential harm. Kaspersky experts delve into key cybersecurity trends that parents should be aware of, offering tips to secure their children’s online activities.

1. The increasing use of AI tools by children poses a risk, as many applications lack the necessary cybersecurity measures and age-appropriate content. UN research indicates that around 80 percent of young people engage with AI daily. Little-known AI applications with seemingly harmless features may compromise children’s images, potentially exposing them to unforeseen risks.
2. Malicious actors are targeting young gamers, According to latest online statistics, with 91 percent of children aged 3-15 playing games online. Unmoderated voice and text chat in some games provide opportunities for criminals to build trust with young players, leading to the extraction of personal information through phishing links disguised as game mods.
3. The rise of FinTech for kids introduces new threats, as banks offer specialized products for children, including banking cards for those as young as 12. This makes children susceptible to financially motivated threats and traditional scams, posing risks like entering card details on phishing sites or falling for social engineering tactics.
4. The growing number of smart home threats increases the vulnerability of children as potential targets. Manufacturers’ lag in creating cyber-immune technology exposes children to potential exploitation, where smart devices can be used to extract sensitive information or even facilitate physical attacks.
5. As children mature, they demand respect for their personal online space. Parents must engage in open discussions about online safety, establish clear boundaries, and explain the reasons behind installing parental digital apps while respecting the child’s need for personal space.
6. Children seeking apps unavailable in their region may unwittingly download malicious copies. Even official app stores like Google Play pose risks, as evidenced by the discovery of over 190 apps infected with the Harly Trojan, leading to millions of potential victims.

In summary, the evolving landscape of technology and online activities exposes children to various cybersecurity threats. Teaching children the basics of cybersecurity from an early age is crucial, covering aspects such as avoiding cybercriminal traps, understanding gaming-related threats, and safeguarding personal data. According to Andrey Sidenko, a security and privacy expert at Kaspersky, this knowledge is now essential not only for adults but also for the youngest users.