The increased use of AI tools and potential vulnerabilities in games have been identified as critical cybersecurity concerns for children in 2024, according to a new report from Kaspersky.
The paper, released today, also highlights the growth of FinTech among young people, the growing popularity of smart home devices and the challenge of balancing children’s desire for online privacy with adequate parental supervision.
According to the report, the increasing use of AI by children, also highlighted by a UN Study 2022presents risks of exposure to inappropriate content and threats to the security of personal data.
Online games, played by 91% of children aged 3 to 15also presents opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit trust through unmoderated features. This can lead to potential data extraction or the introduction of malicious files.
The FinTech industry for young people introduces financial threats, with cybercriminals targeting children’s trust to obtain sensitive information or execute phishing scams.
The rise of smart home devices also raises concerns about compromised cybersecurity, allowing cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities for surveillance or physical attacks.
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Balancing children’s desire for online privacy with effective parental supervision will also be a key trend in 2024, according to the report, which emphasizes clear communication and setting boundaries.
Finally, children looking for apps not available outside official stores are increasingly at risk of downloading malicious copies. Kaspersky said It discovered more than 190 apps infected with the Harly Trojan on Google Play between 2020 and 2022, with approximately 4.8 million downloads, potentially more victims than reported.
“As we can see, many trends that are emerging in society also affect children, making them potential targets for attackers,” commented Andrey Sidenko, security and privacy expert at Kaspersky.
“It is therefore essential to teach children the basics of cybersecurity from an early age, how not to fall into the trap of cybercriminals, what cyber threats can arise during games and how to properly protect their personal data. All this is now essential knowledge not only for adults but also for the youngest users.”
To help parents guide their children in cybersecurity, Kaspersky recommends staying informed and monitoring online activities. Communication about online risks is also essential, as is enforcing guidelines.
Kaspersky also recently released its Cybersecurity Alphabet booklet to help parents and children navigate key cybersecurity concepts.