In today’s digital age, there is a rapid decline in the age at which children gain access to digital technology. Most children at a young age already have access to smartphones and laptops, leaving cybersecurity experts concerned about the escalating threats targeting the young demographic. 

Experts at tech security company, Kaspersky, explore some of the key cybersecurity trends parents should be aware of; and provide tips on how to safeguard their children’s online activities.

Use of AI tools

According to a UN study, approximately 80% of young individuals report interacting with AI multiple times a day. The advancement of AI technology has led to the emergence of numerous little-known applications with seemingly harmless features such as uploading a photo to receive a modified version.

However this poses a significant risk as the database the photo will remain in is unknown and also whether there is potential for further use. 

Furthermore, the use of AI chatbot raises alarms as they can deliver age-inappropriate content, including those designed for an explicitly erotic experience. Despite some requiring age verification, some children can falsify their age, this is an inadequacy that hasn’t been properly addressed.

Malicious attacks on young gamers

In this digital space, cybercriminals engage in video games which children take part in, through unmoderated voice and text chats which is a feature of the game, criminals exploit this trust building system by gaining the trust of young players by luring them with gifts or promises of friendship. 

Once trust is established, these criminals obtain personal information by convincing the gamers to click on phishing links which downloads a malicious file onto their device disguised as a game mod for Minecraft or Fortnite, or even grooming them.

FinTech for children 

An increasing number of banks are offering specialised products and services specifically designed for children as young as 12 years. However, the introduction of such banking cards exposes children to financially motivated threat actors and traditional scam, using enticing promises such as a free PlayStation 5 and other valuable assets to lure young users to entering their personal details on a phishing site. These social engineering schemes are used by cyber criminals to gain trust from their victim by posing as peers and requesting the sharing of card details or money transfers to their accounts.

Increasing smart home threats

Cybersecurity experts are worried that despite the increasing threats to smart home devices, manufacturers lag in creating cyber immune technology. Children are at risk in becoming tools used by cyber criminals to attack their devices.

For instance, if 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 their name, address and time, when their parents are not at home — or even their parents’ credit card number. In such a scenario, beyond just device hacking, there is also a risk of financial data loss or even a physical attack.

Online space and privacy of children

Experts suggest that children’s privacy and personal online space should be acknowledged by parents. According to Kaspersky, “parents now require the skill to discuss their offspring’s online experience and the importance of parenting digital apps for online safety while respecting personal space. This involves establishing clear boundaries and expectations and discussing the reasons for using the app with any child.”

Malicious Applications 

If an app is unavailable in your region, young users look for an alternative even if it is a malicious copy, according to experts. In official app stores like Google Play, children still run the risk of falling prey to attacks by cybercriminals.

According to authors of the report, “from 2020 to 2022, Kaspersky researchers have found more than 190 apps infected with Harly Trojan on Google Play, which signed up users for paid services without their knowledge. A conservative estimate of the number of downloads of these apps is 4.8 million, but the actual figure of victims may be even higher.”

Andrey Sidenko, a security and privacy expert at Kaspersky, emphasizes the urgency of educating children about cybersecurity by commenting that: “As we can see, many of the trends that are playing out in society are also affecting children, making them potential targets for attackers. This includes both the development and popularity of AI and smart homes, as well as the expansion of the world of gaming and FinTech industry. Therefore, it is crucial to teach children the basics of cybersecurity from an early age how not to fall into the trap of cybercriminals, what cyberthreats can occur during gaming, and how to properly protect your personal data. All this is now a must-have knowledge not only for adults, but also for the youngest users.”

Kaspersky advises that parents need to take proactive measures to protect their children from cybersecurity threats in 2024. This involves parents staying informed about the latest security threats and monitoring their children’s online activities and encouraging open communication about potential risks they might encounter online.

They also need to enforce strict guidelines to enforce their safety, learning about these threats through the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet with key concepts from the cybersecurity industry is crucial. Additionally, securing children from downloading malicious software by installing a trusted software security solution and making use of the Kaspersky’s digital parenting app Safe Kids.