Maintain Alert during Summer: Experts Reveal Strategies to Safeguard Children from Digital Theft
Modern Cyber Threats Soar for Kids During Summer Breaks
Summer vacations often mean more screen time and less supervision for kids, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals. With boosted digital activity and more free time, the online world can become a dangerous playground without the right precautions. Here's what you need to know to keep your little ones safe.
According to a recent report by Megafon specialists in partnership with Kaspersky Lab and RuStore, scammers have been posing as school representatives - vice-principals, social workers, and more - on a steep rise since the beginning of the year. These scams have increased by an alarming 30% compared to the entire previous year only during the first five months of this year.
There's a new scheme active during exam periods, offering students early access to answers or EGE results for a fee. "During the summer break, while we block many scam calls, criminals are communicating with children through social networks and messaging apps. One recent scheme involves recruiting minors into criminal activity by offering to rent their accounts for money. These accounts are used for spreading malicious content and conducting phishing attacks on friends and acquaintances," explained Sergei Khrenov, Director of the Department for Preventing Revenue Losses at Megafon.
To infiltrate devices, cybercriminals also use malicious apps. According to data from RuStore, the popularity of children's apps and games has tripled over the past year. However, this growth has also led to an increase in dangerous counterfeits targeting young audiences. Fraudsters create fake versions of popular games that contain links to phishing sites or malicious software for stealing personal and payment data, which is often distributed through game chats and social media comments.
Kaspersky Lab reports a staggering 60% increase in attacks on Android devices of Russian users, disguised as popular children's games like Minecraft, Roblox, Brawl Stars, and Genshin Impact. Additionally, the number of attacks where cybercriminals posed as cheats has almost tripled. Some modifications of the mobile banking Trojan Mamont are also being distributed under the guise of games.
To stay safe, families should be mindful of the apps their kids download. Cybercriminals often use unofficial sources to distribute malware. It's crucial to install antivirus software and avoid granting apps access to sensitive data unless absolutely necessary. A protective solution installed on both your PC and mobile device can help minimize the risk of infection.
When it comes to online safety for kids, here are some key strategies parents can employ:
- Educate children about cybersecurity basics, using real-life examples to illustrate potential threats like phishing scams or fake profiles.
- Monitor digital activity by employing software or apps with parental controls and engaging in open conversations about online experiences.
- Utilize safety tools and apps, like child identification apps and antivirus software.
- Stay informed about current cyber threats and trends, and support cybersecurity initiatives such as summer camps focused on cybersecurity education.
By implementing these strategies and keeping a watchful eye on their kid's digital activities, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their children falling victim to digital threats during the summer break.
- The increased digital activity during summer vacations necessitates a focus on cybersecurity education-and-self-development, as children may encounter various threats such as phishing scams and fake profiles.
- Incorporating technology, like antivirus software and parental control apps, into family digital usage can help safeguard kids against cybercriminals who use malicious apps or pose as school representatives online.
