ISLAMABAD: Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, has outlined potential cybersecurity threats targeting children in 2024. With about 80% of young people interacting with AI daily, the emergence of AI applications, particularly chatbots, raises concerns about age-inappropriate content.
Furthermore, online statistics revealed that 91% of children aged 3-15 play games, exposing them to unmoderated voice and text chat, which cybercriminals can exploit to build trust and gather personal information through phishing links.
The rise of FinTech for kids introduces new risks as banks offer specialized products, including banking cards for children as young as 12. Cybercriminals may exploit children’s trust through social engineering, posing as peers to obtain card details or money transfers. Smart home threats targeting children are expected to increase as manufacturers lag in developing cyber-immune technology, making children potential tools for cybercriminals.
Kaspersky Advises Vigilance Against Cyber Threats Targeting Children
As children grow, they need guidance on personal space, privacy, and online safety. Parents are urged to discuss their children’s online experiences, emphasizing the importance of digital parenting for cybersecurity. The availability of apps in specific regions may lead young users to seek alternatives, increasing the risk of encountering malicious copies even on official app stores.
Usman Qureshi, Kaspersky’s Country Representative in Pakistan, emphasizes the need to educate children about cybersecurity basics to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals. Proactive measures, such as staying informed about the latest threats and actively monitoring online activities, are crucial for creating a safer online environment for children.
Kaspersky experts recommend installing trusted security solutions, like the digital parenting app Safe Kids, to protect children from cyber threats in the digital age. Moreover, Kaspersky has developed the Cybersecurity Alphabet, a resource for children to learn about technologies, cyber hygiene rules, and how to recognize online threats and fraudster tactics.
