Adrian Johnson
TLDR: Key Cybersecurity Threats for Kids in 2024
As children increasingly interact with technology, they are exposed to cybersecurity threats. Some of the key threats for kids in 2024 include:
- The use of AI
- Malicious actors targeting young gamers
- Threats from FinTech
- Home threat cases targeting children
- The threat from fake clone apps
Parents can take the following steps to protect their kids from these threats:
- Stay informed about potential threats
- Actively monitor children’s online activities
- Have open communication with children about risks
- Install a trusted security solution on their devices
- Monitor financial and download activities
Increasing access to smartphones and tablets has had an impact on how children interact with technology and the cybersecurity threats they are exposed to. Parents should be aware of these threats and take preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of their kids’ online activities.
According to predictions by Kaspersky, some key cybersecurity threats for kids in 2024 include the use of AI, malicious actors targeting young gamers, threats from FinTech, home threat cases targeting children, and the threat from fake clone apps.
With the progress in AI, numerous seemingly harmless applications have emerged, which can pose a threat to children’s security. For example, AI apps like chatbots can easily provide age-inappropriate content when prompted. Moreover, when children upload their images to certain applications, they never know how their photos will be stored or used.
The increasing use of unmoderated voice and text chats in games has opened avenues for cybercriminals to target young gamers. Threat actors make use of in-game chats to gain the confidence of young players and obtain their personal information by sharing links to phishing sites.
FinTech products and services tailored for children, such as banking cards, can expose kids to financially motivated threat actors. Cybercriminals can exploit children’s trust by posing as peers and requesting the sharing of card details or money transfers.
Despite the increasing cases of threats to smart home devices, manufacturers are not rushing to create cyber-immune tech that preempts potential exploits. This means that children can become targets for cybercriminals. For instance, if a smart device becomes a surveillance tool and a child is home alone, cybercriminals can contact them through the device and request sensitive information.
Fake clone apps pose a significant threat to young users. Users, especially kids, may be susceptible to fake apps masquerading as mods for online games or different versions of popular social media apps. These apps can download malicious files or sign up users for paid services without their knowledge.
To protect their kids from these threats, researchers suggest that parents should stay informed about potential threats and actively monitor their children’s online activities. Open communication about potential risks and enforcement of strict guidelines can also help ensure their safety. Installing trusted security solutions and actively monitoring financial and download activities can further enhance their protection.
