Cybercriminals have ramped up their attacks on young online gamers, with incidents rising by 30% in the first half of 2024, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. A new report reveals that over 132,000 unique users were targeted, with popular children's games like Minecraft, Roblox, Pokémon, and Among Us serving as the primary lures.
Kaspersky's analysis, which covered the period from July 2023 to June 2024, found that more than 6.6 million cyberattack attempts were detected through its security solutions. These attacks leveraged the popularity of children's games to disguise malware and phishing schemes.
Of the 18 games examined, Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us accounted for the majority of attacks. According to Kaspersky's statistics, Minecraft alone saw more than three million attempted breaches. Cybercriminals exploit the widespread use of mods and cheats in these games, often distributed through third-party websites. By disguising malware as legitimate add-ons, attackers can easily infiltrate the systems of unsuspecting young gamers.
AI-driven phishing targets young gamers
One growing trend is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by cybercriminals to craft more sophisticated and personalised phishing scams. These AI-generated attacks are particularly dangerous for younger audiences, as they are designed to appear more convincing and authentic.
A common scam involves the promise of exclusive "skins" - cosmetic enhancements for in-game characters. Some skins are rare and highly coveted, making them a perfect bait for cybercriminals. Kaspersky researchers discovered one such scam involving the popular game 'Valorant' and the famous YouTuber Mr Beast. By using Mr Beast's image and name, scammers draw young gamers into fraudulent schemes that promise rewards like skins or in-game currency.
However, the ultimate goal of these attacks isn't always to steal personal data such as credit card information. Instead, many scams use gaming-related offers to redirect users to fake downloads or prize claims. These seemingly harmless offers serve as a front for more dangerous threats, such as additional phishing attempts or malware infections.
Children at increasing risk online
Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky, emphasised that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting children, recognising them as a vulnerable group in the digital space.
"Children are becoming a common target for cybercriminals. It's vital that we educate kids about cyber hygiene and use trusted security solutions to ensure their safety. By fostering critical thinking and responsible online behaviour, we can create a safer digital experience for this generation," Kolesnikov said.
Tools to protect children online
In May, the federal government sought Rs20 billion for FY2024-25 to enhance the nation's cybersecurity and regulate social media. The proposal includes allowing operations only for social media platforms that are willing to set up offices in the country.
The government sources told The Express Tribune that the Ministry of Information Technology has demanded Rs20 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII) in the budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The demand was presented to the finance division as part of the next year's allocation for the current expenditures, they added.
While infrastructure development is crucial, experts have stressed that cybersecurity education and parents play a critical role in protecting children from online threats. Open communication about potential risks, educating children on navigating the cyberspace, setting clear guidelines, and using parental control tools are key strategies to safeguard kids in the digital world.
With dedicated apps for cybersecurity education such as Kaspersky Safe Kids, Pureversity, KnowBe4 among many others parents can effectively safeguard their children across both online and offline spaces. To protect your child from downloading any malicious files during their gaming experience, experts advise installing a trusted security solution.
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