91% of Children Playing Online Games Face Cyber Threats, New Research Warns

A recent online research study by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky unveils a significant threat to 91% of children aged between 3 and 15 who engage in online gaming across various devices. The study also predicts a future surge in smart home threat cases targeting children.

Key findings from the research indicate that the growing interaction of young people with artificial intelligence (AI) poses risks, with AI applications, especially chatbots, potentially providing age-inappropriate content. Unmoderated voice and text chat features in some games make young players vulnerable to cybercriminals building trust through deceptive means, leading to the extraction of personal information through phishing links.

Despite the increased threats to smart home devices, manufacturers are yet to proactively develop cyber-immune technology to thwart potential vulnerabilities. This lack of preemptive measures means that children can inadvertently become tools for cybercriminals in attacks.

Kaspersky experts emphasize the need for parents to take proactive measures in 2024 to protect their children from cybersecurity threats. Staying informed about the latest risks and actively monitoring online activities can contribute to creating a safer digital environment for kids.