The festivities of Christmas They are the perfect time to surprise the little ones with technological gifts, such as video games, devices or consoles. However, in an increasingly digitalized world, the risk of exposure to cyber threats also increases. Criminals are taking advantage of this season to execute increasingly sophisticated attacks, using tactics ranging from phishing to online shopping scams.
A study carried out by Kaspersky titled ‘Digital Children’ reveals that, in Peru, 50% of children access an electronic device between the ages of 0 and 6, and 58% already own one. However, parents face the difficult task of maintaining control over the use of these devices. Although the majority of parents in Peru (more than 87%) limit their children’s screen time to protect them from cyber threats, many also express that they do not exercise the level of supervision they would like due to lack of time.
Regarding the use of devices, it is highlighted that a considerable proportion of parents do not know the passwords to their children’s accounts, since 31% of children in Peru Access your social networks with your own password. This highlights the importance of using parental control tools to monitor online activities and ensure that minors do not access dangerous content.
The love of video games is a common concern throughout the region, as parents express concerns related to their excessive use. Children spend long hours gaming, raising concerns about exposure to strangers online, addiction, and negative effects on mental health. This situation has caused video games to become one of the points of greatest attention for Latin American parents.
Kaspersky It also highlights how cybercriminals They take advantage of this love of video games to attract their victims. Scammers often disguise their attacks with attractive offers, such as early access to popular games, spots in tournaments with attractive prizes, or even “free versions” of highly anticipated video games. By clicking on fake links promising these benefits, players are redirected to phishing pages where, upon entering their credentials, their accounts are hijacked.
Another common scheme is offers to purchase in-game items at low prices, such as coins, skins, and upgraded accounts. These products are sold on fake sites that appear legitimate, but once the user makes the payment, both the money and the card information remain in the hands of the attackers, who disappear without delivering the promised product.
“In Christmasmore and more parents choose to give them technology and video games to his children, thinking about their entertainment. However, many do not take into account that, in addition to giving them these gifts, it is essential to ensure their safety online. Cybercriminals take advantage of the excitement of the holidays to launch scams related to video games, exposing young people to risks such as the theft of accounts and personal data. It is crucial that parents educate themselves and use digital protection tools to ensure that their children enjoy it safely,” says Carolina Mojica, consumer product manager for the North and South regions of Latin America at Kaspersky.
Recommendations to protect children and ensure that these parties are safe.
1. Encourage open dialogue with your children: It is important that parents maintain an open conversation about the importance of mobile devices in our daily lives and the risks online, teaching children to understand that the use of these devices implies great responsibility and therefore, it is necessary to do so. proper use of them. Talk to your children and explain that the freedoms and abilities that the web provides have their drawbacks, but teach them that it is possible to mitigate these risks with the right precautions.
2. Check sources: Make sure you buy video games and digital content only from official sites. Cybercriminals often create fake websites that look legitimate, but are designed to steal personal and financial information.
3. Establish clear rules about device use: Talk to children about the risks of online threats and make sure they understand how to surf the Internet safely.
4. Manage your children’s account: For minors, the option is for parents to manage the accounts that must be linked to the operating systems of the mobile devices, since in this way they maintain control of the account, at the same time, the little ones can access all the services allowed. For security reasons, parents can also receive security notifications when someone logs into the account from an unknown device or attempts to reset the password.
5. Use parental control tools: Supervise and monitor children’s online activities to prevent them from accessing inappropriate content or engaging in dangerous interactions with strangers.