IT Expert Warns: Children Highly Vulnerable to Cybercriminals

• 91% of kids gaming face AI threats.
• Children's banking products raise financial risks.
• Smart home threats emphasize the need for online safety talks.

Usman Qureshi, the country representative in Pakistan for Kaspersky, has highlighted the alarming vulnerability of children to cyber threats in today's digital landscape. With 91% of children aged 3-15 playing games on internet-connected devices, parents are urged to be aware of cyber security trends as children become potential targets for cybercriminals, especially through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Qureshi emphasized the need to educate children about the basics of cyber security from an early age, including understanding how cybercriminals operate, recognizing potential threats during gaming, and safeguarding personal data. He pointed out that the increasing development and popularity of AI, smart homes, gaming, and the fintech industry pose new challenges for children's online safety.

According to UN research, approximately 80% of young people interact with AI multiple times a day. Qureshi warned that seemingly harmless AI applications, particularly chatbots, can easily provide age-inappropriate content when prompted. With 91% of children playing games on various devices, cybercriminals may exploit the trust of young gamers by offering gifts and luring them into clicking on malicious links, ultimately compromising their personal information.

The fintech industry, catering to children as young as 12 with specialized products and services, introduces new threats. Qureshi noted that the introduction of banking cards for children makes them susceptible to financially motivated threat actors and conventional scams. Cybercriminals might use social engineering techniques, posing as peers to trick children into sharing card details or making unauthorized money transfers.

Furthermore, Kaspersky predicts an increase in smart home threat cases targeting children. Despite the rising number of threats to smart home devices, manufacturers have been slow to implement cyber-immune technology.

As children mature, they develop greater self-awareness, including an understanding of personal space, privacy, and sensitive data both offline and online. Qureshi emphasized the importance for parents to engage in discussions with their children about online experiences, emphasizing the significance of parental control apps for digital safety while respecting personal space.

In light of these concerns, the call to action is clear: parents must take proactive measures to educate and protect their children in the evolving landscape of digital technology, ensuring a safer online experience for the younger generation.

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