On the eve of the Safe Internet day, Kaspersky has launched a warning on the growing risks of cybersecurity that children face in the world of online entertainment, especially in the field of gaming. During 2024, the company detected more than 1.6 million cyber attacks disguised as Roblox files, one of the most popular game platforms among minors.
Roblox, with millions of active users every month, is not only a game, but a digital environment where children around the world connect and explore immersive virtual spaces. Together with Minecraft, it represents more than 40% of online games users. However, this popularity has also made it an attractive target for cybercriminals.
Many players look for ways to customize their experience, which often leads them to download malicious files without knowing it, compromising their safety. Kaspersky points out that the number of young players attacked by cybercriminals in online games increased 30% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023.
“Safe Internet day reminds us that protecting digital security is more important than ever, especially for young Gamers, which are a frequent objective of cybercriminals,” says Vasily Kolesnikov, Kaspersky’s security expert. “Criminals constantly evolve their tactics, and to protect children in their exploration of the digital world, we must make cybersecurity an essential part of their education.”
Cybersecurity: Threats online
Among the main threats identified by Kaspersky are the malicious files disguised as game modifications, trucks or free virtual currency generators. In 2024, the company registered 1,612,921 attacks related to false Roblox files, being August the month with the largest number of attacks (179,286 attempts), followed by September (160,116) and October (151,638).
The increase in cybersecurity gaps puts the safety of children online at risk
Another common tactic is the free virtual currency fraud. Malicious websites mimic Roblox’s design to look legitimate, encouraging users to introduce their passwords in exchange for “free robux.” These scams deceive users making them believe that they will receive rewards, which frequently results in the loss of credentials or money.
A “double peak” pattern has also been identified in the criminal activity related to entertainment launches, such as films and video game premieres. Cybercriminals usually act before the premiere and during the same, exploiting user enthusiasm.
«As the entertainment panorama evolves, with increasingly diffuse lines between gaming, streaming and film premieres, cybercriminals seem to be adapting their tactics. Since platforms now usually offer simultaneous or multiplatform premieres, there is the possibility of scam Kaspersky security.
Children’s Security
To maintain children’s safety, Kaspersky’s experts recommend:
- Stay informed about the latest threats and actively monitor children’s online activity to create a safer digital environment
- Promote open communication with children on internet risks and establish strict standards to guarantee their safety. It is also important to help you choose a unique password and remember to change it periodically
- Define clear rules about what they can and cannot do online, explaining the reasons behind these rules and reviewing them as they grow
- Use parental control applications to protect children in digital and physical environments, blocking inappropriate content, balancing the screen time and monitoring their location
- Introducing children into cybersecurity with educational resources such as Kaspersky’s cybersecurity alphabet, a book that teaches them about new technologies, digital hygiene, prevention of online threats and fraud recognition
- Install a reliable security solution on children’s devices to avoid discharge of malicious files during their game sessions
