Kaspersky experts have reported a 30% increase in cyberattacks targeting young gamers through popular children’s video games in the first half of 2024, compared to the latter half of 2023. Their analysis revealed that over 132,000 users were affected by cybercriminals exploiting well-known games. The findings are detailed in Kaspersky’s latest report on cybercrimes affecting young players.
From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, Kaspersky detected over 6.6 million attacks using brands of children’s games. Among the 18 games analyzed, Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us were the most commonly exploited. More than 3 million attack attempts were related to Minecraft, with hackers taking advantage of cheats and mods often found on third-party websites to spread malware.
Experts attribute the success of these attacks to evolving cyberthreats, including cybercriminals using AI to craft more personalized and deceptive phishing schemes. Advanced phishing kits found on the dark web enable attackers to create convincing fake sites that imitate popular gaming platforms.
Common scams include offering rare in-game skins, where cybercriminals prompt users to enter their login details, risking credential theft. A notable scam targeted Valorant players, using Mr. Beast’s image to entice young users into entering their credentials to claim a fake in-game item. Pokémon GO users were similarly tricked with offers of in-game currency, leading them to a fake site after completing a bogus survey.
Kaspersky emphasizes the importance of educating children on cyber hygiene and using trusted security solutions to keep them safe online. Vasily M. Kolesnikov, a Kaspersky security expert, stresses the need for parental guidance and cybersecurity tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids to ensure children’s online safety.
Kaspersky recommends parents talk to their children about potential online risks, set strong passwords, establish clear online rules, and use cybersecurity apps. Additionally, installing a trusted security solution on devices can prevent malicious file downloads during gaming sessions.
