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TECHNOLOGY

Kaspersky predicts key cybersecurity threats targeting children in 2024

January 18, 2024 5:06 p.m.

With most children able to access or own a smartphone or tablet, the age at which they begin their acquaintance with the digital world and technology keeps decreasing.

Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats targeting kids to better protect them from potential harm. In this post, Kaspersky experts explore some of the key cybersecurity trends parents should be aware of, and provide tips on how to safeguard their children’s online activities.

  1. Children will increasingly use AI tools that, so far, are not ready to provide the necessary level of cybersecurity and age-appropriate content

    According to a UN research, about 80 percent of young people claimed they interact with AI multiple times a day. With the development of AI, numerous little-known applications have emerged with seemingly harmless features, such as uploading a photo to receive a modified version. However, when children upload their images to such applications, they never know which databases their photos will ultimately remain, and whether they will be used further.

    Moreover, AI apps, specifically, chatbots can easily provide age-inappropriate content when prompted. For instance, there is a multitude of AI chatbots that are specifically designed to provide an “erotic” experience. Even though some require a form of age verification, this is dangerous since some children might opt to lie about their age and the prevention of such cases is insufficient.
  2. The growth of malicious actors’ attacks on young gamers

    According to the latest online statistics, 91 percent of children aged 3-15 play games on any device. For some games, unmoderated voice and text chat is a large part of the experience. With more young people online, criminals can virtually build trust in the same way they would in person. Firstly, cybercriminals gain the trust of young players by luring them with gifts or promises of friendship. Once they have the confidence of a young gamer, they then obtain their personal information by suggesting that they click on a phishing link, which downloads a malicious file onto their device disguised as a game mod for Minecraft or Fortnite, or even grooming them.
  3. The development of FinTech industry for kids marks the appearance of new threats

    An increasing number of banks are providing specialized products and services tailored for children, including banking cards designed for kids as young as 12. Yet, with the introduction of banking cards for children, the latter also become susceptible to financially motivated threat actors and vulnerable to conventional scams, like promises of a free PlayStation 5 or other valuable assets after entering card details on a phishing site. Using social engineering techniques, cybercriminals might exploit children’s trust by posing as peers and requesting the sharing of card details or money transfers to their accounts.
  4. The number of smart home threat cases with children being potential targets, will increase

    Despite the increasing number of cases of threats to smart home devices, manufacturers are not rushing to create cyber-immune tech that preemptively prevents potential exploits of vulnerabilities. However, this also means children can become tools for cybercriminals in an attack. For instance, if a smart device becomes a fully functional surveillance tool and a child is home alone, cybercriminals can contact them through the device and request sensitive information such as their name, address and time, when their parents are not at home — or even their parents’ credit card number. In such a scenario, beyond just device hacking, there is also a risk of financial data loss or even a physical attack.
  5. Children will demand their personal online space is respected

    As children mature, they develop greater self-awareness, encompassing an understanding of their personal space, privacy, and sensitive data, both offline and in their online activities. Consequently, when a parent firmly communicates the intent to install a parenting digital app on a device, not all kids will take it calmly. This is why parents now require the skill to discuss their offspring’s online experience and the importance of parenting digital apps for online safety while respecting personal space. This involves establishing clear boundaries and expectations and discussing the reasons for using the app with any child.
  6. Children are eager to download apps that are unavailable in their country, but stumble upon malicious copies

    If an app is unavailable in your region, young users will look for alternatives, which is often a malicious copy. Even if they turn to official app stores like Google Play, they still run the risk of falling prey to cybercriminals. From 2020 to 2022, Kaspersky researchers have found more than 190 apps infected with Harly Trojan on Google Play, which signed up users for paid services without their knowledge. A conservative estimate of the number of downloads of these apps is 4.8 million, but the actual figure of victims may be even higher. 

“As we can see, many of the trends that are playing out in society are also affecting children, making them potential targets for attackers. This includes both the development and popularity of AI and smart homes, as well as the expansion of the world of gaming and FinTech industry. Therefore, it is crucial to teach children the basics of cybersecurity from an early age, how not to fall into the trap of cybercriminals, what cyberthreats can occur during gaming, and how to properly protect your personal data. All this is now a must-have knowledge not only for adults, but also for the youngest users,” comments Andrey Sidenko, security and privacy expert at Kaspersky.

To learn more about cybersecurity threats targeting kids in 2024, read the full post on KDaily.

Kaspersky experts are convinced that protecting children from cybersecurity threats in 2024 requires proactive measures from parents: 

  • By staying informed about the latest threats and actively monitoring their children’s online activities, parents can create a safer online environment for their kids. 
  • It’s crucial for parents to have open communication with their children about the potential risks they may encounter online and to enforce strict guidelines to ensure their safety.
  • To help parents introduce their children to cybersecurity amidst the evolving threat landscape, Kaspersky experts have developed the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet with key concepts from the cybersecurity industry. In this book, your kid will get to know new technologies, learn the main cyber hygiene rules, find out how to avoid online threats, and recognize fraudsters’ tricks. After reading this book together, you’ll be sure that your kid knows how to distinguish phishing websites, how VPN and QR-codes work, and even what honeypots and encryption are and what role they play in modern cybersecurity. You can download the pdf version of the book for free and go through the basics of cybersecurity with your child, building their cybersafe future. 
  • To secure your child from downloading any malicious files during their gaming experience, we advise to install a trusted security solution on their device. 
  • With the right tools such as Kaspersky’s digital parenting app Safe Kids, parents can effectively safeguard their children against cyber threats in the digital age.
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TECHNOLOGY

inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH

2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026

WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. 

This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.

inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.

Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”

Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp

With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities. 

Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.

Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”

Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”

Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.

Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.

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TECHNOLOGY

Google AI Tools open new frontiers for wildlife conservation in PH, Southeast Asia

2:22 p.m. February 5, 2026


The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.

As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.

Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable.

This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.

Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:

● The Elongated Tortoise: A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
● The Hog Deer: Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
● Eld’s Deer: An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.

Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.

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TECHNOLOGY

Infinix unveils XPAD Edge, its first 13.2-inch PC-level tablet redefining workplace productivity

12:01 p.m. February 2, 2026

Infinix today announced the launch of its first 13.2-inch ultra-slim productivity tablet, Infinix XPAD Edge. Featuring a 13.2-inch FHD+ (Full High Definition Plus) display, a sleek 6.19 mm metallic body, and a lightweight 588g design, XPAD Edge delivers the ideal balance of mobility and performance.With all-scenario 4G connectivity, the tablet redefines mobile productivity for modern creators, professionals, and learners.

Its detachable keyboard with touchpad transforms it into a true PC-level device, delivering a seamless workplace productivity experience, while combining cutting-edge technology and accessibility to give users greater freedom and efficiency everywhere.

Large Display, Ultra-Slim Design, and Productivity on the Go

Designed for today’s dynamic hybrid workforce, XPAD Edge enables users to work and learn efficiently anywhere. Measuring only 6.19mm thin and weighing 588g, it slips easily into a backpack or briefcase. Its 8000 mAh battery and all-scenario 4G connectivity provide lasting power and reliable access whether in a café, during travel, or at a remote worksite.

Furthermore, the expansive 13.2-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display mirrors the proportions of a traditional PC screen, offering a broad workspace for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

With rich color reproduction and optimized contrast, every detail appears vivid and clear. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, the XPAD Edge display filters up to 70% of harmful short-wave blue light and addresses the often-overlooked issue of screen flicker—helping to reduce eye fatigue during long working hours.

Inspired by the colors and light of the cosmos, the XPAD Edge is presented in the “Celestial Ink” colorway, refined metallic finish combines deep hues with a matte texture, blending technology with elegance in a minimalist design that suits both professional and personal settings.

PC-Level Experience for Smarter Workflows

Building on its ultra-slim design, XPAD Edge transforms mobile work into a truly PC-level experience. Designed as a versatile productivity hub, it brings together portability and power for efficient hybrid work and learning. Pre-installed WPS Office and an optimized task interface allow users to edit documents, manage files, and collaborate with ease. Whether preparing presentations, reviewing reports, or managing creative projects, XPAD Edge delivers a fast, intuitive, and professional workflow in every environment.

XPAD Edge supports split-screen, Parallel Windows, and multi-task drag-and-drop operations, maximizing the 13.2-inch large display for parallel applications. Within a single interface, users can browse data, take notes, and edit webpages effortlessly. 

For external productivity, XPAD Edge supports Wireless Second Screen for PC*, enabling content mirroring or extension for meetings, design work, or entertainment. Users can also connect keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for a smooth, desktop-like experience that enhances both comfort and control.

In addition, XPAD Edge pairs seamlessly with the X Keyboard 20 to provide a flexible and natural writing experience. The magnetic keyboard and stylus combine precision with comfort, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or edit content with accuracy. Whether working in a café, classroom, or creative studio, XPAD Edge enables users to enjoy the freedom and efficiency of a complete mobile office anywhere.

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