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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
TECHNOLOGY
5-star drop-resistant HONOR X6b now available in PH exclusively on Shopee starting this 9.9 for only P5,399!
1:10 p.m. September 7, 2024
Wait there’s more! HONOR X6b has a Piso Sale on September 9 to 11 at exactly 12 midnight!
Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, finally announced the availability of HONOR X6b exclusively on Shopee Super Shopping Day on September 9 for Php 5,399. And if you get lucky, you can get the HONOR X6b during Piso Sale on 9.9 Flash Sale!
“Durability is now more affordable with HONOR X6b! If you’re eyeing an entry level smartphone that is drop-resistant, long lasting, and efficient with battery capsule, the HONOR X6b is perfect for you! In an exclusive launch with Shopee on 9.9, we are offering exciting deals that kickstart the holiday limbo as early as September!” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
Putting the HONOR X6b into a durability test, media partners and KOLs witness how the smartphone can withstand impacts at Studio 300, Makati, with HONOR X6b phones being aimed at in bowling, billiards, and soccer. Thanks to its comprehensive 360° protection across all six faces and four corners of the device, certified by SGS with industry-leading 5-Star Drop-Resistant Quality.
LONG LASTING 5200MAH BATTERY AND 35W HONOR SUPERCHARGE
Offering up to two days of light daily usage on a single charge, the HONOR X6b houses a large 5200mAh battery to power the power-efficient MediaTek Helio G85 at the core of the smartphone. The battery is also highly energy-dense at 731wh/L, fitting in the 8.39mm thin chassis that feels just right in the hand. Whether it’s for listening to music or browsing social media, the HONOR X6b stays powered for longer, with up to 26 hours of online streaming or 27 hours of social media engagement.
Moreover, charging is no longer a waiting game with the 35W HONOR SuperCharge technology. Users can activate the Turbo charging mode in a single tap and achieve a 20% charge in just 10 minutes.
MAGIC CAPSULE AND LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY
The HONOR X6b is one of the HONOR devices equipped with the Magic Capsule. The Magic capsule is located at the top of the screen shaped like a “capsule” presenting ongoing tasks, notifications, recording, clock, and more interactions.
The Magic Capsule can shrink into a “little ball” after displaying for some time and can be expanded when checking detailed status of quick operations.
Storage space is abundant in the HONOR X6b, which boasts 256GB of internal memory. This expansive storage can house over 60,000 photos, more than 24,000 songs, or over 200 movies, ensuring that users’ favorite content is always within reach. Enhancing its performance, the HONOR X6b features HONOR RAM Turbo technology, which effectively doubles the available RAM from 6GB to 12GB by utilizing a portion of the flash memory. This innovation allows for smoother multitasking and enhances the user experience.
Check out the HONOR X6b from your Shopee baskets on September 9-11 via livestream at HONOR’s Facebook page and HONOR’s Official Shopee Page and get the smartphone for only 1-peso at midnight! Moreover, the HONOR X6b is also available for only Php 5,999 as an early bird promo with FREE Earbuds II worth Php 1,299.
Don’t worry if you miss the midnight sale and early bird promo, the HONOR X6b is discounted at Php 5,399 on September 9 and during flash sales from September 10 to September 19 exclusively on Shopee. Check it out here https://shopee.ph/product/66540358/28407883555/
For more exciting announcements, check out HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
TECHNOLOGY
Tiny pad, mighty fun: Xiaomi launches Redmi Pad SE 8.7
10:44 p.m. September 2, 2024
XIAOMI recently announced the launch of its latest tablet, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7, designed to deliver an immersive theater-like experience in a device that’s super portable.
Its biggest feature is its stunning 8.7-inch display. Enjoy clear and vibrant visuals on the eye-protecting display, which features up to 600 nits of brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth and seamless scrolling and gaming. The 8.7-inch screen also creates a 5:3 aspect ratio that’s wider than the standard 16:9, making it better for all your favorite content.
The tablet also features comfortable immersion with its low blue light and flicker-free display which reduces eye strain and increases visual comfort. It also has Paper Reading mode to simulate the actual booklike paper experience, while retaining Classic Mode for a typical digital feel.
For a truly theater-like sound, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 also has Dolby Atmos® technology that delivers rich and detailed sound for a truly cinematic experience. It has 2TB of built-in storage for all your favorite video content from your usual platforms.
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 also comes with an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which ensures seamless and reliable multitasking and gaming, while the 6,650mAh battery provides long-lasting power that lasts up to 25.2 hours when playing video. The battery fills up fast with 18W fast charging support, getting you from 0 to 100% in just 140 minutes.
It also comes in three vibrant colors: Graphite Gray, Aurora Green, and Sky Blue. It’s also slim and lightweight at only 8.8-mm and 373 grams for easy portability.
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is now available on Shopee (Xiaomi Global Store) with a special Early Bird Promo until September 4. Get the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 WiFi 4+128GB for P6,399 (down from the SRP of P7,999). The 4+64GB variant is available for a special promo price of P5,399 (from P6,999 SRP).
Find out for yourself the true portable theater experience with the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 today! Learn more about it by visiting http://mi.com/ph.
TECHNOLOGY
Kickstart your side hustles with Maya Personal Loan
8:22 a.m. September 1, 2024
BEEN dreaming of opening your own coffee shop or launching an online store but stuck without the funds? Fret not! With the Personal Loan product of Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, turning your side venture into reality is effortless with just a few taps.
Boost Your Funds for your Side Hustle
Currently in early access and available to select users, Maya Personal Loan offers up to ₱250,000 with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months and an incredibly low add-on rate of just 0.77% per month. Whether you’re planning to launch a new business, invest in essential equipment, or enhance your skills through a course, this loan gives you the capital you need to thrive.
Borrow Without the Hassle
Applying for your Maya Personal Loan is simple and stress-free! All you need is your upgraded Maya account to get started—no additional paperwork, collateral, or guarantor required. Once approved, the funds are transferred directly to your Maya Wallet, giving you instant access to the money you need.
Say goodbye to long approval processes and hello to a streamlined, hassle-free experience. Here’s how to get started:
Open your Maya app, go to the Loans tab, and start the application process by tapping ‘Apply now.’
Enter your desired loan amount, complete the application process, and wait for feedback on your eligibility.
Choose your loan offer and tap ‘Accept’ if you’re happy with the terms.
Enter a One-Time Pin (OTP) to authorize the loan disbursement.
Manage Your Loan with Ease
Managing your loan is a breeze with the Maya app. You can settle your dues directly from your Maya Wallet, which helps you maintain a good credit score. Plus, Maya’s top-notch security ensures your funds are safe, so you can focus on growing your side hustle with peace of mind.
Ready to make your next big life move? Apply for a Maya Personal Loan today and give your side hustle the boost it needs to succeed. Keep using Maya for your transactions to stay on track and become eligible for more loan opportunities. For more information, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph, and stay connected by following @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
5-star drop-resistant HONOR X6b now available in PH exclusively on Shopee starting this 9.9 for only P5,399!
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