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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

We checked what’s inside the HONOR X9c 5G and here’s why it’s the toughest phone of 2025

7:30 p.m. January 3, 2025

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has done it again with its viral and elevated durability challenge for the most awaited toughest phone of the year, the HONOR X9c 5G. To prove durability claims, HONOR has shared the secrets of how HONOR X9c 5G became highly durable. 

“HONOR X9c 5G has an All-Angle Triple Defense now. It is not just drop-resistant anymore where HONOR X9a and X9b 5G were known for. It is now water and heat-resistant that made this smartphone the toughest phone to hit the market yet,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

What’s behind HONOR X9c 5G’s Ultra-Toughness

  1. Back-to-back Super Double Tempered Glass – Not only does the screen use this top-of-the-line tempered class, but the camera module also uses the same material. This glass is more durable than others making it more drop-resistant and scratch-resistant. With this, HONOR X9c 5G now has 360-degree drop resistance for up to two meters in height. HONOR X9c 5G also has survived more than 10 surfaces drop test on marble, cobblestone, gravel, asphalt etc. 
  2. Technical principle-under-screen shock-absorbing material – Simply put, the gap between the screen and the middle frame is filled with shock-absorbing materials to reduce the impact of the hard supporting objects of the middle frame on the screen. 
  3. 3-layer Water-Resistant Structure – The first layer is an external leakage port protection for side key port, SPK hole, and card tray hole upgraded to LIM (Liquid Injection Molding) rubber ring. The second layer protection which is for interface has USB rubber sleeve adopting straight surface matching + double sealing ribs; the card holder pokes pinholes to control roughness; and the leakage is reduced. The third layer is for board level and software protection: BTB protection with added foam; waterproof detection + software protection 

All this and more when you get the HONOR X9c 5G! Interested in knowing more about the toughest phone? Don’t dare miss its grand launch live on Facebook (https://bit.ly/X9cLaunch_PR) on January 10, 6PM! 

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or 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/. 

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop). 

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TECHNOLOGY

Capture life’s magic with vivo Y19s’ 50MP Night AI Camera

4:20 p.m. December 27, 2024

Step up your photography game with the vivo Y19s for as low as P6,499, the smartphone designed for those who live life in full color.

Equipped with a 50MP Night AI Camera and AI Photo Enhance, the vivo Y19s ensures that every shot is breathtaking, even at night!

Budget phone that revolutionizes night photography

The vivo Y19s redefines what a budget smartphone can achieve in low-light conditions. Its powerful 50MP Night AI Camera is engineered to capture crisp, vibrant, and detailed images, even in dim environments.

With advanced AI technology, it automatically optimizes your shots, making your photos vibrant and full of life any time of the day.

Even portrait shots look stunning! Check this out:

[Embed video here:  https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7443407000601382200 ]

Effortless editing with AI Photo Enhance

Complementing its 50MP Night AI Camera, vivo Y19s also boasts AI Photo Enhance, a tool that optimizes images in one click by intelligently adjusting the exposure, colors, and sharpness of your photography to ensure an Instagram-ready photo!

Stylish colorways to match your flair

Beyond its camera, the vivo Y19s is built for seamless, all-day use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming with friends, this smartphone is made to keep up:

  • Bright and Vibrant Display: The 6.68-inch screen with 1000 nits peak brightness ensures clear visuals, even under direct sunlight.
  • Enduring Power: With a 5500mAh battery and 15W fast charging, the vivo Y19s powers your day from start to finish.
  • Durable and Stylish Design: Choose from Pearl Silver, Glacier Blue, or Glossy Black and enjoy IP64 dust and water resistance – style and durability combined.

Get yours today

The vivo Y19s is available for as low as P6,499 with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Ready to make your memories even more stunning? Grab yours today at the vivo e-store, Shopee, or Lazada, or visit the nearest vivo physical store!

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TECHNOLOGY

Zoom into the Powerful Camera Features of the OPPO Find X8

6:25 p.m. December 26, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, capturing memories isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to tell your story. Whether you’re sipping a latte at your favorite hidden café, enjoying a vibrant night out, or exploring scenic landscapes, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is captured in stunning detail.

Hasselblad Master Camera System: Professional Quality in Your Pocket

At the heart of the OPPO Find X8 is the Hasselblad Master Camera System, a game-changer for mobile photography. Featuring three 50MP cameras—a wide-angle, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens—it allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups with outstanding quality.

The AI Telescope Zoom lets you snap crystal-clear images even at 120x, so you can immortalize those far-off moments.

Additionally, the periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and AI-enhanced 60x zoom brings distant subjects into sharp focus. Imagine capturing the perfect shot of your idol on stage—even from the nosebleed section of the concert hall.

Love taking portraits? The Hasselblad Portrait Mode recreates the iconic bokeh effect of Hasselblad’s legendary lenses. Whether it’s a candid shot during brunch or a golden-hour portrait at the park, your photos will radiate elegance and clarity.

Pro Tip: Elevate your portraits by playing with the lighting. With the OPPO Find X8’s intelligent subject detection, even low-light settings turn into your personal photo studio.

Lightning Snap: Perfect for Action Shots

Life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment, and neither should you.

With the OPPO Find X8’s Lightning Snap feature, you can freeze moving subjects, be it a bustling city street or your bestie dancing at a rooftop bar. The camera captures bursts at up to 7 frames per second, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Pro Tip: Hold down the shutter button while capturing motion. Later, select your favorite frame to showcase your creativity.

HyperTone Image Engine: True-to-Life Photos

The HyperTone Image Engine takes your photos to the next level by merging multiple frames into one breathtaking image. Vibrant colors, balanced lighting, and rich details make every shot gallery-worthy. Whether it’s the latte art on your cappuccino or a vibrant sunset, your photos will pop with lifelike beauty.

LivePhoto: Bring Moments to Life

Why settle for static photos when you can have dynamic ones? The LivePhoto feature captures both stills and short video clips, letting you relive moments exactly as they happened. It’s perfect for capturing a bustling market scene or the cheers during a celebration.

Make Every Night an Adventure

Night owls will love the OPPO Find X8’s low-light capabilities. Its advanced sensors and AI ensure noise-free, vibrant photos even in dim settings. Whether you’re capturing neon lights at your favorite bar or a starry night during a getaway, the results are nothing short of magical.

Make Memories That Last

Whether it’s a solo café session, or a night out with friends, or a weekend getaway, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is picture-perfect. Its intelligent, user-friendly features make it the ideal tool for modern, on-the-go creatives.

The OPPO Find X8 is now available nationwide. It’s priced at PHP 54,999 and comes in two colorways – Space Black and Star Grey. Visit any authorized OPPO stores or shop in the OPPO’s official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to get your hands on this powerhouse device.

Celebrate Christmas the Maligayang PaskOPPO way

Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores.

Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks

To know more about the OPPO Find X8, Maligayang PaskOPPO Campaign, and the My OPPO App, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

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