Kaspersky has revealed a significant increase in cyberattacks aimed at young gamers, with a 30 per cent rise in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous six months. The cybersecurity firm analysed data from a variety of popular games and found that over 132,000 young users fell victim to cybercriminal activities.
Kaspersky's investigation, which examined threats linked to 18 popular games, identified that the majority of attacks were associated with Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us.
Minecraft Accounted For Over 3 Million Attacks Over A Year
From July 2023 to June 2024, the firm reported more than 6.6 million attempts to exploit young players, with Minecraft alone accounting for over 3 million of these attacks. The choice of these games as targets is likely due to their immense popularity among younger audiences and the prevalence of mods and cheats often found on unofficial websites, where attackers can disguise malware.
Experts at Kaspersky attribute the increase in successful cyberattacks to evolving tactics among cybercriminals. They are employing more sophisticated methods to lure victims, utilising trending themes and creating deceptive schemes that are harder to detect than generic attacks.
AI Being Leveraged By Bad Actors
Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence are being harnessed to automate and personalise phishing attempts, making them more effective at deceiving young gamers.
New phishing kits available on the dark Web further enable attackers to create convincing replicas of gaming platforms, increasing the likelihood of successful scams.
What's The Most Popular Type Of Scam?
One prevalent scam involves enticing young players with offers for exclusive character skins — virtual clothing or armour that enhances gameplay. Kaspersky highlighted a specific scam utilising the name of the popular game Valorant alongside famous YouTuber Mr Beast. Scammers attract attention by promising exclusive skins in exchange for login credentials, which can lead to account theft.
Another common trick involves offering in-game currency. In a recent scheme exploiting the Pokémon GO brand, users were prompted to enter their gaming usernames and complete surveys under the guise of verifying their identities. This approach redirects users to fraudulent websites promising rewards, ultimately leading to further scams involving fake downloads and prize claims.
What Does Kaspersky Recommend For Safety?
Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky, emphasised the importance of cyber hygiene education for children, urging parents to engage in open discussions about online risks and establish clear safety guidelines. He noted that fostering critical thinking and responsible behaviour online is essential for creating a safer digital environment for today’s youth.
Kaspersky’s report also offers recommendations for parents, including encouraging unique password creation and regular changes, establishing clear online rules, and utilising digital parenting apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids. These tools can help monitor children's online activity and ensure a positive digital experience.
To further enhance security, Kaspersky advises installing trusted antivirus solutions which are compatible with popular gaming platforms like Steam. As cyber threats continue to evolve, equipping young gamers with the right knowledge and tools is vital for their online safety.