Cybercriminals hunt for children. Yes you can lose a fortune
The world of video games attracts millions of children and teenagers in Poland. This is not only entertainment, but also a huge field for cyber criminals.
What threats must young players face and how can parents take care of their cyber security?
The growing popularity of games and online threats
Gaming is a global phenomenon – in 2024 the number of players in the world reached 3.4 billion, and the value of the market is constantly growing. In Poland, 2.6 million children (7-14 years old) and 1.4 million teenagers (15-18 years) actively use gaming games and services.
The growing number of players attracts cyber criminals who use the ignorance of the youngest users. False offers, loot box fraud or malware hidden in Cheat are just some of the threats.
Shopping in games. A chance for cyber -shaped
Game sales models have changed – microtransactions and subscriptions dominate. Loot boxes are particularly popular – packages with random items that resemble roulette. The value of the Loot Box market until 2025 may exceed USD 25 billion.
Black markets are created around the games – external pages enabling trade in virtual goods. They often operate in a gray zone, offering unfair transactions, extorting personal data and funds from parents’ accounts.
Cyberzagrovation in a gaming world. What to watch out for?
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Phishing fraud – false promotions for skins and gaming items.
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Malware – viruses hidden in “free” cheat.
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Addiction to loot boxes – a gambling mechanism on which game developers earn.
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Data theft – logging in on suspicious pages may result in the account of the account.
How to protect children from games in games?
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Education about cybersecurity – talk to your child about threats.
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Shopping control in games – set limits and monitor expenses.
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Account security – use strong passwords and two -component authentication.
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Parental control – blocking suspicious content and purchases.
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Beware of influencers – monitor what content the child is watching.
Summary. What conclusions?
Gaming is a fascinating form of entertainment, but also a potential risk. Thanks to the conscious approach, you can effectively protect the youngest against cyber threats. Be vigilant, talk to the child and use the available protective tools – this is the key to safe fun in the virtual world.
