Kaspersky Lab: Threats are everywhere on the Internet and pose a serious risk to younger users. Furthermore, children using mobile devices can be even more vulnerable because they are free to surf the Internet anytime or anywhere without adult supervision.
According to a survey by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International, over a 12-month period, 22% of respondents said their children had encountered digital incidents. These included cases of cyber-bullying or visits to websites containing material harmful to young people.
While surfing the Internet, children may come across websites with inappropriate content, such as websites with pornographic content or information about weapons or drugs. Another common problem arises when search results do not lead to the type of information a user is looking for. For example, a child might search for cartoons, but the results they see lead to adult cartoons.
Social networks are also a serious source of threats. Children can add anyone as a “friend” indiscriminately, make acquaintances and communicate with people who could upset or mislead them, or even try to extract sensitive information from them. In particular, Kaspersky Lab research showed that 21% of parents have lost money or confidential information stored on a mobile device due to their children’s activities.
Modern phones and tablets often serve exclusively as game consoles, as many children do not use them for anything else. However, not all games are suitable for children. Some contain scenes of violence, abusive or erotic content. And games are not the only danger, as any application they “download” from official stores could contain unwanted information.
[signoff icon=”icon-pin”]It is important to remember that some risks are general and can affect people of all ages. However, because children have less experience, they may be more vulnerable to these risks. For example, they may not fully understand how dangerous a website or file can be. As a result, they may end up downloading “infected” files or entering data into a phishing website. [/signoff]
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the device is properly protected from viruses, phishing, and other online threats. This is especially true for Android devices, since approximately 99% of mobile malware programs target the Android platform.
Today, many children spend too much time on their devices. Most bans and access restrictions are difficult to enforce when it comes to a portable device, which a child may always have with them.
There is, however, a vast “arsenal” of technical means that could help limit the time children spend on mobile devices or regulate the hours that children can play with a gadget. Of course, the problem cannot be solved by technical means alone.
Children need alternatives, and only parents can provide them. They can, for example, spend more time with their children, suggest they take up a sport or a hobby, so that they have less time to spend with their mobile devices.
It is also a good idea for parents to regularly stay informed about new digital threats and to inform their children about them. Understanding the rules of safe behavior on the Internet and being careful about the information they can share online will help avoid many unpleasant incidents.
Kaspersky Lab Modern technologies can help protect children on the Internet.
Kaspersky 
Lab offers a range of tools to ensure children are safe from digital threats targeting mobile devices.
These Kaspersky Lab tools can automatically block dangerous content, filter unwanted websites, and provide parents with reports on the applications installed by their children.
tools Browser for iOS and Windows Phone and Kaspersky Internet Security – Multi-Device 2015, which offers a range of tools specifically for Android devices.
Source: secnews.gr
