Kaspersky Lab: Threats are everywhere on the Internet and pose a serious risk to younger users. In addition, children using mobile devices can be even more vulnerable because they are free to "surf" the Internet anytime or anywhere without adult supervision.
According research Kaspersky Lab and B2B International, in a 12 month period, 22% of respondents said their children were experiencing digital incidents. These include cyber-bullying or visits to sites that contain material harmful to young people.
Surfing on the Internet, children may encounter inappropriate content such as, for example, websites with pornographic content or information about weapons or drugs. Another common problem arises when search results do not lead to the kind of information a user is looking for. For example, a child might be looking for cartoons, but the results they will encounter will lead to cartoons for adults.
The Social Networks they are also a serious source of threats. Children can indiscriminately add anyone as a "friend", make acquaintances and communicate with people who could upset or mislead them, or even attempt 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 children's activities.
The modern ones phones και tablets χρησιμεύουν συχνά αποκλειστικά ως κονσόλες παιχνιδιών, καθώς πολλά παιδιά δεν τα χρησιμοποιούν για κάτι άλλο. Ωστόσο, δεν είναι όλα τα παιχνίδια κατάλληλα για παιδιά. Ορισμένα περιέχουν σκηνές βίας, υβριστικό ή ερωτικό περιεχόμενο. Και τα παιχνίδια δεν είναι ο μοναδικός κίνδυνος, καθώς κάθε εφαρμογή που «κατεβάζουν» από επίσημα καταστήματα θα μπορούσε να περιέχει ανεπιθύμητες πληροφορίες.
It is important to remember that some risks are general and can affect people of any age. However, because children have fewer experiences, they may be more vulnerable to these risks. For example, they may not fully understand how dangerous a web page or file can be. Thus, they may end up downloading "infected" files or importing data on a phishing website.
That's why it's critical to make sure the device is properly protected against viruses, phishing, and other online threats. This is especially true in the case of Android devices, since approximately 99% of mobile malware programs target the Android platform.
Today, many kids spend too much time engaging in their devices. Most bans and access restrictions are hard to implement when it comes to a portable device that the child can always have with him.
There is, however, a huge "arsenal" with technical means, which could help to reduce the time children use on mobile devices or to set the hours children can play with a gadget. Of course, the problem can not be solved by technical means alone.
Children need alternatives, and only parents can secure them. They can, for example, spend more time with their children, suggesting them to engage in a sport or a hobby so they have less time to spend on their mobile devices.
It is also good for parents to be regularly updated about new digital threats and to inform their children about them. Understanding the rules of safe Internet behavior and a careful attitude about the information that can be shared online will help to avoid many unpleasant incidents.
Modern technologies can help protect children on the Internet. OR Kaspersky Lab offers a range of tools to ensure that children are safe from digital threats targeting mobile devices.
These Kaspersky Lab tools can automatically prevent dangerous content, filter unwanted websites, and provide parents with reports about the applications installed by their children.
These Kaspersky Lab tools include Safe Browser for iOS and Windows Phone and Kaspersky Internet Security – Multi-Device 2015, which offers a range of tools specifically for Android devices.
