Threats are everywhere on the Internet and pose a serious threat to younger users. In addition, children who use mobile devices may be even more vulnerable, as they are free to "surf" the Internet anytime, 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 experienced digital incidents. These include cases of cyber-bullying or visits to websites that contain material harmful to young people. By "surfing" the Internet, children may come across websites with inappropriate content, such as pornographic or weapons information 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 could search for cartoons, but the results they encounter lead to adult cartoons. Social networks 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 try to extract sensitive information from them. In particular, the survey 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 something else. However, not all toys are suitable for children. Some contain scenes of violence, abusive or erotic content. And games are not the only risk, as any application downloaded from official stores could contain unwanted information. It is important to remember that some risks are general and can affect people of all ages. However, because children have fewer experiences, they may be more vulnerable to these risks. For example, they may not fully understand how dangerous a website or file can be. Thus, they may end up downloading "infected" files or entering data into a phishing website. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that the device is properly protected against viruses, phishing and other cyber threats. This is especially true in the case of Android devices, as about 99% of mobile malware programs are directed against the Android platform. Today, many children spend too much time dealing with their devices. Most restraints and access restrictions are difficult to enforce when it comes to a portable device that a child can always have with them. There is, however, a huge "arsenal" of technical means that could help limit the amount of time children use mobile devices or set the hours children can play with a gadget. Of course, the problem can not be solved only by technical means. Children need alternatives and only parents can provide them. They can, for example, spend more time with their children, suggest that they engage in a sport or hobby, so that they have less time to spend with their mobile devices. It is also a good idea for parents to be regularly informed of new digital threats and to keep their children informed. Understanding the rules of safe behavior on the Internet and being careful about the information that can be shared online will help prevent many unpleasant incidents. Modern technologies can help protect children on the Internet. Kaspersky Lab offers a range of tools to ensure that children are safe from digital threats targeting mobile devices. These tools can automatically block malicious content, filter out unwanted websites, and provide parents with reports on applications installed by their children.