Registration with cyber guerrillas
A security researcher explained that in 2022 a new online risk emerged for young people: political use of botnets. The idea is to recruit minors and adolescents to support cyber operations targeting Russia and other nations.
Experts note that earlier motives centered on money. Now there are clearer calls to enlist young users for political purposes. The shift means people can find opportunities to join a botnet through online offers, sometimes even without payment.
These recruitment messages spread widely on social networks and can reach teens through the accounts of friends who have been compromised. Some messages are tailored to active users based on their location and behavior online.
Criminals leverage a young person’s sense of citizenship, presenting a mission that appears to be a political response after certain conflicts. Once a teen expresses interest, they may be directed to download software that connects their device to a larger botnet, enabling participation in attacks against targeted resources. The scope and terms of these offers vary widely.
However, there is no assurance that any attack will hit the intended target. The volunteer may not know exactly which resources were affected, and the botnet operator could use the network for other criminal scenarios without informing participants. Responsibility rests with those who knowingly join, even if moral concerns linger, according to the security expert.
Game love disappointed
Industry researchers highlight additional risks tied to fake payment schemes that entice young gamers. A notable example involves offers to replenish Steam wallets: fake sites promise easy transfers to gaming accounts so players can buy their favorite titles, but the money ends up with cybercriminals.
Attackers may pose as residing in a country where the wallet access exists, offering renewal services that vanish as soon as funds are sent. In another vein, scammers have adapted to issues with Apple Store and iTunes payments by proposing fraudulent top-ups with virtual cards, often limited to modest sums.
Claims that App Store and iTunes Gift Cards fund accounts for any virtual content in the Apple store in Russia circulate online, with instructions to enter email and card details. Because the method is phishing, both data and funds are seized by criminals.
Trojan flood
Traditional malware remains a persistent threat. Even when popular games or platforms become harder to access from certain regions, motivated youths may still search for ways to obtain content online. Security researchers warn that downloads accompanying games or movies can carry malware that locks data until a ransom is paid, or software that secretly mines cryptocurrency on the user’s device.
Network strength
Online grooming is considered one of the most dangerous threats to minors. The aim is to build trust with a child to obtain private photos or videos for blackmail. The challenge is that many children do not view the internet as risky and may accept strangers as friends, even planning to meet them in real life. Studies show high rates of stranger requests and a notable portion of youths who meet online acquaintances offline. Researchers emphasize that attackers often move from friendly chats to coercive or explicit demands, and never reveal the full intent to the young person. Experts also note that previously shared online conversations can be weaponized against families, friends, and influencers connected to the child.
Analysts caution that many youths share personal information more freely than they realize, creating a digital portrait that can lower vigilance. When attackers pose as trusted individuals or new teachers, the chance of manipulation increases. A portion of youths later regrets sharing extra details online.
Over sharing
Oversharing has become another modern nuisance for young users. Surveys show many minors disclose their age or school details on social profiles. This data can enable attackers to tailor pretexts and build convincing narratives that ease manipulation and exploitation offline or online. The danger lies in how such information can be used to personalize scams or pressure a young person into harmful actions.
How to save a child
Experts advocate a balanced approach to protection that combines technical safeguards with digital literacy. Technical measures include robust parental controls and device settings, while nontechnical efforts center on open dialogue and ongoing education. Rather than imposing strict bans, trusted guidance and consistent conversations about online behavior are deemed more effective in helping children navigate digital spaces safely.
By fostering awareness and critical thinking, caregivers can reduce the risk of manipulation and illicit activity while preserving healthy curiosity and autonomy in young internet users. This approach aligns with best practices shared by industry researchers and security organizations.
At the core, safeguarding children online requires a blend of clear boundaries, ongoing conversations, and practical safeguards that adapt to evolving online threats. Caution and proactive teaching help minimize exposure to political manipulation, financial scams, malware, and grooming, making the Internet a safer place for younger users.
Sources and attributions: security researchers and industry analysts who study child safety online and cybercrime trends are cited throughout to reflect current findings and guidance.