On world Safer Internet Day on 11 February 2025, Kaspersky experts have highlighted the growing risks children face online by analyzing threats associated with one of the most popular gaming platforms — Roblox. Kaspersky detected more than 1.6 million attempted cyberattacks disguised as Roblox-related files in 2024 alone.
With millions of monthly active users, Roblox is more than just a game, it’s a digital playground where children worldwide connect and explore immersive digital worlds.Since many players actively seek out ways to customize their gaming experience, they often unknowingly download malicious files that compromise their security. The game’s massive appeal among younger audiences has turned it into a lucrative hunting ground for cybercriminals who disguise malware as mods, cheats, or free in-game currency generators.
In 2024, Kaspersky detected 1,612,921 attacks disguised as Roblox-related files. The highest number of attacks was recorded in August with 179,286 attacks, followed by 160,116 in September and 151,638 in October.
One of the most common scams in gaming is the offer to receive in-game currency for free. In one of the schemes that has been revealed, users are asked to enter their game ID or username, selecting their preferred platform (Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo) to create the illusion of an official multi-platform tool. Once the player proceeds, they are prompted to complete various “verification” tasks or surveys to win the prize which might include a new iPhone, PlayStation, etc. However, to receive the prize a victim is asked to pay for delivery. After completing the payment, the victim loses the money and does not receive the prize.
Safer Internet Day is a reminder that safeguarding digital safety is more important than ever, especially for young gamers who are frequent targets of cybercriminals,” says Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky. “Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and to protect kids who are actively exploring the digital world, we need to make cybersecurity an essential part of their upbringing. By promoting cyber hygiene, using trusted security solutions, and teaching essentials like enabling two-factor authentication, we can create a safer online environment where kids can enjoy their favorite games without falling victim to scams.”
To keep your kids safe online, Kaspersky recommends users to stay informed about the latest threats and actively monitoring their children’s online activities, parents can create a safer online environment for their kids. It’s crucial for parents to have open communication with their children about the potential risks they may encounter online and to enforce strict guidelines to ensure their safety. Help your child choose a unique password and aim to change it periodically.
With dedicated apps for digital parenting such as Kaspersky Safe Kids, parents can effectively safeguard their children across both online and offline spaces. To help parents introduce their children to cybersecurity, Kaspersky experts have developed the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet. In this book, your kids will get to know new technologies, learn the main cyber hygiene rules, find out how to avoid online threats, and recognize fraudsters’ tricks. You can download the pdf of the book for free. To secure your child from downloading any malicious files during their gaming experience, we advise them to install a trusted security solution on their device.