Many online games operate on a ‘free-to-play’ model, promising an engaging experience with no upfront cost. However, as children progress in these games, they are often tempted to make in-app purchases to unlock extra benefits and progress faster. These transactions often involve virtual currencies like gems or stars, which must be purchased with real money. This can lead young players to lose track of the financial implications of their gaming.

“In-app purchases are designed to be seamless, making it difficult for children, and sometimes even adults, to resist spending. The excitement of the game, coupled with enticing offers and virtual rewards, can make it easy to overlook the financial consequences,” said van Vlaanderen. “More importantly, these purchases also provide a potential entry point for cybercriminals to exploit personal information.”

Consumer spending on app stores is expected to reach USD$200 billion (approx. UGX735.5 trillion) by 2025 with in-app purchases forming a significant portion of that revenue.

With more young people gaming during school holidays, parents should be aware that cybercriminals may also use online gaming as a platform to access data, which can compromise both the child’s and parents’ personal information. “Whatever screen limits you decide on, kids should not be left unsupervised online, especially during the long year-end holiday period when scammers and criminals are well aware that youngsters are online and prone to boredom,” advises van Vlaanderen.

How cybercriminals use in-app purchases for identity theft

• Phishing and social engineering

Cybercriminals often create fake in-app offers that appear enticing to users. When clicked, these offers can redirect users to fraudulent websites where personal details, including payment information, are collected. This data is then used for identity theft.

• Malicious apps and updates

Fraudulent apps masquerading as legitimate games may collect personal information through hidden malware. “These malicious apps often come with fake reviews and ratings to make them appear credible,” notes van Vlaanderen. “Parents should exercise caution when downloading new games, ensuring that apps are from reputable developers.”

• Exploiting in-app payment systems

During in-app purchases, users are often prompted to enter payment information. If these payment systems are not adequately secured, cybercriminals can intercept the details which are later used for fraudulent purchases elsewhere.

Also read:

• • Your digital hygiene: Are you as clean as you think?
  • OP-ED: Building a robust cybersecurity readiness for Africa’s digital future
  • Strategic cybersecurity paradigms: Technological insights for Finnish online gaming participants

Key strategies to creating a safer digital experience

• Control purchase options

Parents can control in-app purchases by disabling them through device settings. For example:

• • On iOS devices, navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to block in-app purchases.
  • On Android devices, use the “Purchase Approvals” feature in Google Play to manage and approve transactions.
• Monitor subscriptions regularly

Keeping track of subscriptions helps parents spot any unexpected or unauthorized charges.

• Utilise comprehensive security solutions

Security tools like the ESET Parental Control App allow parents to manage in-app purchases, block inappropriate content, and protect children from threats on their devices. The ESET Home Security Ultimate solution also helps secure digital activities by removing metadata from shared images, reducing the risk of personal data being exposed.

Parents should first contact Apple or Google to request a refund if a child makes an unauthorized purchase. Both platforms offer dedicated support for reversing such transactions. Sometimes, the app developer may also need to be contacted to assist with the process. “Explaining that the purchase was made by a child without permission can improve the chances of a refund,” van Vlaanderen adds.

While there are risks associated with in-app purchases, many apps offer great benefits for kids. When used responsibly, digital devices and games can be educational, inspiring, fun, and safer for young people.

The post In-App Purchases Are Compromising Children’s Online Safety and Privacy appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

This reluctance to spend at online sites used to be one of the main concerns of the gambling industry, and now wonder as they rely on players having such a good time that they want to return repeatedly to their site in order to enjoy the entertainment provided there.

Unfortunately, where there is money there will also be that criminal element just waiting to take your details and your money.

But before you decide never to have a bet or wager again there is good news for the lovers of Las Vegas action, sports betting and bingo sites, and that is now you can play on all your favourite games without having to worry about your safety and security online.

All the high-end UK slot sites have to have a gambling licence and this licence is given to those online gambling sites that have adhered to all the rules and regulations that have been made by whatever Gambling Commissions jurisdiction that they lie in. These licences can be stripped away if it is found that the site is not following the correct procedures and fines can be levied on the company that is breaching the contract of the licence.

The licence number should be displayed at the bottom of the home page of your chosen site as well as which Gambling Commission issued the licence.

Also, at the bottom of the home page you will find all of the banking options that are available and you should have a good selection to choose from. All the trusted banking options like PayPal, Neteller, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill and so on should be included. You may also find that Boku is available which effectively rules out having to give any banking or credit card details to the site as you would be using your phone bill to pay for your games.

Any monetary dealings you do have with your site will be encrypted to guard against fraud and this also adds an extra layer of security for your peace of mind. High-end casino sites do not share your details with any third parties and you will be asked to provide some form of identification before you are allowed to make withdrawals.

You can also check that the site is safe and secure by checking for the small padlock symbol in the address bar as well as checking that the web address begins with https:// (the s stands for secure.)

If we take a few minutes to make sure that the site that we are considering playing at is both safe and secure then our time there will be spent having fun and with no concerns over security, and that is exactly how they are meant to be.

The post Are Gaming Apps Secure and Safe? appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The malicious software displayed pornographic ads and tried to trick users into buying premium services, according to Check Point.

“We’ve removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers’ accounts, and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them,” a Google spokesperson said.

Dubbed “AdultSwine”, the malware hides inside game apps that Google Play data says have been downloaded 3 to 7 million times, Check Point said in blog post on Friday.

The apps weren’t part of the family collection, which is based on a programme to help parents discover age-appropriate content on the Play Store.

The company clarified that the inappropriate ads within the apps were not Google ads.[related-posts]

The malware also sought to trick users into installing fake security apps, and could open the door for other attacks such as theft of user credentials, Check Point said.

It said games and apps intended for children were a new target for cyber criminals that targeted hospitals, businesses and governments in the past.

“The most shocking element of this malware is its ability to cause pornographic ads (from the attacker’s library) to pop up without warning on the screen over the legitimate game app being displayed,” it said.

The games included “Paw Puppy Run Subway Surf”, “Shin Hero Boy Adventure Game,” “Drawing Lessons Lego Ninjago,” and “Addon Sponge Bob for MCPE”.

Check Point said it expected AdultSwine and similar malware to be repeated and imitated by hackers, warning users to be extra vigilant when installing apps, especially those intended for use by children.

source: Reuters

The post Google Removes Gaming Apps With Pop-Up Porn Malware appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.