Cybercriminals targeting teens through online scams, shows study! Stay safe, here are top 5 cybersecurity tips

tech.hindustantimes.com:

In this digital era, cybersecurity is a big issue. The world's biggest tech companies spend a fortune developing cybersecurity solutions that help users stay safe from online scams and fraud. Threat actors employ nefarious means to steal people's personal information which can potentially be used to deal a financial blow to the victim. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have played a hand in this too. While this technology has the potential to ease the workload by automation, AI has also been used to develop deepfakes that threaten your digital presence. In July, a Kerala man was duped of Rs. 40000 using an AI-based fake video call on WhatsApp. In this scenario, staying safe is important and we provide to you here 5 top cybersecurity tips.

According to a report by the online investigation service Social Catfish, it is not just the retirees, but the youth, especially teenagers, who are being targeted by cybercriminals through online scams. It further claims that people aged 20 and below in the US have become susceptible to scams, and the money lost by them has grown by a staggering 2500 percent, from $8.2 million in 2017 to $210 million in 2022. The study says, "Teens and children see the largest percent increase in money lost." Meanwhile, the money stolen from senior citizens has grown by 805 percent.

While golden agers remain the most prone to scams with a $3.1 billion loss dealt to them in 2022 alone, the surge in the youth being targeted is a growing concern. Thus, there arises the need for more awareness among them. Check out the top 5 cybersecurity tips to stay safe from online scams.

Adding a double layer of security to your social media accounts is imperative. Most social media platforms offer