Phishing or Invisible Traps on the Internet
In the world of digital technology, where every click opens up new possibilities, a cunning threat lurks — phishing. Phishing is one of the most common types of online fraud, where attackers try to steal personal data such as passwords, bank card numbers, or social media logins. To do this, they create fake websites or send emails and messages that appear completely legitimate.
Children are especially vulnerable to phishing because, due to lack of experience, they may not notice the warning signs. Imagine this scenario: a child receives a message claiming they have won a valuable prize, but to receive it, they must enter their personal information. Or someone pretending to be a social media administrator demands a password confirmation, threatening to block the account. Driven by curiosity or fear of losing access to their favorite page, a child may easily fall into the trap. The consequences can be serious: account hacking, theft of personal data, or even financial losses if the account is linked to a parent’s bank card.
Tips for kids to avoid falling into a phishing trap:
- Never share personal information, passwords, or card numbers in messages or on suspicious websites;
- Check website URLs carefully — phishing pages often have strange or confusing web addresses;
- Be cautious with links, especially those sent by strangers;
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra account protection;
- Talk to parents or trusted adults about any suspicious situations online.
More information and advice on how to protect yourself from phishing is available on the Diia.Education platform. In particular, experts from the educational series explain how to avoid phishing traps and hold scammers accountable:
https://osvita.diia.gov.ua/courses/kibergigiena-ak-zahistitisa-vid-fisingu.