Why Kids Are a Hacker’s Favourite Target (and How to Protect Them)

When you think of hackers, you probably picture them chasing bank details or credit cards.

But here’s the truth:

Kids are some of the easiest and most valuable targets online.

Why? Because kids are naturally curious, a bit too trusting, and often using devices with fewer safeguards. To a hacker, that’s like a playground with the gates left open.

Why Hackers Target Kids

1. Clean credit histories
   A child’s identity is a goldmine. No loans, no defaults — so crooks can open accounts or take out credit in their name.
2. Trusting nature
   Kids are more likely to click dodgy links, download sketchy games, or accept strangers as “friends.”
3. Shared devices
   Kids often use the family laptop or tablet. If they click something malicious, the whole household gets compromised.
4. Social media oversharing
   Many kids share too much online — birthdays, schools, even their location. That’s pure fuel for scammers.

Real Example

In 2021, reports came out of children’s details being stolen and used for identity fraud. Parents didn’t find out until years later, when their teenager applied for their first student loan and got rejected because of debts they’d never taken on.

That’s how sneaky it is.

Do This Today

1. Talk to your kids about scams
   Keep it simple: don’t click strange links, don’t talk to strangers, always ask an adult if unsure.
2. Set up parental controls
   Most devices and browsers have built-in filters for age-appropriate content and downloads.
3. Check privacy settings
   Lock down social accounts so only friends can see posts. Turn off location sharing.
4. Use separate accounts
   Give kids their own login on family devices so they can’t mess with your files or accounts.
5. Monitor credit reports
   It sounds extreme, but checking your child’s name for unusual activity is one way to spot ID theft early.

Key Takeaway

Kids aren’t just playing online — they’re living part of their lives there. And hackers know it. The sooner we give children the tools to be cautious, the harder it is for crooks to exploit them.

At The Cyber Workshop, we’ll soon launch a Family Cyber Safety Workshop — a guide for parents and kids to learn together, without boring lectures or tech jargon. Because protecting the next generation online is just as important as protecting ourselves.

Till next time,

Teach kids that curiosity is brilliant — but online, it pays to be cautious too.