Child cyberattacks: Trickery with famous brands
- Cyberpeace Tech
- May 21
- 3 min read
Increasingly, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the trust inspired by certain brands and characters known to children to launch deceptive attacks. This trend was observed in a recent analysis, which coincides with the commemoration of the International Day of Families on May 15.
Over the past year, a notable increase in attack attempts using names popular with children and parents as lures was detected.
These malicious campaigns grew by more than 38% between mid-2024 and early 2025.
The total number of attempts exceeded 430,000 during this period, evidencing a constant strategy on the part of the attackers. In these cases, brand names such as LEGO, Disney, Toca Boca, Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol were used to disguise dangerous files that were presented as games, videos or applications appealing to minors.
How do child cyberattacks operate?
One of the most common tactics is the use of programs known as downloaders. Although they appear harmless, these download other, more harmful files without the user noticing. In the same period, nearly 400,000 such attacks were identified, many of them disguised as free games or installers related to children's brands.
In addition, more than 7,800 attacks were detected involving Trojans, malware designed to steal personal data, spy on activities or allow remote access to the victim's computer.
Another worrying component was the 6,400 attack attempts using adware, programs that flood devices with unwanted advertising and can slow down their operation or open doors to other risks.
Attackers also created fake sites that mimicked the visual design of official pages such as, for example, a copy of the Tokyo Disney Resort park site. These fake pages requested personal and banking information under the guise of offering promotions or free tickets, but in reality they were well-crafted scams.
Another worrying example was the use of the image of the influencer MrBeast, very popular among children and teenagers. Fraudulent portals were created that promised prizes such as digital cards or technological devices.
These pages asked users to perform tasks or enter data to claim their supposed gift, but the real objective was to steal their information.
Mexico must act against cyber-attacks against children
Although these cases were detected in international contexts, Mexico is not exempt from this type of threat. In a country where more and more children have access to the Internet from an early age, and where the use of global brands is common, this type of attack could have serious consequences if action is not taken in time. It is essential that parents and caregivers in Mexico are informed about how to identify these hoaxes.
Digital education should include teaching them to be wary of overly attractive offers, especially when they come from unofficial sites.
In addition, it is recommended to maintain updated security programs and monitor the use that minors make of devices connected to the Internet.
Great caution
Cyberattacks on children are on the rise and are becoming increasingly sophisticated by taking advantage of children's emotional affinity with certain brands and influencers. Protecting minors online involves vigilance, education and effective cybersecurity tools. In Mexico, it is time to take these international examples as a warning to act with greater digital responsibility at home.
At Cyberpeace, we recommend staying informed about cybersecurity issues and other digital threats. Prevention and knowledge are your best allies to protect your online identity. Interested in learning more about cybersecurity and digital privacy? Follow our networks and stay informed.
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