The world around us began to change very fast, giving us little to no time to adapt to its new features. Many actions became automated and were transferred online. These activities birthed a whole spectrum of new challenges for us to tackle and new opportunities for criminals to exploit.

     From financial transactions hijacked by third parties, phishing campaigns targeting your sensitive information, to manipulating and grooming children and trying to recruit them online, the new wave of offences that swept the world is very diverse and volatile, easy to adjust to the counter-measures taken by professionals.

     When we speak about crimes committed over the internet, there are specific particularities regarding children and adults. What you need to know is that criminals exploit vulnerability and they keep testing people until they find their victim. That’s why you need to be informed and to apply simple rules to keep yourself and those you love safe.

     Why criminals target adults versus children:

     When it comes to the two categories, the reasons why they are being targeted are very different. Adults are usually targeted by criminals trying to exploit them financially, so they are often subjected to frauds and scams. Now there is no limitation when it comes to the criminal mind but adults, depending on their age, are more vulnerable in using technology and they are easier to outsmart or deceive.

     On the other hand, children are more prone to be subjected to sexual and trafficking offences. Criminals will try to recruit or groom them so they can later exploit them. They are the most vulnerable category due to their tender age and the lack of life experience. It is a parent’s duty to teach their children safety rules to make sure they don’t fall prey into the wrong hands. Also, recognizing early signs of manipulation in your child may help you sever a connection with a stranger that may have bad intentions. Considering your kid’s age, as a parent, you should make sure that they follow some rules and you should too when it comes to them.

     Quick online safety tips for children:

-Install parental control apps on their phones or smart TVs to limit access to adult content and risky platforms.
-Teach them to reject friend requests from people they don’t know, even if they seem friendly or have mutual contacts.
-Make it clear they must never share or post intimate photos or videos of themselves or others.
-Absolutely forbid meeting strangers they’ve only talked to online. Explain how people can use fake profiles or stolen images to pose as someone else.
-Encourage open communication: if something online makes them uncomfortable or scared, they should tell you right away.
-Watch for warning signs of grooming: secrecy about online activity, isolation, new “friends” they won’t discuss, or receiving unexplained gifts or money.

     If you notice any of these signs, stay alert and consider reporting it. For more guidance, check out our free resource: Child Safety Essentials: How to protect your kids from manipulation & abuse

     Quick online safety tips for adults:

-Avoid entering your card details on unfamiliar sites — some are clones made to steal your information.
-Never allow websites to save your card for future use. These sites are the most vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Use a dedicated low-balance card or virtual cards for online purchases.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that support it.
-Double-check email addresses — especially when receiving payment instructions. Look for subtle changes (extra letters/numbers) – this is called Business Email Compromise (BEC).

     One recent case involved a company that regularly communicated with a foreign partner via email. The company received a message that seemed to come from the trusted partner, requesting a payment into a different bank account than usual. Although the email address appeared legitimate, a closer inspection later revealed that a single character had been altered. After the transfer was completed, the company’s bank flagged the destination account as previously linked to fraudulent activity. The funds could not be recovered. This method, often called Business Email Compromise (BEC), is a growing cyber threat that exploits human trust and small lapses in attention.

-Ignore suspicious calls and emails. Phishing aims to steal your data or install malware. Stolen info often ends up for sale on the dark web.
-Don’t post sensitive information online: avoid sharing your ID, bank details, home address, travel plans, or expensive purchases.
-Use strong passwords, a VPN, and secure browsers like Brave or Firefox with privacy add-ons.
-Limit your social media exposure. What you post can be used to profile you: your lifestyle, location, habits, and family details.
-Avoid posting photos of your kids naked, in the bath, or near their school/kindergarten. Every trace online contributes to a digital profile that strangers could abuse.

     Online safety starts with education. By staying informed and taking small steps every day, you can protect yourself and your loved ones online. Share these tips with friends, family, or on social media to help build a safer online community. What are some other tips you would introduce on this list?