Southeast Asia has experienced an 86% surge in gaming-related cyberthreats during the second half of 2025, as reported by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Singapore reflected this regional trend with a 22% rise in such threats, highlighting the growing risk to young gamers and their families.
Kaspersky’s findings reveal that popular games like Roblox and Minecraft are frequently exploited by cybercriminals. These games’ customisable features make them attractive targets for malicious actors who create fake game-related tools or mimic popular games to deceive children into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading compromised files. Vietnam and Thailand saw the most significant increases, with threats rising by 202.5% and 104.4%, respectively.
The implications of these cyberattacks extend beyond individual victims, potentially affecting entire households. Young gamers may inadvertently share sensitive information, such as their parents’ credit card details, which can be used for financial theft or other illicit activities. Additionally, malware downloaded on shared family devices can compromise the privacy and data of all users.
Choon Hong Chee, Head of Consumer Channel for APAC at Kaspersky, emphasised the importance of protecting digital interactions within families. “These threats endanger not only the cyber safety of our young gamers but also that of their households,” he stated.
To combat these threats, Kaspersky advises users to avoid installing applications from untrusted sources, regularly scan for malware, and educate children on cybersecurity. Parents are encouraged to use digital parenting apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids to ensure a safe online experience for their children.
