UAE: Does your child play Roblox? Experts warn of cyber threats on gaming platforms

Roblox has emerged as one of the most popular gaming platforms, attracting children, teens, and adults even in the UAE. With a massive user base exceeding 45 million daily active users, it offers a vast virtual universe where players can explore a multitude of experiences, including role-playing, game creation, and socialising. However, amid all the thrills, cybersecurity threats loom large, especially for children. Experts said these threats are particularly concerning for children.

"About 90% of children playing online games like Roblox have witnessed or experienced some form of bullying. The anonymity these platforms provide makes it hard to control or trace back these interactions," revealed Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director of the Rayad Group of Companies.

Children on Roblox are also vulnerable to a broader range of cybersecurity risks. Founding Partner and Board Member of Women in Cybersecurity Middle East, Irene Corpuz, said, "One of the biggest concerns is the prevalence of phishing scams. These scams are often designed to steal children’s personal information or login credentials by tricking them into clicking on deceptive links or downloading fake apps."

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She also pointed out, "Online harassment through chat or private messaging is another significant risk, with many kids exposed to cyberbullying or even attempts to coax them into dangerous conversations."

Danger of phishing

Ayub elaborated on this, noting that the rise of sophisticated scams is alarming. "Most of these scams target children on platforms like Roblox. They try to trick them into downloading malware or submitting personal information in exchange for non-existent rewards," Ayub explained.

Scam tactics

Ayub described how these scams often play out: “You’ll see a link advertising free Robux or in-game items, and it takes you to a website asking for your username and operating system. They tell you to enter the number of coins you want, and suddenly, there’s a ‘Last Step’ message. That’s when they lure you into sharing sensitive information.” This is a critical step in their scam strategy, he noted, with attackers using these details to hack accounts or access personal information.

Predatory behaviour

A more troubling concern is the predatory behaviour some users engage in on Roblox. Corpuz emphasised, “Predators often pose as peers, gradually building trust with children. They will use in-game chat, friend requests, or private messaging to isolate and manipulate young players. In extreme cases, this can lead to inappropriate conversations or requests for private images.”

Risks of 'Condo Games'

Ayub added a disturbing dimension to this, the rise of “Condo Games” on Roblox, where adult content, including explicit language and violent or sexually explicit material, is disguised within games. "These virtual spaces are created by malicious users who lure children into environments designed for predatory behaviour,” Ayub said. "It’s alarming how easily children can be exposed to these situations, all under the guise of innocent play."

Robux scams and fraud

A significant part of Roblox’s appeal is its in-game currency, Robux, which allows players to buy items, skins, and other upgrades. But this opens another window for scams. Ayub cautioned parents, "Scammers prey on children’s desire for Robux by creating fake offers that trick them into sharing passwords or credit card information. Once they have access to their accounts, scammers can steal Robux or even make unauthorised charges using connected payment methods."

Malware hidden in mods

Another risk, according to Corpuz, involves malware and viruses disguised as in-game mods. “Children may download what they believe to be a legitimate game mod, only to infect their devices with malware designed to steal sensitive data or spy on their activities,” she said. A 2023 cybersecurity report revealed that Roblox ranks as one of the top three gaming platforms most frequently targeted by malware.

Roblox safety measures

Roblox has implemented several safety measures, including parental controls, human moderators, and AI content filtering systems to combat these threats. However, Corpuz warned that these are not always foolproof. “While Roblox’s content filters do block a large amount of inappropriate content, they can’t catch everything,” she said.

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