In-App Purchases and Cyber Risks: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Gaming

As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, particularly during school holidays, children are spending increasing amounts of time immersed in digital games. While these platforms can offer educational and entertaining experiences, they also present risks—especially when it comes to in-app purchases. Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, highlights the importance of understanding these challenges to ensure safe gaming experiences for young users.

The Rise of Freemium Games and In-App Purchases

Many online games adopt a “free-to-play” model, luring players with engaging content at no upfront cost. However, as players progress, they often encounter opportunities — or pressures — to make in-app purchases. These transactions, which frequently involve virtual currencies like gems or stars, enable users to unlock features, speed up progress, or gain competitive advantages.

“In-app purchases are designed to be seamless, making it difficult for children, and sometimes even adults, to resist spending,” explains van Vlaanderen. “The excitement of the game, coupled with enticing offers and virtual rewards, can make it easy to overlook the financial consequences. More importantly, these purchases also provide a potential entry point for cybercriminals to exploit personal information.”

Consumer spending on app stores is expected to skyrocket to $200 billion by 2025, with in-app purchases contributing a significant portion of this revenue. While this demonstrates the economic scale of the gaming industry, it also underscores the vulnerabilities associated with digital payments.

Fun and Games — But with Safety in Mind

School holidays see an uptick in gaming activity among children, which cybercriminals exploit as an opportunity to access sensitive information. “Kids should not be left unsupervised online, especially during the long year-end holiday period when scammers are well aware that youngsters are online and prone to boredom,” advises van Vlaanderen.

How Cybercriminals Exploit In-App Purchases

1. Phishing and Social Engineering
   Fake in-app offers can lure unsuspecting users into providing sensitive personal details. Clicking on these offers often redirects users to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment information, leading to identity theft.
2. Malicious Apps and Updates
   Fraudulent apps disguised as legitimate games may harbor hidden malware, collecting data from users. These apps often feature fake reviews and ratings to appear trustworthy. “Parents should exercise caution when downloading new games, ensuring that apps are from reputable developers,” notes van Vlaanderen.
3. Exploiting In-App Payment Systems
   Cybercriminals may intercept payment details entered during in-app purchases if these systems lack proper security protocols. This stolen information is then used for unauthorized transactions elsewhere.

Strategies for Creating a Safer Digital Experience

To protect children from falling victim to scams or overspending on in-app purchases, parents can implement several strategies:

1. Control Purchase Options: On iOS devices: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to block in-app purchases. On Android devices: Use Google Play’s “Purchase Approvals” feature to monitor and approve transactions.
2. Monitor Subscriptions Regularly: Keep an eye on subscriptions to identify unexpected or unauthorized charges quickly.
3. Utilize Comprehensive Security Solutions: Tools like the ESET Parental Control App can help manage in-app purchases, block inappropriate content, and protect devices from malware. For broader protection, the ESET Home Security Ultimate solution secures digital activities by removing metadata from shared images, minimizing exposure to personal data.
4. Handle Unauthorized Purchases Promptly: If a child makes an unauthorized purchase, parents should contact Apple or Google to request a refund. Both platforms have dedicated support channels for these cases. In some instances, reaching out to the app developer may also be necessary. Explaining that the purchase was made without permission can improve the chances of getting a refund.

Safer Gaming, Happier Kids

When managed responsibly, in-app purchases can enhance the gaming experience without compromising safety. Digital devices and games have the potential to be educational, inspiring, and fun for children, especially when paired with proactive parental guidance.