NAIROBI, Kenya – The International Police Organisation (Interpol) has urged young people to adopt safer online practices, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting them through fake scholarships, gaming rewards and job offers.
This comes after Interpol held its first-ever Youth Cybercrime Awareness Webinar, an interactive session that reached more than 800 students, parents and educators across the Asia-Pacific region.
The programme aimed to instill critical thinking, cyber hygiene, and responsible digital behaviour.
“Cyber awareness isn’t just important, it’s essential. Knowing how to protect yourself and others online is a skill, just like learning how to swim or cross the street safely,” said Edmund Goh from Interpol’s Asia and South Pacific Cybercrime Operation Desk.
Experts at the event warned that misplaced confidence often leaves young people more vulnerable to scams and digital exploitation.
Helena Huang, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that many users still struggle to detect online manipulation, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence tools.
Toni Friedman, Assistant Director at The Asia Foundation, added that overconfidence in identifying threats “can lead to increased vulnerability.”
Beyond fraud risks, speakers also emphasized the long-term impact of online behaviour, with Cyberlit co-founder Nina Bual cautioning that reckless posts could harm future opportunities.
“Your digital identity is a reflection of who you are. What you post will be online forever. Your digital footprint never fades away,” she said.
Interpol’s Online Safety Tips
The webinar outlined a set of practical measures for young people to safeguard their digital lives:
- Be cautious of offers that appear “too good to be true.”
- Use unique, complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Update software regularly to patch vulnerabilities.
- Adjust privacy settings to limit exposure of personal information.
- Monitor accounts and report suspicious activity.
- Back up important data to prevent loss from cyberattacks.
- Think carefully before posting and delete harmful or embarrassing content.
- Follow positive influences online and take regular digital breaks.
- Report and block online bullies, and stand up for those being harassed.
The event comes at a time when cyberattacks are surging worldwide.
In Kenya alone, authorities recently reported 2.5 billion attempted attacks in just three months, underscoring the urgent need for digital resilience among young internet users.
Interpol said the webinar is part of a broader campaign to equip youth with life-long digital safety skills, ensuring they can navigate online spaces responsibly while minimizing risks.
