Cyber Scams Target Russian Students During Exam Season

With national exams and school holidays underway, Russian cybersecurity experts warn that children are increasingly falling prey to online fraud.

As high school seniors begin their final exams and younger students head into summer break, cybercriminals are ramping up efforts to exploit the season. Digital security specialists say parents need to be especially vigilant, as students are becoming prime targets for scams.

One common scheme involves fraudulent offers of 'answers to the Unified State Exam' (EGE). A single click on a suspicious link can drain a parent’s bank account.

Even children's apps and gaming platforms can pose risks. Cybercriminals use these tools to access personal data and family finances. Many of the apps, experts say, are fake—tricking kids into making in-app purchases that cost Russian families hundreds of millions of rubles.

According to local cybersecurity firms, downloads of children's apps tripled in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, digital crimes involving minors jumped 30% year over year. One simple way to reduce risk: restrict app permissions on smartphones.

If your child is glued to their screen, cybersecurity experts say it’s time for parents to pay closer attention.