Terry KS With online personal training booming through social media, Kaspersky highlights key cybersecurity risks facing fitness enthusiasts and offers practical safety tips. The company also announced its partnership with the Mumbai Indians cricket team to raise awareness about digital protection in sports and everyday life.
MALAYSIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2025 – As health and fitness goals take center stage for many, the rise of online personal training has brought both opportunities and risks. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have fueled the growth of virtual coaching, with the global online fitness market projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 29.6 percent until 2033. However, according to Kaspersky, users often overlook the cybersecurity dangers tied to sharing personal data in these programs.
Virtual coaching frequently requires individuals to share sensitive details such as health data, progress photos, and payment information through social media or third-party apps. Without formal agreements or secure platforms, these exchanges create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Kaspersky identified three key risks: exposure to insecure third-party tools, misuse of personal progress photos, and impersonation of trainers through hacked accounts.
“While these risks may seem alarming, they don’t mean you should abandon online fitness programs entirely. Like you warm up before a workout, you should protect your data before logging in,” said Anna Larkina, Privacy Expert at Kaspersky.
To reduce risks, Kaspersky advises users to verify trainers’ credentials, avoid suspicious links, check for HTTPS-secured websites, share minimal personal information, and use comprehensive security solutions such as Kaspersky Premium to block malware, phishing attempts, and data theft.
In a move to amplify digital safety awareness, Kaspersky has also become the Official Partner of the Mumbai Indians for 2025. The collaboration reflects shared values of resilience and excellence, with a joint mission to empower fans and athletes to embrace technology while safeguarding personal data.
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added: “We rely on apps and smart devices every day to track performance and stay connected. This partnership with Kaspersky ensures that our journey — and that of our fans — remains both inspiring and secure.”
