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Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has issued a warning following the discovery of over 250,000 cyberattack attempts that leveraged anime and streaming content popular among Gen Z
According to its latest report, cybercriminals are increasingly disguising malware as episodes or files related to well-known anime series and streaming platforms to exploit younger audiences.
The analysis, conducted from Q2 2024 to Q1 2025, found that popular anime titles such as Naruto, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Jujutsu Kaisen were commonly used as bait in these attacks.
The most targeted title was Naruto, appearing in over 114,000 attempted attacks, followed by Demon Slayer with more than 44,000, and Attack on Titan with over 39,000.
"As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit popular content, whether through fake downloads or fraudulent merchandise offers.
"[Scammers] have found new ways to take advantage of Gen Z's affinity for digital culture and streaming platforms. With the rise of these cyberthreats, it's more important than ever for young users to stay vigilant and understand how to protect themselves online," said Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky.
The report also highlights the use of major streaming platforms as disguises in cyberattacks
Kaspersky detected 96,288 attack attempts involving platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max.
Netflix was the most commonly exploited brand, associated with 85,679 attack attempts and more than 2.8 million phishing pages mimicking its interface.
These phishing attacks often imitate official login pages or promote fraudulent offers, aiming to collect users' personal and payment information.
In addition to anime and streaming platforms, several films and series that resonate with Gen Z were also used in cyberattacks.
Titles such as Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine collectively accounted for over 43,302 attacks.
The most notable was Shrek, which saw a surge in attacks in early 2025, particularly in March, when attempts doubled the monthly average from the previous year.
Image via Kaspersky
To address the growing risk, Kaspersky has launched _Case 404_, an interactive online game aimed at educating Gen Z users on cybersecurity
The game positions players as digital investigators solving cybercrime cases, offering practical tips on identifying threats. Players who complete the game receive a discount on Kaspersky Premium, encouraging the adoption of strong digital protection.
To watch favourite your shows safely, Kaspersky recommends:
– Only stream content via official, paid services and download apps from legitimate sources
– Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files with .exe or .msi extensions when expecting video content
– Always verify website URLs before entering sensitive information
– Use trusted cybersecurity solutions and VPNs to enhance digital safety
