From Naruto to Attack on Titan, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting Gen Z’s favourite anime and other shows as lures in their schemes.
In a new report covering the period from Q2 2024 to Q1 2025, Kaspersky detected more than 250,000 cyberattacks using popular anime, among other shows and streaming platforms popular with 15- to 30-year-olds.
To raise awareness among Gen Z about the risks they face online, Kaspersky is launching “Case 404,” an interactive cybersecurity game that teaches them how to protect their digital lives.
For many people under 30, streaming is more than a hobby; it’s an activity that connects them with the characters, worlds, and fan communities that shape their identities. Gen Z’s attachment to TV shows and movies and the worlds they unfold is unique and poses an immediate cybersecurity risk: the more emotionally invested a viewer is, the easier it is to trap them, and the excitement inherent in fan communities is a boon to cybercriminals.
As for Gen Z, 65 % of them regularly watch anime. During their analysis, Kaspersky experts selected five anime titles popular among 15-to 30-year-olds: Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Kaspersky discovered 251,931 attempts to distribute malware or unwanted files using the visual identity of these anime. Cybercriminals exploit the affection for these series, often under the pretext of so-called “exclusive episodes,” “leaks,” or “premium access.”
Among anime titles, Naruto is the most frequently exploited, despite the first episode airing over 20 years ago. During the period under review, it was used as bait in 114,216 attempted attacks.
Demon Slayer follows with 44,200 attempted attacks. Its meteoric rise in recent years, amplified by viral episodes and content and the steady rise of its global fan base, has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. Attack on Titan, a longtime favourite, comes in third with 39,433 attempts to distribute malicious content detected.
In addition to anime, Kaspersky also analysed five iconic movies and series that continue to resonate with Gen Z: Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine.
These movies alone saw 43,302 attack attempts, with the highest number occurring in early 2025. Shrek alone saw over 36,000 attack attempts, peaking in March, double the monthly average for 2024.
Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max have revolutionised the way we consume movies, TV shows, and animated content. However, this new paradigm has provided fertile ground for cybercriminals. Kaspersky detected 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious or unwanted files using the brands and visuals of these major streaming platforms.
Netflix is by far the most popular platform, with cybercriminals involved in 85,679 attempted attacks and associated with over 2.8 million phishing pages imitating its brand. Cybercriminals take advantage of the site’s constant traffic, global reach, and frequent subscription-related activity. They imitate login pages, share “free trial” links, or spoof password reset emails.
As streaming platforms, fan communities, and social media become a staple of Gen Z’s daily lives, so too do cyberthreats targeting their interests.
To address this, Kaspersky has created “Case 404,” an interactive online game for 15- to 30-year-olds. The game invites players to become cybersleuths and solve immersive cybercrime cases.
Beyond raising awareness of risks, “Case 404” aims to equip Gen Z with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe in a digital environment where they are increasingly exposed. In exchange for their participation, participants will be rewarded with a discount on Kaspersky Premium, providing them with reliable tools to navigate the digital world safely.
“ Entertainment trends are evolving, and so are cybercriminal tactics. From cult anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, scammers are always finding new ways to capitalise on Gen Z’s love for these cultural artefacts and the platforms that deliver them. With so many threats at their fingertips, it’s vital that younger users stay vigilant and understand how to protect themselves online,” said Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky.
To watch your favourite shows safely, Kaspersky recommends the following:
- Check out Kaspersky’s interactive online game “Case 404,” designed specifically to teach best practices useful to 15- to 30-year-olds.
- Always use a legitimate, paid subscription when accessing streaming services and make sure you use apps from official app stores and websites.
- Always verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information. Stick to official pages when viewing or downloading content, and double-check the spelling of URLs and company names to spot phishing sites.
- Pay attention to the file extensions you download. Video files should not have .exe or .msi extensions, which are commonly associated with malicious programs.
- Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data.
- Use a VPN like Kaspersky VPN to protect your IP address and prevent data leaks.
