Streaming culture’s shadow side: Cybercriminals target anime fandoms and popular platforms to launch attacks on young users
Cybercriminals are increasingly weaponising the entertainment tastes of Generation Z, particularly their deep-rooted affinity for anime and streaming culture, to deliver malicious content and launch phishing attacks. According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, over 250,000 cyberattacks between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025 were disguised as popular anime series such as Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer, among others.
The report highlights the growing intersection of youth entertainment and digital vulnerability, showing how hackers leverage fan loyalty and emotional engagement to spread malware and harvest personal data. In response, Kaspersky has launched Case 404, an interactive online game designed to build cybersecurity awareness among Gen Z users.
“From beloved anime like Naruto to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, scammers have found new ways to take advantage of Gen Z’s affinity for digital culture,” said Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky. “It’s more important than ever for young users to stay vigilant and understand how to protect themselves online.”
Old favourites, new risks
Despite airing over two decades ago, Naruto topped the list of anime titles used as bait, with 114,216 attack attempts. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200, while Attack on Titan recorded 39,433 attempts. Kaspersky’s analysis also included popular titles such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and a handful of Western cultural touchstones — Shrek, Stranger Things, and Deadpool & Wolverine among them. In total, these non-anime titles accounted for more than 43,000 attacks, with Shrek alone responsible for over 36,000 attempts, peaking in March 2025.
Streaming platforms have also become key attack vectors. Kaspersky detected 96,288 malicious or unwanted files masked under platform names like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Netflix proved the most exploited brand, involved in 85,679 attempted attacks and connected to over 2.8 million phishing pages. The platform’s global presence and frequent subscription activity make it a prime target for scammers who replicate login pages or send fake password reset prompts.
Interactive education for a digital-first generation
To address the risk, Kaspersky’s Case 404 turns education into gameplay, inviting Gen Z users to become cyber-detectives solving digital crime cases. The initiative blends storytelling with practical lessons in online safety, offering users a discount on Kaspersky Premium as a reward for completing the experience.
The launch reflects a shift in how cybersecurity firms are responding to the digital habits of younger users — by embedding lessons within the platforms and cultures they engage with daily. As Gen Z continues to live, learn and connect online, this type of intervention is likely to play an increasingly central role.
Kaspersky’s tips for staying safe while streaming:
Stick to official platforms and paid subscriptions.
Avoid downloading suspicious files, especially with .exe or .msi extensions.
Double-check URLs and spellings to prevent falling for phishing sites.
Use reliable security software to detect malicious attachments.
Enable a VPN for secure browsing and messaging.
As digital life becomes inseparable from fandom and streaming, so too must cybersecurity evolve — not as an afterthought, but as an essential companion to entertainment itself.