Anime Lovers, Beware: 250,000 Cyberattacks Are Hiding in Your Favorite Shows!
May 22, 2025 – Kaspersky released its latest report revealing that over 250,000 cyberattacks were disguised as popular anime titles and streaming content favored by Generation Z. The study, covering Q2 2024 through Q1 2025, found that cybercriminals have exploited Gen Z’s emotional connection to series such as Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Attack on Titan.
In one striking example, Naruto was used in 114,216 attack attempts, while Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan accounted for 44,200 and 39,433 attempts, respectively.
Kaspersky’s experts reviewed malicious files camouflaged under attractive bait like “exclusive episodes” and “leaked scenes.” In addition to anime, Kaspersky reported that cyberattacks were committed against popular movies and series such as Shrek, Stranger Things, etc., for 43,302 malicious attempts. Moreover, streaming platforms were also exploited by the most notable examples, since cybercriminals used platforms like Netflix to apply their attacks on, which represented 85,679 attack attempts (with over 2.8 million phishing pages made).
“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. From beloved anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, 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,”
Comments Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky.
To assist Generation Z in combating these threats against them, Kaspersky has created “Case 404,” an interactive online game to teach Gen Z users how to implement best practices and safe strategies for considering potential cybersecurity threats. The innovative game challenges young players to virtually solve cybercrime cases, while providing practical skills to detect and avoid phishing scams and malware attacks.
The report underscores the urgent need for vigilant security practices. Kaspersky recommends always accessing streaming services through official apps or websites, verifying website authenticity, and avoiding suspicious file downloads, especially those with unexpected extensions. Additionally, using robust security solutions such as Kaspersky Premium and secure VPN services is advised to safeguard personal data.
As cybercriminals continue to exploit beloved digital content to infiltrate devices, the report serves as a critical wake-up call for both young users and cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing that awareness and proactive defense are essential in today’s digital world.
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