Quarter of a million cyberattacks linked to anime and Gen Z streaming trends, caution cybersecurity experts

A cybersecurity firm called Kaspersky is warning about a big increase in cyberattacks that are pretending to be popular anime series and other streaming content that Generation Z loves. According to a report that covers the time from the second quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, there were over 250,000 of these types of attacks found.

The report explains how cybercriminals are taking advantage of the strong emotional connection that young people have with shows like ‘Naruto’ and ‘Attack on Titan,’ as well as popular streaming platforms. Because Gen Z loves these shows so much, they are more likely to fall for tricks used by cybercriminals.

To help Gen Z understand and avoid these cyber risks, Kaspersky has created ‘Case 404,’ an interactive cybersecurity game to teach young people how to protect themselves online. The goal is to help bridge the gap between Gen Z’s love for online entertainment and their knowledge of online dangers.

Anime is hugely popular with over 65% of Gen Z regularly watching it, giving them the title of the most anime-engaged generation ever. Kaspersky’s experts found that cybercriminals made 251,931 attempts to trick users by disguising malware or other unwanted files as popular anime titles such as Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. These cybercriminals often use bait like ‘exclusive episodes’, ‘leaked scenes’, or ‘premium access’ to lure in unsuspecting fans.

Among the anime titles, Naruto was targeted the most with 114,216 attempted attacks during the reported period. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attempts as it has gained a massive following in recent years. Attack on Titan, a long-time favorite, ranked third with 39,433 attack attempts.

Kaspersky also analyzed popular films and series that are loved by Gen Z, such as Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These shows alone were targeted in 43,302 attack attempts, with a significant increase at the beginning of 2025. This rise in attacks was particularly noticeable with Shrek, which had over 36,000 attempts in total.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max have transformed how movies, series, and anime are watched, catering to Gen Z’s desire for personalized content and global storytelling. However, these platforms have also become prime targets for cybercriminals. Kaspersky found 96,288 attempts to trick users by disguising malicious files as the names of these major streaming platforms.

Netflix was the most targeted platform with 85,679 attack attempts and over 2.8 million phishing pages pretending to be affiliated with the site. Cybercriminals take advantage of Netflix’s large audience and frequent activity to trick users into sharing personal information.

To help Gen Z stay safe while watching their favorite shows, Kaspersky recommends using legitimate, paid subscriptions for streaming services, verifying the authenticity of websites before entering personal information, being cautious about downloading file extensions like .exe or .msi, using a reliable security solution, and ensuring secure browsing and messaging. By staying aware of potential threats and using safe online practices, Gen Z can enjoy their favorite entertainment without falling victim to cybercriminals.