Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals now disguising malware as popular anime content to exploit the growing enthusiasm for Japanese animation, particularly among Generation Z.
According to a new report from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, more than 250,000 cyberattacks were detected between Q2 2024 and Q1 2025, all disguised as well-known anime titles across various streaming platforms favored by younger audiences.
“As entertainment trends evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit them,” said Kaspersky security expert Vasily Kolesnikov in a written statement, as reported by VoI (May 25).
Streaming has become a central part of Gen Z’s daily routine, often more than just entertainment, it serves emotional needs. With over 65% of Gen Z regularly watching anime, the generation has emerged as the most anime-engaged audience in history.
That level of emotional attachment creates a security vulnerability, as it was exploited by for cybercriminal to launch a cyber attack.
Kaspersky’s experts identified 251,931 attempts to deliver malware disguised as five popular anime series among Gen Z including Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Cybercriminals are leveraging the deep trust and emotional connection fans have with these series, luring them with promises like “exclusive episodes,” “leaked scenes,” or “premium access.”
Among these, Naruto topped the list with 114,216 attack attempts, followed by Demon Slayer with 44,200. The rise in attacks aligns with the global growth in anime fandom and frequent viral moments, making the titles prime targets for malicious campaigns. Attack on Titan, a longtime fan favorite, ranked third with 39,433 attempted infections.
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Besides anime, Kaspersky also analyzed top Movies that popular with Gen Z, including Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, Deadpool, and Wolverine. These accounted for 43,302 additional attacks, with a major surge in early 2025 driven by Shrek which alone saw over 36,000 attacks, doubling its 2024 monthly average in March 2025.
In addition, cybercriminals are targeting streaming platforms themselves. Kaspersky recorded 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious files disguised as major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and HBO Max. Netflix was the most exploited, with 85,679 attack attempts and over 2.8 million phishing pages mimicking the brand.
“Scammers have found new ways to capitalize on Gen Z’s passion for digital culture and streaming platforms,” Kolesnikov said. “With cyber threats on the rise, it’s more critical than ever for young users to stay alert and learn how to protect themselves online.”
(Raidi/Agung)
