Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has launched a new interactive game titled Case 404 to educate Generation Z about online threats, following a significant rise in cyberattacks disguised as popular entertainment content. A new report from the firm, covering the period from Q2 2024 to Q1 2025, reveals that more than 250,000 attempted cyberattacks used the names of trending anime and other media to deceive users.
Kaspersky’s data highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Gen Z—regarded as the most anime-obsessed generation to date—with malicious content disguised as leaked episodes, early access offers, or premium streaming links. In total, 251,931 attempts were recorded involving fake files disguised under the names of five massively popular anime titles: Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
The long-running favourite Naruto emerged as the top target, used in 114,216 of the detected attacks. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 cases, while Attack on Titan was linked to 39,433 malicious attempts. Kaspersky’s analysts believe that the immersive nature of anime communities and streaming culture makes young viewers more susceptible to digital threats.
To counter this, Kaspersky has introduced Case 404, an engaging online game tailored for Gen Z users. The game serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about digital safety and cyber hygiene, especially in fan-driven online spaces.
The report also noted a surge in cyber threats related to five popular non-anime titles with strong Gen Z appeal: Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These accounted for a further 43,302 attack attempts, with a notable increase in activity in early 2025.
Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky, said: “As entertainment culture evolves, so do the techniques employed by cybercriminals. From beloved anime to the latest cinema hits, scammers are exploiting digital fandoms to trick users into downloading harmful content or clicking on fake merchandise offers. It’s essential that younger audiences learn how to spot and avoid these threats.”
Kaspersky’s initiative underscores the urgent need to adapt cybersecurity education to the interests and digital habits of younger generations, particularly as they spend more time immersed in online communities and streaming platforms.
