Popular Anime Including Naruto, Demon Slayer And AOT Used As Bait In Over 250,000 Cyberattacks, Kaspersky Reports

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Cybercriminals have increasingly disguised malware and unwanted files as popular anime titles to target Gen Z viewers, according to a Kaspersky report covering Q2 2024 through Q1 2025.

Kaspersky’s analysis focused on five highly popular anime titles among Gen Z: Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Across these series alone, the company detected 251,931 attempts to distribute malware or unwanted software.

Naruto was the most frequently exploited title, used as bait in 114,216 attempted attacks over the reported period. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attempts, and Attack on Titan was linked to 39,433 detected malicious distribution attempts.

Cybercriminals typically entice unsuspecting fans with bait like exclusive episodes, leaked scenes, or offers of premium access to deliver their payloads.

And Kaspersky reported that about 5,200 users attempted to download malicious or unwanted files disguised as anime during the analyzed period.

Cyberattacks using anime bait (via Kaspersky)

Kaspersky noted that anime engagement has surged among Gen Z, with over 65 percent of this demographic regularly watching animated series.

The emotional investment in favored franchises has made viewers more susceptible to phishing pages and Trojan‑style file downloads marketed under their beloved shows’ names.

This tactic of using popular entertainment as a disguise for malicious activities is part of a wider trend.

Kaspersky’s report also noted that other Gen Z favorites, including iconic films and series like Shrek (which saw over 36,000 attempts, spiking in March 2025), Stranger Things, and upcoming movies, accounted for 43,302 attack attempts.

Streaming platforms themselves, especially Netflix, are also significant targets, with Kaspersky detecting 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious files disguised under the names of major services and over 2.8 million phishing pages imitating Netflix’s branding.

However, anime bait accounted for the largest single category of threats

As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit popular content,” commented Vasily Kolesnikov, a security expert at Kaspersky. “From beloved anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters… 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

“.

In response to these evolving threats, Kaspersky has launched , an interactive online game designed specifically to educate Gen Z about cybersecurity.

The game invites players to act as cyber-detectives, solving immersive cybercrime cases to develop their awareness and skills for navigating the online world safely.

To help users enjoy their favorite shows securely, Kaspersky has recommended using legitimate, paid subscriptions for streaming services via official apps or websites, always verifying website authenticity before entering personal information, being cautious about downloaded file extensions (video files should not be .exe or .msi), and using reliable security solutions.

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