By Funminiyi Philips
Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, has grown up immersed in a digital world filled with smartphones, social media, and online entertainment. Their passion for video games, TV shows, and movies makes them enthusiastic participants in the digital landscape—but it also places them squarely in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.
“Gen Z’s immersion in digital media makes them vulnerable to cyber threats,” warned Adefunke Bolatito of the Cybergirls Fellowship.
Recent research by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reveals the alarming scale of attacks targeting this generation. Over the course of a single year, experts recorded at least 19 million attempts to distribute malware disguised as popular games.
The most frequently targeted titles include fan favourites like Grand Theft Auto (GTA), Minecraft, and Call of Duty. Cybercriminals often employ phishing tactics, impersonating trusted brands or game developers, to deceive players into sharing sensitive information by offering the promise of free in-game rewards.
One particularly insidious phishing campaign mimicked a legitimate Riot Games promotion, inviting players to “spin the wheel” for exclusive skins. However, participating in this fake event meant handing over gaming accounts, banking details, and phone numbers to malicious third parties.
In another case, attackers distributed the Hexon stealer disguised as game installer files, capable of extracting personal data from platforms like Steam and various social media accounts.
How the scams work
- “Free V-Bucks” Traps – Fake Fortnite reward generators steal login credentials.
- Fake Game Mods – Malware-packed “cheats” for GTA or Minecraft.
- Phoney Giveaways – Scammers impersonate streamers like Ninja, offering exclusive skins in exchange for personal data.
One particularly sneaky attack mimicked a Riot Games “spin the wheel” promotion, where players thought they were winning rare Valorant skins—but instead handed over their game accounts, credit cards, and even phone numbers to hackers.
Another scheme involved the Hexon stealer malware, hidden inside fake game installers. Once downloaded, it siphoned data from Steam, Discord, and even cryptocurrency wallets.
But the threat extends beyond gaming. Streaming services, a staple of Gen Z’s entertainment diet, have also been exploited. Kaspersky’s analysis uncovered roughly 85,000 attacks targeting Netflix users in the same year.
Cybercriminals created convincing fake websites that prompted users to renew subscriptions or update their payment information. Once accounts were compromised, they were often used to spread further phishing links or malware or sold to other malicious actors on underground markets.
Anime fans, too, have not been spared.
According to Vietnam News, over 250,000 cyberattack attempts were disguised as anime content, with the popular series Naruto being the most frequently exploited title, accounting for more than 114,000 attacks. These campaigns lure fans into downloading malware or sharing personal data, exploiting their passion for anime to bypass scepticism.
So, how can Gen Z protect themselves in this digital minefield?
Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and adopting simple but effective safety measures. Always download games, shows, and anime from official sources to avoid malicious files.
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible adds a crucial layer of security, making unauthorized access much harder. Be sceptical of giveaways and suspicious links—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When making online payments, using virtual cards with spending limits can prevent large-scale financial losses. Finally, robust security software can detect and block threats before they cause damage.
Bolatito encouraged Gen-Zers to stay informed and cautious online. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, they can confidently enjoy their favourite digital experiences while keeping their personal information safe from cybercriminals.
For more insights on cybersecurity and digital safety, you can connect with cybersecurity enthusiast Funminiyi B. Philips on LinkedIn.
