Latest news with #Case404
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Streaming services: Over 7m compromised accounts identified
ISLAMABAD: A leading cybersecurity company identified over seven million compromised accounts belonging to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others. According to a new report of Kaspersky issued on Friday, to raise their awareness and build digital resilience, it has launched 'Case 404'-an interactive cyber-detective game that helps Gen Z recognize hidden dangers and learn how to protect their digital lives. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence team analyzed compromised credentials and uncovered 7,035,236 cases in 2024. These weren't stolen directly from the platforms themselves but were collected as part of broader credential theft campaigns. Netflix leads both in popularity and in exposure, with 5,632,694 compromised accounts detected. Brazil had the highest number of exposed Netflix credentials in 2024, followed by Mexico and India. Kaspersky experts detected 680,850 Disney+ accounts in leaked data sets. Again, Brazil stood out as the country with the most breached accounts, followed by Mexico and Germany. Amazon Prime Video, though smaller in volume with 1,607 compromised accounts, still plays a significant role, especially among Gen Z viewers looking for more subversive or edgy narratives. Once a device is infected, cybercriminals don't stop at the streaming app. Malware collects sensitive data — account credentials, cookies, bank card details — which are then sold or leaked on underground forums. Sometimes, attackers give this data away just to build their reputation. These forums are active, fast-moving, and accessible to a wide range of malicious actors. What begins as a compromised Netflix password can quickly snowball into broader digital intrusion, identity theft, or financial fraud, especially if the same credentials are reused across services, the report said. To watch favourite shows safely, Kaspersky recommended changing passwords for the potentially compromised accounts and ensure there has been no suspicious activity associated with these accounts. Always use a legitimate, paid subscription when accessing streaming services and ensure you're using apps from official marketplaces or the official websites. Use a reliable security solution, like Kaspersky Premium, to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data. Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with Kaspersky VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks, the report added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Gen Z's favorite games used as bait in over 19 million attempted cyberattacks
From April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, Kaspersky detected over 19 million attempts to download malicious or unwanted files disguised as popular Gen Z games. Over 47,800 such attempts were registered in Turkiye, making it one of the countries most affected by such incidents. With GTA, Minecraft and Call of Duty among the most exploited, it's clear that cybercriminals are actively following gaming trends to reach their targets. To help players stay safe, Kaspersky is launching 'Case 404' — an interactive cybersecurity game that teaches Gen Z how to recognize threats and protect their digital worlds while doing what they love: playing. Gen Z plays more than any other generation — and not just more, but differently. They outpace Millennials and Gen X in gaming-related spending, and, instead of sticking to a few favorites, Gen Z jumps between numerous titles, chasing viral trends and new experiences. Yet this same spontaneity and openness also make them vulnerable, with cybercriminals exploiting the habits and trust of these players across the platforms. For instance, throughout the reported period, more than 400,000 users worldwide were affected. Attempts to attack users through malicious or unwanted files disguised as Gen Z's favorite games throughout the reported period As part of the new report, Kaspersky experts conducted an in-depth analysis using 20 of the most popular game titles among Gen Z — from GTA, NBA and FIFA to The Sims and Genshin Impact — as search keywords. The study covered the period from Q2 2024 to Q1 2025, with March 2025 standing out as the peak month, recording 1,842,370 attempted attacks. Despite GTA V being released over a decade ago, the Grand Theft Auto franchise remains one of the most exploited, due to its open-world modding capabilities and thriving online community. In total, Kaspersky detected 4,456,499 attack attempts involving files disguised as GTA franchise-related content. With the highly anticipated release of GTA VI expected in 2026, experts predict a potential spike in such attacks, as cybercriminals may exploit the hype by distributing fake installers, early access offers or beta invites. Minecraft ranked second, with 4,112,493 attack attempts, driven by its vast modding ecosystem and enduring popularity among Gen Z players. Call of Duty and The Sims followed with 2,635,330 and 2,416,443 attack attempts respectively. The demand for cheats and cracked versions around competitive CoD releases such as Modern Warfare III fuels malicious activity, while The Sims fans searching for custom content or unreleased expansion packs may inadvertently download harmful files presented as mods or early access. As a result of such attacks, users' devices can be infected with various types of unwanted or malicious software — from downloaders that can install additional harmful programs, to trojans that steal passwords, monitor activity, grant remote access to attackers or deploy ransomware. The goals of these attacks vary, and one common motive is stealing gaming accounts, which are later sold on the dark web or closed forums. Kaspersky Global Research & Analysis Team experts also analyzed darknet marketplaces and closed platforms for advertisements selling compromised gaming accounts and skins. The research indicates a growing number of such offers showing up not just on the darknet, but also on regular closed forums and Telegram channels — making these illicit assets more visible and accessible than ever. A post from a closed forum advertising a digital store, which sells access to Minecraft and streaming service accounts, boasting over 500 sales This shows that the theft of gaming accounts and digital items is no longer limited to niche cybercrime circles — it's starting to spread into more open online spaces. The barrier to entry for selling or buying stolen accounts has significantly lowered. What was once a technical, underground practice has become a marketplace — fast, accessible and global. It now takes just a few clicks to join a private Telegram channel and access hundreds of listings offering rare skins, high-rank accounts, and access to premium in-game items. And for gamers, this means that the risk of losing an account or having it resold is no longer a rare incident — it's a mainstream threat. To address this, Kaspersky has launched an interactive online game, 'Case 404', created especially for Gen Z gamers. In this cyber-detective adventure, players dive into fictional cases inspired by real digital threats, learning how to spot scams, phishing attempts and account takeover tactics common in gaming. With 'Case 404', Kaspersky isn't just raising awareness — it's equipping players with the mindset and skills to stay secure while doing what they love. Those who complete the game also receive a discount on Kaspersky Premium, giving them reliable tools to protect their gaming and digital lives. 'From open-world blockbusters like GTA to cozy simulators like The Sims, cybercriminals target games across every genre. What unites them is the audience: Gen Z is the most digitally active generation, leaving behind a rich trail of data, clicks and curiosity. This makes them a prime target - because they're constantly online, exploring, downloading and sharing. That's why digital self-defense is essential. Learning how to recognize threats should be as natural as leveling up in a game. Through 'Case 404', we want to equip young players with tools and instincts to protect what their digital identity, their accounts and their freedom to play safely,' comments Fatih Sensoy, senior security researcher at Kaspersky. To play games safely, Kaspersky recommends the following: Check out the interactive online game, 'Case 404' by Kaspersky, explicitly designed for Gen Z. Download games, mods and tools only from official sources. Avoid torrents, third-party websites or links shared in forums and chats — even if they promise rare skins or free bonuses. Be skeptical of giveaways. If a website or message offers something too good to be true (like free currency or legendary gear), it probably is — especially if it asks for your login credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for every gaming and email account. A password manager, such as one from Kaspersky, can help generate and store them securely. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible — especially on platforms like Steam, Epic Games and Discord. Check URLs carefully. Phishing sites often look almost identical to the real ones but use slight misspellings or fake subdomains. Don't share accounts or login details, even with friends. Shared access often leads to unintentional exposure or theft. Use a reliable security solution, like Kaspersky Premium, to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data. About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at
BusinessToday
04-06-2025
- Health
- BusinessToday
FOMO, Filters And Fraud: Cybercriminals Target Gen Z's Digital Life
Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging Gen Z's online behaviours — including trend-chasing, social media oversharing and digital nostalgia — to carry out phishing, scams and data breaches, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The firm warns that the hyperconnectivity and digital-first lifestyle of Gen Z is creating fertile ground for cyberthreats. From fake shopping sites to malware-laced retro games, attackers are turning popular digital habits into exploitable attack vectors. In response, Kaspersky has launched Case 404 , an interactive AI-led cybersecurity game aimed at raising awareness among Gen Z about the risks hidden in everyday online activities. Kaspersky flagged oversharing as a major vulnerability, noting that routine social media posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can reveal sensitive personal information. Even casual posts showing home interiors, daily routines or pet names could be weaponised in social engineering attacks or password recovery exploits. The phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is also being manipulated through clickbait phishing campaigns. Cybercriminals replicate exclusive concert ticket offers or fake product launches — such as new iPhones or event pre-orders — luring victims into revealing credentials or downloading malware. Meanwhile, the revival of Y2K fashion and interest in early-2000s games has exposed Gen Z to threats via counterfeit downloads. Fake versions of nostalgic titles like The Sims 2 and Bratz Rock Angelz are being embedded with malicious software, compromising users' devices. Fast fashion platforms have also become hotspots for phishing schemes. The popularity of retailers such as Shein and Fashion Nova is being mimicked through scam websites and fake promo codes, designed to harvest financial and personal data under the guise of limited-time offers. Beyond consumerism, the rising use of mental health apps among Gen Z — driven by digital dependency and stress-related conditions such as iDisorder — presents another risk. These platforms store highly sensitive personal data that, if breached, could be exploited for phishing or blackmail. Kaspersky advises users to verify links before clicking, avoid oversharing online, and ensure strong password hygiene with two-factor authentication. With Gen Z's digital engagement only set to grow, the firm underlines the importance of staying informed as the first line of defence against cyberthreats. Related
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and more anime targeted by cybercriminals: Kaspersky report
Anime fans may be under serious threat. A new report by Kaspersky has found out over 2,50,000 potential cyber attacks disguised as popular anime on streaming platforms. These shows, which are hugely popular among younger audiences, have a massive fan base. In order to spread awareness about the cyber risks of streaming content online, the popular anti-virus provider has launched Case 404, an interactive cybersecurity game. Streaming has become a way of life for most members of Generation Z as it instantly helps in forging a connection with characters, worlds, fandoms which go on to define their identity. According to a CBR report, over 65 per cent of Gen Z watch anime regularly. For the latest study, experts and Kaspersky's selected five anime titles that are popular among Gen Z – Demon Slayer, Attack On Titan, Naruto, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, etc. The experts found 2,51, 931 attempts to deliver malware or unwanted files disguised under names of these anime titles. According to the report, cybercriminals were tapping into the trust Gen Z has for these series. They often use bait like 'exclusive episode', 'leaked scenes', or 'premium access.' When it comes to titles, Naruto had the most with 1,14, 216 attempted attacks. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attack attempts, and at the third spot is Attack on Titan with 39, 433 detected attempts to distribute malicious content. Apart from anime, Kaspersky also analysed five films and series that continue to resonate with Gen Z: Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These shows accounted for 43,302 attack attempts with a pronounced spike in attention to these titles from cybercriminals at the beginning of 2025. All of these are primarily related to the rise of attack on Shrek with over 36,000 attempts in all and a steep rise in March 2025. While OTT platforms have reshaped the anime watching experience, this has also created a fertile ground for cybercriminals. Kaspersky detected 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious or unwanted files disguised as the names of these major streaming platforms. According to the report, among streaming services, Netflix stood out with 85,679 attack attempts related to over 2.8 million phishing pages imitating its branding. Cybercriminals take advantage of the constant traffic, frequent subscription-based activity, and global reach. Experts said that scammers mimicked login pages, shared free trial links or spoof password reset emails. Kaspersky's game, Case 404, invites players to become cyber-detectives and solve immersive cybercrime cases. With this game, Kaspersky aims to empower Gen Z to develop their mindset and skillset to stay safe in an increasingly vulnerable online world. 'As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit popular content, whether through fake downloads or fraudulent merchandise offers. From beloved anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, 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,' said Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky. To safeguard one online while streaming content, Kaspersky recommends the following steps: 📌Use a legitimate, paid subscription when accessing streaming services and ensure you're using apps from official marketplaces or the official websites. 📌Verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information. 📌Stick to trusted, official pages when watching or downloading content and double-check URLs and company name spellings to avoid phishing sites. 📌Be cautious about the file extensions you're downloading. Video files should not have .exe or .msi extensions, these are usually associated with harmful programs. 📌Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data 📌Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with reliable VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
BusinessToday
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Streaming Giants Hit by Credential Theft Surge
A new report from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed that over 7 million streaming service accounts were compromised in 2024. Affected platforms include major names such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Max. The findings point to a growing risk for Gen Z users, who not only use these platforms for entertainment but also treat them as social and cultural touchpoints. According to Kaspersky's Digital Footprint Intelligence team, the compromised credentials were not stolen directly from the streaming services but were harvested through broader malware campaigns targeting infected devices. These threats typically stem from unofficial downloads, pirated content, browser extensions, or compromised apps that covertly gather login details, session data, and other personal information. In 2024 alone, Kaspersky identified 7,035,236 leaked credentials linked to major streaming platforms. Netflix was the most affected, with 5.6 million compromised accounts, primarily in Brazil, Mexico, and India. Disney+ saw over 680,000 exposed accounts, especially in Brazil, Mexico, and Germany. Amazon Prime Video was less impacted but still recorded 1,607 compromised accounts, mostly in Mexico, Brazil, and France. Once malware infects a device, the threat extends beyond streaming platforms. Attackers can extract cookies, login credentials, and even banking details, which are then sold or leaked on underground forums. In some cases, cybercriminals distribute stolen data freely to build credibility. Reusing the same password across multiple services can lead to widespread digital intrusion, identity theft, and financial fraud. To address these risks, Kaspersky has launched 'Case 404' — an interactive game designed to educate Gen Z users on cybersecurity. Players take on the role of AI-powered detectives, solving realistic online crime scenarios. Upon completion, users receive a discount on Kaspersky Premium, turning education into actionable protection. Polina Tretyak, Digital Footprint Analyst at Kaspersky, explains that Gen Z's emotional connection to streaming can create security blind spots. Malware hidden in unofficial downloads or third-party tools can silently collect and expose personal data. Protecting streaming accounts today requires more than strong passwords — it also means securing devices, avoiding suspicious downloads, and being vigilant about online behaviour. To help users stay safe, Kaspersky recommends using legitimate, paid streaming services, downloading apps only from official sources, and avoiding suspicious file types such as .exe or .msi. It's also critical to verify website authenticity before entering any personal information and to regularly update passwords for compromised accounts. Combined with security solutions like Kaspersky Premium and Kaspersky VPN, these practices can help protect personal data and reduce the risk of credential theft in an increasingly connected digital landscape.
