Unscrupulous individuals have pinpointed the vulnerability of young Belarusians, employing hacking methods to defraud them.
In recent times, Belarusian youth have been targeted by a cunning online scam that disguises itself as popular anime titles such as Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer. This scam, uncovered by Office Life with the assistance of Kaspersky, has already claimed over a thousand victims in the first half of 2025.
The scam artists lure their victims by offering anime videos, games, and other content. To make the bait more enticing, they often add phrases like "exclusive episodes", "leaked scenes", or "premium access", claiming their content is exclusive. However, these files often contain loaders, programs used to secretly deliver other potentially dangerous applications.
To protect themselves, Belarusian youth should exercise caution with suspicious file downloads. Key precautions include avoiding downloads from untrusted or unknown sources, not clicking on unexpected links or attachments, and verifying the legitimacy of websites or download platforms before engaging. Recognizing signs of suspicious downloads involves checking for unusual file extensions, unexpected file sizes, multiple files bundled together, or files requesting excessive permissions or installation of unknown software components.
Malware threats in these scams often come via sophisticated tactics, such as the distribution of malware like Amatera Stealer through social engineering and multilayered loading techniques. This stealthy malware can steal sensitive information, including browser data and crypto wallets. To avoid falling for such scams, the main advice is not to download files from suspicious sources, even if they promise exclusive content.
In addition to being vigilant about download sources, it's essential to protect personal data, use reputable antivirus software, and be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true. Since online fraud is increasing, with notable surges reported in neighboring regions, Belarusian youth should maintain updated security patches on their devices and consider using security tools that detect and block phishing or malware before installation.
Japanese animation remains popular in Belarus, with children and young people being the main viewers. Let's enjoy our favourite anime responsibly and stay safe online.
Awareness about cybersecurity is crucial for maintaining a safe online lifestyle, especially when it comes to downloading files from suspicious sources, even if they seem to offer exclusive anime content or fashion-and-beauty tips. In the face of increasing online fraud, it's imperative to protect personal data and use technology wisely to identify and avoid potential threats. Stay vigilant with download sources, safeguard your devices with reputable antivirus software, and verify the authenticity of all websites offering content, including fashion-and-beauty, technology, and cybersecurity blogs.
