Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has launched an interactive game called “Case 404” to help Gen Z users recognize hidden dangers in fake privacy tools and unsafe downloads.
The game immerses players in a digital mystery where they learn how malicious apps, phishing sites and fraudulent offers disguise themselves as legitimate services.
By solving in-game challenges, players uncover real-world cybersecurity lessons and earn a discount for Kaspersky Premium, which includes built-in VPN and anti-malware protection.
The initiative follows Kaspersky’s findings where, between October 2024 and September 2025, it identified over 15 million attempted attacks posing as VPN applications.
Rather than protecting users, these counterfeit or cracked VPNs often carry malware, including adware, trojans, and downloaders, that can steal information or give hackers control over devices.
“Gen Z may be privacy-aware, but they’re also pragmatic and convenience-driven — traits that cybercriminals exploit,” said Evgeny Kuskov, Security Expert at Kaspersky.
“With Case 404, we’re meeting them where they are, using gaming to build safer online habits.”
To minimize risks, Kaspersky urges users to get VPNs only from official app stores, review app permissions carefully, and steer clear of modified or ‘premium unlocked’ versions found on unofficial sites.
The company added that legitimate privacy apps undergo independent testing and certification.
Founded in 1997, Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company that protects over 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients worldwide.
The company’s threat research and security intelligence power a wide range of solutions, from endpoint protection to advanced cyber defense.
