Kaspersky has warned of a sharp rise in gaming-related cyberthreats across Southeast Asia, with attacks surging 86% in the second half of 2025 as cybercriminals increasingly target young gamers through popular titles such as Roblox, Minecraft and Genshin Impact.
Malaysia recorded a 21.3% increase in gaming-related cyberthreats during the period, in line with a broader regional spike that also saw Thailand and Vietnam post the steepest jumps at 104.4% and 202.5%, respectively.
According to Kaspersky, attackers are increasingly disguising malware and fraudulent tools as cheats, mods, skins and other in-game enhancements to trick players into downloading compromised files or visiting scam websites.
The cybersecurity firm said highly customisable games such as Minecraft and Roblox remain among the most exploited, as players often seek unofficial downloads to personalise their gaming experience. In many cases, these scams can lead to stolen personal information, compromised devices and even financial losses.
Kaspersky said the risks extend beyond individual players, especially when children unknowingly expose sensitive household information such as payment details or home addresses through shared family devices.
Head of Consumer Channel for APAC at Kaspersky, Choon Hong Chee, said gaming-related cyberthreats are becoming more aggressive as cybercriminals exploit children’s digital habits and excitement around online games.
The company urged families to strengthen digital safety practices, including avoiding untrusted downloads, scanning devices regularly and introducing cybersecurity awareness at an early age.
