Cyber security firm McAfee recently released their annual report on the most dangerous celebrities to search for online.
The Report reveals which celebrities generate the riskiest search results that could potentially expose their fans to malicious report and has now been in existence for 11 years now. In its earlier reports, the list of potentially dangerous celebrity searches included artistes such as Amy Schumer, Emma Watson, Dutch trance DJ van Buuren etc.
According to a statement released by McAfee, “cyber criminals continue to use the fascination of consumers with celebrity culture to drive unsuspecting users to potentially malicious websites that can be used to install malware, steal personal information and even passwords.” The list also includes data regarding the chances that a search for one of these celebrities will arrive at a suspicious site.
The McAfee report is designed to create awareness among people about the dangers of clicking on suspicious links. McAfee wants internet users to be wary of risks associated with searching for downloadable content.
“In today’s digital world, we want the latest hit albums, videos, movies and more, immediately available on our devices,” said Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at McAfee. “Consumers often prioritize their convenience over security by engaging in risky behavior like clicking on suspicious links that promise the latest content from celebrities. It’s imperative that they slow down and consider the risks associated with searching for downloadable content. Thinking before clicking goes a long way to stay safe online.”
So, the top 10 most dangerous celebrities on the internet are:
Beyonce at No. 10
Katy Perry at No. 9
Sean “Diddy” Combs makes an appearance at No. 8
Justin Beiber No. 7
Calvin Harris at No. 6
No. 5 position goes to Celine Dion
Zayne Malik at No. 4
Carly Rae Jepsen closely behind at No. 3
Bruno Mars appearing for the first time on the list at No. 2
Avril Lavigne, This year’s No. 1 most dangerous celebrity to search for online is pop punk star Avril Lavigne. Avril Lavinge tops the list with a 14.5% risk which jumps to 22% when searching for the words “Avril Lavigne free mp3.”
While Lavigne has been absent from the music scene for four years, struggling with Lyme disease in 2014, she recently announced on Instagram that she would be releasing new music soon, which may have contributed to an increase in malicious sites associated with a search for her name, according to McAfee.
