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We probably all suffer those moments of online distraction when we lapse into shamelessly gawping at celebrities with a view to refreshing our desktop wallpaper (well, I know I do). But it may come as a surprise to learn that certain celebrity names carry online risk factors that pose a threat to our unsuspecting computer systems.
She\'s just too risky. Can you resist? Image: Maggiejumps/Flickr.
Specifically, renowned security vendor McAfee Inc. is looking to help increase online security and safety awareness by publishing its third annual list of the most dangerous celebrity searches.
Topping the list of search names most likely to deliver an unwanted barrage of spyware, viruses, spam and phishing scams is 27-year-old starlet Jessica Biel, who found fame in religious drama 7th Heaven before shining in mainstream Hollywood films such as Blade: Trinity, Stealth and Next.
According to McAfee, fans searching for more information and content regarding the beautiful young actress have a 20 percent chance of landing on a malicious Web site that has been designed specifically to attack visiting computer systems.
“Cybercriminals are star watchers too – They latch onto popular celebrities to encourage the download of malicious software in disguise,” explained Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee Product Development.
“Consumers’ obsession with celebrity news and culture is harmless in theory, but one bad download can cause a lot of damage to a computer,” he added.
Following close behind Biel as potential black spots for online celebrity searches are R&B sensation Beyonce, former Friends star Jennifer Aniston, and pop singer-cum-reality TV star Jessica Simpson.
Other names worth exercising a little caution with include Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, Gisele Bundchen, Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Lindsay Lohan, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and the Jonas Brothers.
Last year’s McAfee threat list was topped by Hollywood leading man and global sex symbol Brad Pitt (tenth most risky name in 2009). Paris Hilton was deemed to be the leading threat for celebrity searches in 2007.
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