Searching Web for celebs might infect PC

In fact, according to McAfee, if you search terms such as "Jessica Biel” or "Jessica Biel downloads,” "Jessica Biel wallpaper” or "Jessica Biel videos,” you have a one in five chance of ending up on a Web site that’s tested positive for online threats such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware. These computer threats can cause serious damage to your computer, even rendering it useless.

Beware: Beyonce. For the second year in a row, she’s the second most dangerous celebrity to search. And the girl-next-door Jennifer Aniston? No. 3. In fact, according to McAfee, more than 40 percent of the Google search results for "Jennifer Aniston screensavers” contained nasty viruses, including one called the FunLove virus.

For a third year, McAfee has compiled a list of the riskiest celebrities to search on the Web. Why are these celebs so risky? Cybercriminals use your curiosity about these stars to lure you to their Web sites by offering free stories, screen savers and ringtones. Once there, you can get infected with nasty malware by clicking on links or downloading files that look innocent.

"Cybercriminals are star-watchers too — they latch onto popular celebrities to encourage the download of malicious software in disguise,” said Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee’s Product Development and Avert Labs. "Consumers’ obsession with celebrity news and culture is harmless in theory, but one bad download can cause a lot of damage to a computer.”

It’s not just Hollywood stars that made the danger list. Searches for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama ranked at No. 34 and No. 39, respectively.

Here are the top 15 most dangerous celebrities to search online, according to McAfee:

1.Jessica Biel. Major buzz about her figure and high-profile relationship with Justin Timberlake makes Jessica Biel an easy target for spammers and hackers.

Page 1 of 2

12Next

Related Articles