This Is How the European Banking Authority Site Is Abused by Pirate Site Promoters
Last updated June 14, 2021
McAfee researchers have compiled this year’s list with the most dangerous celebrities to search for online. This list is meant to indicate which celebrities are getting exploited by malicious actors, and not to signify any personal responsibility of the actual people behind the results. Cybercriminals know that people love and admire movie stars, and do everything possible to take advantage of this interest and capitalize on it. From casts of popular series to talk show hosts and signers, nothing slips the attention of crooks, and nothing is left immaculate.
On the top, there’s Alexis Bledel, American actress, and model known for her role in “Gilmore Girls”. She features the highest ratio of malicious search results, with malware-infected websites being the dominant element. In the second place is James Corden, the beloved host of the “Late Late Night Show”, and on the third place is the “Game of Thrones” actress Sophie Turner. The top 10 is completed with Anna Kendrick, Lupita Nyong’o, Jimmy Fallon, Jackie Chan, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Tessa Thompson. As for the signers, Dua Lipa is the riskiest to search for, followed by Calvin Harris, and then Billie Elish.
Does this mean that you should avoid following or searching for your favorite celebrities online? The answer is, no, but you should be picky about how you’re doing it. For example, don’t trust torrent platforms and files that promise to contain media about a celebrity. Instead, trust legal streaming sources and official web portals that are devoted to fans. Software like web reputation and parental control tools can also help you distinguish between fake and legitimate websites, bypassing the riskiest domains and staying safe.
On a side note, there’s an interesting statistic that shows the demise of TV in terms of popularity. In comparison to the 2018 list, TV stars are even lower in the ranks, with the highest position being No. 99 and occupied by Kim Kardashian. Coming behind her in No. 108 is Audrina Patridge, and then Kristen Doute in position 119 and Kristen Cavallari in 169. Clearly, TV stars are not very popular right now, or at least that’s what malicious actors are thinking.
Do you follow a celebrity online, and do you source the material from obscure sources? Share your thoughts about McAfee’s findings in the comments section down below, or join the discussion on our socials, on Facebook and Twitter.