Hackers using celebrity names to steal information from internet users
Tue Oct 02, 2018 09:04:am Technology
3.8K By Obiaks Blog
Cyber security experts have warned that criminals and hackers are employing the use of celebrity names by tricking users into clicking sites from search results used to install malware or steal personal information and passwords.
Cyber-security firm, McAfee which measured the number of search results featuring a celebrity name containing links to potentially malicious sites, released a list of top celebrity names that are popular amongst cyber criminals.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian-West tops of the list claiming the spot occupied by singer Craig David in 2017.
Number two on the list was supermodel Naomi Campbell while Kim's sister Kourtney Kardashian came third. The top five was completed by singer Adele and Love Island host Caroline Flack.
Other celebrities to appear on the list of 'most dangerous celebrities to look up online' include actress Rose Byrne, Love Island contestant Kem Cetinay, Britney Spears, actress Emma Roberts and reality star Ferne McCann.
Chief scientist for McAfee, Raj Samani says we live in a "fast-paced world that's heavily influenced by pop culture and social media".
"There's endless opportunities to pick and choose which entertainment options we prefer to enjoy from a variety of connected devices.
"With Kim Kardashian's influence and business ventures, people will go to extreme lengths to be a little more like Kim."
Internet users are advised to only stream video from reliable, paid-for sources and to click only on news stories from sources the user trusts.
Apps and anti-virus software are to be kept updated at all times to ensure the security of their personal information and passwords.
Cyber-security firm, McAfee which measured the number of search results featuring a celebrity name containing links to potentially malicious sites, released a list of top celebrity names that are popular amongst cyber criminals.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian-West tops of the list claiming the spot occupied by singer Craig David in 2017.
Number two on the list was supermodel Naomi Campbell while Kim's sister Kourtney Kardashian came third. The top five was completed by singer Adele and Love Island host Caroline Flack.
Other celebrities to appear on the list of 'most dangerous celebrities to look up online' include actress Rose Byrne, Love Island contestant Kem Cetinay, Britney Spears, actress Emma Roberts and reality star Ferne McCann.
Chief scientist for McAfee, Raj Samani says we live in a "fast-paced world that's heavily influenced by pop culture and social media".
"There's endless opportunities to pick and choose which entertainment options we prefer to enjoy from a variety of connected devices.
"With Kim Kardashian's influence and business ventures, people will go to extreme lengths to be a little more like Kim."
Internet users are advised to only stream video from reliable, paid-for sources and to click only on news stories from sources the user trusts.
Apps and anti-virus software are to be kept updated at all times to ensure the security of their personal information and passwords.
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