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This article was first published 15 years ago

Most Dangerous Celebs In Cyberspace

Last updated on: August 25, 2009 

Image: Jessica Biel

Searching for Jessica Biel on the Internet could prove to be extremely risky for your computer. She has been named America's Most Dangerous Celebrity In Cyberspace by Internet researchers.

Computer protection company McAfee looked at popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo! in assessing the risk by clicking on celebrity-related website links.

The company has said that cyber criminals are using A-listers' names and images to lure Internet users who surf the Web for the latest gossip, screen savers and ringtones to 'fake' Web sites that look legitimate. Such sites could be loaded with spyware collecting information about users without their knowledge, and viruses that can infiltrate computers, with the goal of making money and committing ID theft.

They found that Biel was the riskiest US celebrity target, with one in five celebrity websites related to her being potentially harmful.

Beyonce

Image: Beyonce
Photographs: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Second in line as the most dangerous star in cyberspace is Beyonce, followed closely by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the third spot.

Jessica Simpson

Image: Jessica Simpson

The survey found that more than 17 percent of websites and web links related to both these stars had some sort of risky content attached.

Jessica Simpson with 17.6 percent of dangerous content on websites dedicated to her stood at the fourth position.

Jennifer Aniston

Image: Jennifer Aniston
Photographs: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Jennifer Aniston was fifth having 12.3 percent of online risky content to her credit.

'Cyber crooks capitalising on the public obsession with celebrities and current events is nothing new...' the Telegraph quoted Greg Day, McAfee's principal security analyst, as saying.

'A quick flick across the front pages of the latest popular newspapers and magazines offers a fairly reliable snapshot of where the criminals will focus their efforts next,' he added.

Gisele Bundchen

Image: Gisele Bundchen
Photographs: Bruno Domingos/Reuters

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen landed the sixth spot with 15.8 percent of risky content to her credit.

Miley Cyrus

Image: Miley Cyrus
Photographs: Fred Prouser/Reuters

Googling for Miley Cyrus can be dangerous. The singer scored 15.5 percent on the risky scale.

Megan Fox

Image: Megan Fox

With 15.3 percent risky contest, Megan Fox's sex appeal may be too much for your computer to handle.

Angelina Jolie

Image: Angelina Jolie
Photographs: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Angelina Jolie's bee stung lips can leave a scar on your PC.

Ashley Tidsdale

Image: Ashley Tidsdale
Photographs: Fred Prouser/Reuters

At number nine is High School Musical star Ashley Tidsdale with 14.9 percent.

Brad Pitt

Image: Brad Pitt
Photographs: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Brad Pitt rounds up the top 10 'risky' US celebrities with 14.8 percent risky content.

Source: ANI