1 minute ago 2010-02-09T19:03:31-08:00
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Before you log on and start searching for Brad Pitt or Beyonce online, a computer security company has one word of advice - beware.
Brad and Beyonce have been dubbed the most dangerous celebrities to lookup online, thanks to cybercriminals using their names to plant viruses in users' computers, according to security software company McAfee Inc.
Fans who go looking for info or photos on these stars have an 18 percent chance of having their computers infected with a virus or harmful or hacking programs, the company announced, according to a Reuters report.
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"Cybercriminals employ numerous methods, yet one of the simplest but most effective ways is to trick consumers into infecting themselves by capitalizing on Americans' interest in celebrity gossip," said Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee's Product Development & Avert Labs. "Tapping into current events, pop culture or commonly browsed sites is an easy way to achieve this."
But Brad and Beyonce aren't the only stars being targeted by
cybercriminals.
Justin Timberlake, Heidi Montag, Angelina Jolie, Mariah Carey,
Jessica Alba, Rihanna and George Clooney are also among the most
dangerous celebrities to search online, according to McAfee
Inc.
The viruses often attached to Web pages or photos of these stars aren't just harmful to computers, they can often by used to obtain personal information about the user.
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Green cited the public's obsession with celebrity as the reason why these topics become easy topics to target.
"We have to take precautions in casually navigating the Web since many subtle sites may be rife with malware for consumers' computers," he noted.
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scottThank you Angelina Jolie for the autographed photos you mailed for my English Students!!!! They were so happy when you answered their letters. It was very thoughtful……………………………………………………. Scott Waring… Author of “Wests Time Machine” & “Georges Pond”report abuseposted March 5, 2009 8:31 AM PST
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BradeyonceBrad go get beyonce!!! Dream couple....report abuseposted January 12, 2009 3:06 AM PST
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jessicacrazyreport abuseposted September 24, 2008 4:18 PM PDT
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__A_YAHOO_USER__I saw his profile on millionaire&celeb dating site ^^^^^^S e e k w e a l t h y. C O M^^ ^^^^ last week. I am wondering what kind of relationship he is looking for on that site.report abuseposted September 18, 2008 3:50 PM PDT
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yuplizzleNna na wah oo... abeg make brad pitt use that money do better thing . I think thats out right stupidity to support such a marriage of d same sexes it's disgusting and appauling and God is obviously disappointed. 'Come 2 %@!*# with that money and we shall teach u how 2 make gud use of it aight....report abuseposted September 18, 2008 3:25 PM PDT
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enidyea yea yea....someone's got to get something out of others' foolishness!!!!!!report abuseposted September 18, 2008 2:28 PM PDT
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MarieCI LUV 2 SEE THESE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED.report abuseposted September 18, 2008 2:10 PM PDT
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MarieCI LUV J LOreport abuseposted September 18, 2008 2:09 PM PDT
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DestinySwow. all of u are just wow.report abuseposted September 18, 2008 1:09 PM PDT
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Apache1Skyrose G what do you agree to so often? That your an idiot?report abuseposted September 18, 2008 11:18 AM PDT
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