Most Dangerous Celebrities To Have In Your Google Searc…

If you have your favourite celebrities in your internet search history you could be at risk of being targeted by cyber-criminals.

Computer security company McAfee has shared its annual list of 'Most Dangerous Celebrities' to have in your search history. The company has released the list to warn computer users about the risks associated with what they search online.

According to McAfee, big-name celebrities are the most dangerous search results to have because cyber-criminals can piggyback on big hit search results to target vulnerable computer users with malware (malicious software) such as computer viruses, worms and spyware that can be used to steal personal information.

US comedian and talk show host John Oliver tops this year's list as the most dangerous name to search.

While Oliver himself has nothing to do with it, the comedian's name searched online presents computer users with the highest amount of virus and malicious websites online.

Three other mega-star comedians -- James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon -- also made the top 10 most dangerous names to search online.

McAfee said these celebrity names are most commonly searched along with the word "torrent", indicating users are looking for free streaming services to watch their shows.

"It’s important for these viewers to understand the risks associated with torrent or pirated downloads, as they may open up themselves to savvy cybercriminals and end up having a much higher cost to pay," McAfee warned.

Musicians make up the majority of the top 10 list this year.

English songstress Dua Lipa is the second most dangerous name to search online, followed by Nicki Minaj, DJ Calvin Harris and Billie Eilish.

Morgan Freeman and Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke are the acting world's names most likely to show dangerous search results.

Closer to home, a number of Australian personalities also made the list of names that are considered risky to search online.

Actor Liam Hemsworth comes in at number 19 on the list, as well as Rose Byrne (37), Cate Blanchett (41) and Kylie Minogue (52).

Alex Merton-McCann, an online safety expert at McAfee, warned that computer users tend to "drop their guard" when searching for their favourite celebrities online.

“Consumers may not be fully aware that the searches they do on the internet can expose them to risk," he said.

"Many consumers will drop their guard in favour of speed or convenience, and quickly enter their personal details to gain access to a site without thinking about the consequences."

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“Criminals use deceptive websites to trick unsuspecting consumers into handing over their personal details or control of their devices," Merton-McCann warned.

"In a world where everything is connected, everywhere, it’s important that consumers protect their digital lives and always think twice before they click to ensure they are surfing safe digital content."

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Be careful what you click, don't use illegal streaming sites: It is safer to wait for the official release of a movie, song or TV show than trying to find a third-party website that may contain malware.

Have a cybersecurity solution: Make sure you are using a security solution that recognises malware, phishing attacks or other threats,

Use parental controls: To make sure kids aren't clicking on things they shouldn't be, make sure devices have parental controls to limit their exposure to malicious sites.

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