...Is Anna Kendrick, according to researchers at McAfee. The researchers analyzed Internet search results for celebrities and found that Kendrick’s search results (through no fault of her own) were the most likely to return malicious content. Kendrick was followed by Sean Combs, Blake Lively, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Jimmy Kimmel, Julia Roberts, Kate McKinnon, and Jason Derulo.
Cybercriminals exploit popular names, movies, and TV shows to trick people into installing malware or handing over sensitive information. McAfee notes that this is particularly true now, since most theatrical releases have been delayed and people are seeking entertainment while confined at home. (Kendrick and Timberlake both starred in “Trolls World Tour,” the first major movie to premiere digitally during the COVID-related shutdowns.)
“Many consumers don’t realize that simple internet searches of their favorite celebrities could potentially lead to malicious content, as cybercriminals often leverage these popular searches to entice fans to click on dangerous links,” the researchers write. “This year’s study emphasizes that consumers are increasingly searching for content, especially as they look for new forms of entertainment to stream amidst a global pandemic.”
The researchers recommend that users stick to well-known streaming services rather than trying to find a movie by searching the Internet.
“The safest thing to do is to wait for official releases instead of visiting third-party websites that could contain malware,” they write.
Torrents and sites offering pirated content are particularly risky. Not only is pirating illegal, but it also creates a perfect opportunity for criminals to bundle malware into your download.
“When it comes to dangerous online behavior, using illegal streaming sites could wreak havoc on your device,” the researchers write. “Many illegal streaming sites are riddled with malware or adware disguised as pirated video files. Do yourself a favor and stream the show from a reputable source.”
New-school security awareness training can teach your employees how to stay safe while they use the Internet in their personal and professional lives. (Especially when the personal and the professional overlap as much as they do, nowadays.)
McAfee has the story.
