Computer security firm McAfee says talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is the most dangerous celebrity to search for online. The company says that a search for ABC’s Kimmel carries nearly a 1 in 5 chance of landing on a website that has tested positive for spyware, viruses, or malware. Cybercriminals can use celebrities as bait to install malicious software and steal passwords or other personal data.
Risky celebrities
| Rank | Celebrity | Risk % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Kimmel | 19.38% |
| 2 | Armin van Buuren | 19.33% |
| 3 | Ciara | 19.31% |
| 4 | Flo Rida | 18.89% |
| 5 | Bruce Springsteen | 18.82% |
| 6 | Blake Shelton | 18.47% |
| 7 | Britney Spears | 18.19% |
| 8 | Jon Bon Jovi | 17.64% |
| 9 | Chelsea Handler | 17.22% |
| 10 | Christina Aguilera | 16.67% |
In addition to Jimmy Kimmel (No. 1) and Chelsea Handler (No. 9), a number of funny people made McAfee’s top fifty risky celebrities list. Other notable comedians in the riskiest top 50 include Jimmy Fallon (No. 12), Adam Sandler (No. 14), Jason Segel (No. 19), Wee Man (No. 35), and Cameron Diaz (No. 41).
Risky musicians
The music industry is also well represented in the McAfee top 10 riskiest with Armin van Buuren (No.2), Ciara (No. 3), Flo Rida (No. 4), Bruce Springsteen (5), Blake Shelton (No.6), Jon Bon Jovi (No.8).
Other musicians in McAfee’s riskiest 50 are 50 Cent (No. 13), Cheryl Cole (No. 16) Calvin Harris (No. 17) and Iggy Azalea (No. 20). Additional superstars heating up the McAfee top 50 are Jason Derulo (No. 24), Jay Z (No. 26), Chris Brown (No. 28), Paul McCartney (No.29), Jennifer Lopez (No. 31), Pitbull (No. 34), Jessie J (No.44), Rihanna (No.45), Justin Timberlake (No.46), Carrie Underwood (No.47), and Pharrell Williams (No. 49).
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I have covered these tidbits for a while and one sign of hope for humanity is that last year, searching for downloads of Kanye West, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and Kris Jenner were popular among Americans. This year, the Kardashian clan is nowhere to be found.
Related articles
- Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi named ‘most dangerous’ artists to search for, say McAfee (nme.com)
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.