Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

IMAGES: 2012's most dangerous celebrities!

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Sofia Vergara

Web security company McAfee has released a list of 'most dangerous' celebrities to search for online -- we bring you the top 10.

In the following pages are the top 10 favourite famous personalities cyber criminals use to try and lure Internet users into downloading malicious software or to steal personal information.

The list, compiled by security technology giant McAfee, is now in its sixth year and was topped in 2011 by German supermodel Heidi Klum.

Here's are the candidates for 2012!

10. Sofia Vergara

 The sizzling Latina and Modern Family star was the 10th riskiest name to look up online.

Input: ANI

9. Salma Hayek

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Salma Hayek

Fellow Latina Salma proved even more of a risk, making it to ninth position.

8. Cameron Diaz

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Cameron Diaz

In at eight, the risk Cameron carries is on the decline -- she was the most dangerous celeb of all in 2010!

7. Shakira

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Shakira

Another Latina within the top 10! The pop star was sixth on Forbes' list of Top 10 Best Social Media Superstars this year -- and unfortunately, she figures on McAfee's danger list too.

6. Megan Fox

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Megan Fox

Currently in the news for her pregnancy, hottie Megan has hopped up nine places from Number 15 last year.

5. Halle Berry

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Halle Berry

Rounding off the top five we have Catwoman Halle, whose name is associated with malware and risky websites galore.

4. Selena Gomez

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Selena Gomez

The fourth most dangerous cyber celeb is Disney cutie Selena, who also figures among Forbes' Top 10 Best Social Media Superstars.

3. Eva Mendes

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Eva Mendes

The sultry Eva is a new addition on McAfee's round-up and made a rather high debut in third spot.

2. Jessica Biel

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Jessica Biel

She was 2009's most dangerous star and Jessica's risen two spots this year, from fourth place in 2011.

1. Emma Watson

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Emma Watson

The Harry Potter star is 2012's favourite bait -- MacAfee said many fraudulent sites use her name to attract users.

When searching for the 22-year-old actress, there is a one-in-eight chance of landing on a malicious site.

Read on for a few observations from the security firm about this year's list!

Beware of supermodels!

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
(L-R) Kate Upton, Elle Macpherson and Bar Refaeli

Besides the majority of Latino stars, who made up five of the top 10, McAfee warned that supermodel searches can also result in landing up on a risky site -- Elle Macpherson, Bar Refaeli and Kate Upton made it to 16, 17 and 20 respectively.

Musicians are not safe

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Taylor Swift

Young recording artists also pose a risk. Besides Selena Gomez and Shakira, country star Taylor Swift is also a force to reckon with -- she was placed fifteenth.

Women are more dangerous than men

Last updated on: September 11, 2012 17:34 IST
Jimmy Kimmel

And finally, it seems male searches are not quite as perilous as women's -- comedian and TV chat show host Jimmy Kimmel was the only man to figure in the top 20 at 13.

Piers Morgan and Brad Pitt, who made it in 2011, have dropped off the radar, as have other stars like Heidi Klum, Mila Kunis, Adriana Lima and Scarlett Johansson.

Source: ANI