Why Was Alexis Bledel Named This Year’s ‘Most Dangerous Celebrity’?
Alexis Bledel might not seem like a threat on-camera, but it turns out that she is extremely dangerous online.
The actress was just named this year’s most dangerous celebrity by the cybersecurity firm, McAfee, due to cybercriminals using her to land users on websites that carry viruses or malware.
While this definitely comes as a shock, Bledel isn’t the only well-known celebrity who fans need to look out for.
Certain celebrities are generating dangerous search results
The internet is not only a platform many people around the world use on a daily basis, it’s also the central hub for cybercriminal activity.
Earlier this week, it was reported that certain celebrities are being used to “expose consumers to malicious websites, malware and other risky outcomes.”
One of those celebrities happens to be Bledel.
According to McAfee’s list of this year’s most dangerous celebrities, the former Gilmore Girls actress landed in the number one spot due to her being a frequently searched A-lister.
Bledel’s search results have landed the most users on websites that carry viruses or malware in 2019 all through suspicious links.
The actress takes over the number one spot from Ruby Rose, who topped last year’s list mainly because of fans’ interest in her playing Batwoman.
Trailing behind Bledel is Late Late Show host James Corden, followed by Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner.
Other celebrities who made this year’s list included Anna Kendrick, Lupita Nyong’o, Jimmy Fallon, Jackie Chan, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Tessa Thompson.
It turns out that cybercriminals are attaching dangerous links to trending celebrity names, in the hopes that fans will click on them and fall victim to viruses.
Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at McAfee, believes that Bledel landed at the top of this year’s list due to her role on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which has been a fan-favorite Hulu series.
Same goes for Turner who has been trending these past few months due to her role on Game of Thrones, as well as her relationship with singer Joe Jonas.
McAfee is urging internet uses to be extremely careful
Although the most dangerous celebrities tend to change with time, cybercriminals can attach viruses to any well-known person in the industry.
Because of this, McAfee urges internet users to consider the risks associated with searching for pirated content and always take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against viruses and malware.
“Consumers may not be fully aware that the searches they conduct pose risk, nor may they understand the detrimental effects that can occur when personal information is compromised in exchange for access to their favorite celebrities, movies, TV shows or music,” Davis explained.
“Criminals use deceptive websites to dupe unsuspecting consumers into accessing malicious files or content.,” he continued. “It is essential that consumers learn to protect their digital lives from lurking cybercriminals by thinking twice before they click on suspicious links or download content.”
Always do your best to stay protected online and keep a close eye our for suspicious links that are associated with your favorite celebs.
