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Cybercriminals love celebrities too!
A star-studded look at how fandom went from offline fun to online entertainment, along with tips on how to enjoy celebs safely online.
Most Dangerous
Fame & Faves through the Decades
Whether they’re dazzling us on the big screen or while we binge-watch at home, our favorite stars capture the imagination like no one else. No wonder we’re driven to find out everything we can about them online. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this and take advantage of our fandom.
Of course this is nothing new, so before we announce who’s the “Most Dangerous Celebrity” to search for in 2020, let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember the stars we loved, the ways we used to learn about them, and what we can do to search safely today.
Picture a time when print was king, there were a handful of tv channels, and payphones were still a thing. Back then, if you wanted to learn about a celebrity, you’d have to wait to read about them in a magazine or see a trailer for their upcoming movie.
Tom Cruise owned the era, starting with a star turn in Risky Business that ultimately led to his matinee idol status as Maverick from “Top Gun.” Nowadays, if you're searching for a scoop about Cruise’s next movie, click with caution. Waiting for official releases from studios is safer than visiting third-party sites that may contain malware.
Who was your all-time
favorite celebrity of
the ‘80s?
Do you still watch any TV shows from the 90s?
In the 90s the E! network, MTV, and other star-focused television outlets boomed as we wanted more access to
the glamorous lives of our idols. The internet was still in
its infancy, with dial-up speeds slowing adoption.
West Philadelphia born and raised, in the 90’s
Will Smith found fame as a rapper, sitcom star,
and Hollywood leading man. If you have kids, chances
are they’re discovering “The Fresh Prince” and other 90s
shows today. Make sure they’re diving into 90s nostalgia safely, with parental control software that minimizes their exposure to potentially malicious websites.
What site did you get your celebrity news from in
the 2000s?
In the 2000s, the internet changed everything. To meet the demand for 24/7 celebrity content, paparazzi started following celebrities everywhere to shoot photos and videos for tabloid media. Hackers used consumers’ never-ending appetite for celebrity content to distribute malware, conduct phishing scams, and launch other cyberattacks.
Whether she was starring in hit movies, topping the charts, or being the best part of “Bennifer”, Jennifer Lopez dominated 00s pop culture. If you’re searching for “Jenny From The Block” today, use a website reputation tool that lets you know if you’re about to visit a malicious site.
What’s your favorite reputable streaming platform?
In the 2010s, social media completely reshaped how we interact with our favorite celebrities. Up-to-the-minute news comes directly from our favorite stars instead of news outlets. We’re also watching more content than ever online, which means there are more opportunities for hackers to exploit
our celebrity obsessions.
A few years ago, Jennifer Lawrence not only starred in two huge franchises — “The Hunger Games” and “X-Men” — but also won an Academy Award for “The Silver Linings Playbook.” It’s tempting to stream these great movies wherever you can, but refrain from using illegal streaming sites that can wreak havoc on your devices.
Tips for Safer Celebrity Searches
Searching for Avril
A show-friendly hacker shows us just how he could go and make searching for this Canadian pop star so complicated.
Listen Now
Be Careful What You Click
Users looking for information on their favorite celebrities should be cautious and only click on links to reliable sources for downloads. The safest thing to do is to wait for official releases instead of visiting third-party websites that could contain malware.
Lo-Fi Fandom
When TV Ruled
The Internet Era
Social Media Proliferates
Use Parental Control Software
Kids are fans of celebrities too, so ensure that limits are set for your child on their devices and use parental control software to help minimize exposure to potentially malicious or inappropriate websites.
Refrain From Using Illegal Streaming Sites
When it comes to dangerous online behavior, using illegal streaming sites could wreak havoc on your device. 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.
Official Terms and Conditions
to Search for Online
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October 2020
by McAfee Consumer