‘Sonakshi Sinha+Torrent’ search = 21pc chance of connecting to a malicious website

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting consumers who access information on-the-go, without considering the potential security risks online around celebrity interest, according to Intel Security. For example, a search for ‘Sonakshi Sinha + Torrent’ results in a 21 percent chance of connecting to a malicious website.

The McAfee Most Sensational Celebrities study, published by Intel Security, highlights the various ways in which hackers can take advantage of consumer interest around several facets of Bollywood cinema news and entice unsuspecting fans to visit sites loaded with malware that can steal passwords and personal information.

As file sharing and torrent use continues to grow in popularity, it’s no surprise that movies are a target for cybercriminals seeking to create malicious files.

The top 10 celebrities from this year’s study with the highest risk percentages include:

1. Sonakshi Sinha - 11.11%
2. Farhan Akhtar - 9.56%
3. Kareena Kapoor - 8.67%
4. Tiger Shroff - 8.44%
5. Shraddha Kapoor - 8.11%
6. Kriti Sanon - 7.67%
7. Priyanka Chopra - 7.56%
8. Bipasha Basu - 7.22%
9. Saif Ali Khan - 7.11%
10. Alia Bhatt - 7.00%

The study also noted down the risks of online behavior and how to protect one’s own self from potential threats.

Don’t click on a third-party link: Instead, access content directly from the original source or company websites to ensure you aren’t clicking on anything that could be malicious.

• Use caution when searching for torrent: This term is by far the riskiest search term. Cybercriminals can use torrents to embed malware within authentic files making it difficult to determine if a file is safe. It’s best to avoid using torrents especially when there are so many legitimate streaming options available.

• Keep your personal information personal: Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal your personal information. Do your research and ensure it’s not a phishing or scam attempt that could lead to identity theft

• Use cross device protection: Consumers need to protect all facets of their digital lives regardless of where they are, what device they use or where they store their personal data. Use solutions that work across all your devices to deliver protection against threats, such as malware, hacking and phishing attacks.