Caroline Flack named most dangerous celebrity for UK online searches

(Matt Crossick/PA)

Caroline Flack has been named the most dangerous celebrity name to search for online in the UK by a leading cybersecurity firm.

According to the latest report by anti-virus company McAfee, UK internet searches for the Love Island host generate results pointing to the riskiest of websites.

Each year the firm evaluates which celebrities produce the most results that could lead to malicious sites – those that could contain links to computer viruses and other dangerous content.

The former Xtra Factor host topped the list ahead of Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and James Corden.

Top 10 celebs linked to malicious website searches

Source: McAfee

  • Caroline Flack

  • Maisie Williams

  • James Corden

  • Nicki Minaj

  • Billie Eilish

  • Josh Gad

  • Mischa Barton

  • Sam Smith

  • Dua Lipa

  • Liam Hemsworth

Reality star Kim Kardashian, who was top of the UK search list in 2018, has fallen to 26th place this year.

The UK top five was completed by musicians Nicki Minaj and Billie Eilish.

Frozen star Josh Gad, actor Mischa Barton, singers Sam Smith and Dua Lipa and actor Liam Hemsworth made up the rest of the UK top ten.

McAfee chief scientist Raj Samani said: “Caroline Flack has cemented herself as one of TV’s most sought-after hosts. After another year of Love Island dominating headlines in the UK, I’m not surprised she has topped this years’ list.

“People want to keep up to date with the latest pop culture and celebrity news at any time from any device.

“Often consumers put that speed and convenience over security by clicking on suspicious links that promise content featuring our favourite celebrities.”

“Consumers need to think before they click to be sure that they are surfing to safe digital content and protecting themselves from cyber-security threats that may be used to infect their devices or steal their identity.”

The cybser-security firm urged internet users to refrain from using illegal streaming sites, warning they are “riddled” with viruses disguised as video files.

It also encouraged parents to take advantage of parental control tools to help better patrol what their children can access online.