AVRIL Lavigne is the most dangerous celebrity on the internet, according to cybersecurity firm McAfee. Given she was once married to the most dangerous-for-your-ears man in music – Chad Kroeger from Nickelback – it’s a strangely fitting accolade.
McAfee says online searches for Avril are the most likely to take you to websites that carry viruses or malware. The threat increases if you search for her name plus “free MP3”.
This is quite the compliment, non? Who needs a Grammy when you could be the world’s most dangerous celebrity online?
Second on the list is Bruno Mars, followed by Carly Rae Jepsen, Zayn Malik, Celine Dion, Calvin Harris, Justin Bieber, Sean Combs and Katy Perry, with Beyoncé in 10th place.
Beyoncé is going to be furious.
McAfee released a nice, chatty statement about the whole thing.
“Cybercriminals continue to use the fascination of consumers with celebrity culture to drive unsuspecting users to potentially malicious websites that can be used to install malware, steal personal information and even passwords.”
Gary Davis, McAfee’s chief consumer security evangelist, weighed in next.
“In today’s digital world, we want the latest hit albums, videos, movies and more, immediately available on our devices.
“Consumers often prioritize their convenience over security by engaging in risky behavior like clicking on suspicious links that promise the latest content from celebrities.”
That we do Gary, that we do.
“Thinking before clicking goes a long way to stay safe online.”
Oh Gary, if only there was an App that detected alcohol in the bloodstream via our fingertips as we dabbed at the touchscreen on our phones, prompting a recording of you reading that message in a firm tone. It would nip any number of ill advised, lady petrol fuelled WhatsApp and Facebook posts in the bud.
Sleb Safari is amazed that the world’s finest purveyors of malware have chosen Avril as their carrier. Who, pray tell, is typing “Avril Lavigne free MP3” into search engines?
Sleb Safari can’t remember the last time it had cause to Google, Yahoo or indeed Bing Avril Lavigne.
It could have been around the time she married her fellow Canadian Chad at a chateau in the south of France in a dreamy gothic ceremony. The bride wore black. The groom was overcome with emotion. It was tres romantique.
Hold on a rootin’, tootin’ minute. Avril has a new album coming out and they do say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Attaching your client’s name to cybercrime might just be a teeny tiny step too far for a record company… unless it’s Russian.
Still, kudos to Avril for walking off with this year’s most dangerous celebrity on the internet award. Sleb Safari’s money is on that menacing-looking young fella from The Vamps winning next year. Yeah, Brad Simpson, McAfee and Sleb Safari have got their eye on you.
Jennifer Garner is selling organic baby food
JENNIFER Garner’s career has followed a familiar trajectory from actor to lifestyle guru.
It’s a course plotted by pioneers who went before her such as Gwyneth, Jessica Biel and Alba, Blake Lively, Reese Witherspoon etc etc.
On cue Jennifer has entered the baby food market, co-founding a business selling organic, cold pressed baby food.
Jennifer announced the link up on Instagram with a cutesy message beginning “For all the Mamas”.
Really? So dads don’t feed their children? Or do any food shopping?
Dads really must get sick of this kind of thing.
Competition
SLEB Safari is giving away afternoon tea for two at the brand spanking new Titanic Hotel Belfast.
The 119-room hotel opened its doors earlier this month and is on the site of the former Harland & Wolff drawing offices and headquarters.
Many elements from the original offices have been retained, including the telephone exchange which received the first communication of Titanic hitting the iceberg.
To be in with a chance of winning afternoon tea for two answer the following question correctly:
What year did Titanic set sail from Belfast?
Email your answer to competitions@irishnews.com and include your name, address and phone number. The closing date is noon on Wednesday September 27.
The prize is subject to availability and must be redeemed before December 31 2017. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be used at any other Harcourt hotel. Usual Irish News rules apply.
