July 22, 2013, India: McAfee reveals the top Most Toxic Superheroes that result in the greatest number of risky websites when you search for them online. The research found that searching for the latest “Aquaman and free torrent download,” “Aquaman and watch,” “Aquaman and online,” “Aquaman and free trailer” and “Aquaman pictures and downloads” yields a 18.6% chance of landing on a website that has tested positive for online threats, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware.
Today, kids can find everything they need to know (and more) about their favourite superhero online. And with computers, Internet-connected game consoles and mobile devices all readily available, they can access this information at any time. But now searching for these super heroes may not be all that innocent as just looking for fun facts.
With the resurgence of the superheroes into mainstream movies (think Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America to name a few), hackers are leveraging their popularity to target consumers. Hackers are most successful when they can attract a large number of victims. One way to target big crowds online is to track current events—everything from celebrity meltdowns and natural disasters to holidays and popular music—and now, superheroes.
The study uses McAfee® SiteAdvisor® site ratings, which indicate which sites are risky to search for celebrity names on the Web and calculate an overall risk percentage. The top Superheroes from the research with the highest percentage of risk are:
- 1. Aquaman 18.60%
- 2. Mr. Fantastic 18.22%
- 3. The Hulk 17.30%
- 4. Wonder Woman 16.77%
- 5. Daredevil 16.70%
- 6. Iron Man 15.63%
- 7. Superman 15.21%
- 8. Thor 15.10%
- 9. Green Lantern 15.00%
- 10. Cyclops 14.40%
- 11. Wolverine 14.27%
- 12. Invisible Woman 12.40%
- 13. Batman 12.30%
- 14. Captain America 11.77%
- 15. Spider-Man 11.15%
Tips to Stay Protected:
- Be suspicious: If a search turns up a link to free content or too-good-to-be-true offers, be wary
- Beware: Of content that prompts you to download anything before providing you with content. You may want to opt to watch streaming videos or download content from an established site
- Free downloads: are significantly the highest virus-prone search terms. Anyone searching for videos or files to download should be careful as not to unleash malware on their computer.
- Double-check the web address: Look for misspellings or other clues that the site you are going to may not be safe.
- Search safely: Use safe web browsers and install a free software like McAfee Site Advisor that provides simple website safety ratings and a secure search box so you can surf, search and shop safely
Methodology
Research was conducted during June-July 2013 on the top superheroes with upcoming film releases or films released over the last few years. The study uses McAfee® SiteAdvisor® site ratings, which indicate which sites are risky to search for superhero names on the Web and calculate an overall risk percentage. For example, fans searching for “Green Lantern and free torrent download,” “Green Lantern and watch,” “Green Lantern and free trailer,” etc. are at risk of running into online threats designed to steal personal information. Clicking on these risky sites and downloading files like pictures and videos exposes surfers or consumers to the risk of downloading viruses and malware.
About McAfee SiteAdvisor technology
McAfee SiteAdvisor technology protects users from malicious websites and browser exploits. SiteAdvisor technology tests and rates nearly every trafficked site on the Internet and uses red, yellow and green icons to indicate the website’s risk level. SiteAdvisor site ratings are created by using patented advanced technology to conduct automated website tests SiteAdvisor software works with Internet Explorer and Firefox.
About McAfee:
McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the Web more securely. Backed by its unrivalled Global Threat Intelligence, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. McAfee secures your digital world. http://www.mcafee.com