Worms in Hollywood: Viruses Named For Celebrities

We follow their careers, their clothes, and often their private lives. We click and click again on links that boast titles about their latest outfit mishaps, relationships gone wrong, philanthropic work, and dollars in their bank account. We gossip about them, discuss their performances, and most of the time are willing to examine any link that might show us an entertaining celebrity shot. So, why are we surprised that hackers know exactly how to infect our computer systems? Our global obsession with the celebrity lifestyle has created a whole new realm for hackers to invade our personal information, assets and lives.

Every year the latest and newest celebrities are the ideal target for computer viruses, worms, spyware, and crimeware. Hackers can pick and choose from countless names Megan Fox to President Obama to lure in innocent users and online searches. We have all grown accustomed to the immediate gratification associated with online searches and unwanted viruses can be hidden in many of the common vehicles we consider to fulfill our celebrity needs.

Celebrity Viruses Come from Celebrity Downloads

Many everyday users assume that harmful viruses are only spread through websites or emails. Unfortunately, hackers are aware of these misconceptions and have become increasing clever in their modes of infestation. Ringtones, desktop wallpaper, screensavers, and picture downloads are just a few of the items most of us search for on a regular basis without alarm. Stop for a moment and consider how often your preteens and teenagers surf the internet, downloaded images, looking for the latest music videos, and email entertaining links to everyone in their address book. Consider your normal reaction to a juicy celebrity story and the curiosity that drives you to take a peek. Most of us are guilty of reading or searching for information on our favorite celebs. We must be aware that day to day online use leaves your home and office computer systems wide open for dangerous hackers.

Now, we live in the day and age of pop-up advertisements. Once you log online you can expect a plethora of “click here” messages claiming to offer embarrassing celebrity shots, groundbreaking stories, celebrity relationships, and much more. Hackers have found these offerings as a great tool to gain any information they require. It is a simple and common task to download a story and while looking through the article crimeware viruses are gathering all of your bank account, social security, and other personal information you tried to safeguard. Mysterious charges could be accruing on your charge cards before you even realize that you have been hacked.

It is in your best interest to protect your computer systems and also stay abreast of the most recent celebrity virus reports. Our team can provide you with the latest list of viruses named for celebrities and reports on recent celebrity searches that have caused havoc around the nation. Intelligent hackers are constantly looking for new methods to gain access to your system and it is your job to protect your personal information and assets from these cyber criminals.