Nick Grimshaw is one of the most ‘dangerous’ celebrities on the internet
The X Factor judge has featured in a list of the most dangerous cyber celebrities.
For the ninth year in a row, Intel Security has researched popular culture’s most famous people to reveal which of them generates the most dangerous search results.
The recent study named Grimshaw as one of Britain’s most dangerous cyber celebrities of 2015.
This means that cybercriminals are frequently using the appeal of the radio host to lure users into malware and virus traps.
The Radio 1 star came third in the poll – which was topped by model and actress Kelly Brook. Jordan (aka Katie Price) came second, with Grimmy’s fellow X Factor Rita Ora coming one place behind him in fourth.
Last year’s chart topper Cheryl Fernandez-Versini scraped into the top 20 at number 18 – suggesting that her new marital surname has made her a safer Google search topic.
Others featured in the list include former Spice Girl and style icon Victoria Beckham and actor Tom Hardy – who recently caused controversy be refusing to discuss his sexuality at a press conference.
Researchers say cybercriminals are always looking for ways to take advantage of consumer interest around popular culture events.
This includes talent shows – which would explain Grimshaw and his X Factor counterparts’ high ranking.
“The desire for consumers to have access to the latest celebrity gossip can often make them vulnerable to cybercrime,” said Nick Viney of Intel Security.
“Most consumers are unaware of the potential risks they are exposing themselves to by clicking on sites that provide them with the latest news and entertainment,” he added.
“But cybercriminals are quick to exploit this desire for breaking celebrity news.”
This theory was proven last month as the new series of The X Factor began – with thousands searching for the host’s sexuality online.
While thousands tweeted – apparently unable to get an answer to the question “is Nick Grimshaw gay?” – many were directed to this PinkNews article.
In the article, from August 2012, Grimmy confirms he is gay, and says that he quite fancies Frank Ocean.
