Caroline Flack 'most dangerous celeb to search online'

Caroline Flack is the most dangerous celebrity to search for on the internet in the UK, according to a cyber-security firm.

The Love Island presenter's name links through to the most malicious websites and viruses, McAfee says.

The former Strictly winner has knocked Kim Kardashian off the top spot, with reality stars generally ranking lower than in 2018.

Actress Maisie Williams and presenter James Corden join her in the top three.

Speaking on Nick Grimshaw's Radio 1 show on Tuesday, Caroline said it wasn't the worst story she'd read about herself in the news.

"I kind of like it," she told Grimmy.

"When I was doing Strictly Come Dancing, I was at home on my own one night and there was breaking news on the front page of a paper that I was being haunted by a ghost child.

"That's the only one I've printed out, framed and put on my wall because it was so ridiculous."

Caroline also said she was pleased to have knocked Kim Kardashian off the top spot.

McAfee measured how many search results featuring a celebrity name contained links to sites that could potentially slow your computer down, copy your private data or - in worst case scenarios - gain total access to your device.

While it's not exactly Mi6 levels of investigative work, it still highlights some of the risks out there.

Caroline Flack made it into the top five last year and has risen again, while Kim Kardashian has fallen to 26th place.

Rapper Nicki Minaj and singer Billie Eilish also feature in this year's top five, while Josh Gad - the voice of Olaf in Frozen - is another potentially risky name to search.

Searches to find out what these celebs are up to can be populated with links meant to trick you into visiting sites that can trigger a virus.

Actress Mischa Barton, musicians Sam Smith and Dua Lipa and Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth make up the rest of the top 10.

With Love Island so popular, McAfee's chief scientist Raj Samani isn't surprised that Caroline Flack tops the 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."   

To avoid online threats the firm suggests caution - like thinking twice when you come across what claims to be a snippet of a new Billie Eilish song, and waiting for the official release instead.

It also says to avoid illegal streaming sites and keep apps and anti-virus software up to date.

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