2014 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

July 15, 2014: Superman Fans Most Susceptible to Computer Viruses

Toxic Superheroes Internet security software company McAfee has published their list of the "Top 10 Most Toxic Superheroes", which reveals that fans searching for Superman content on the internet have a greater chance of reaching a bad link, coming across "malicious software designed to steal passwords and personal information" or visiting a "website that has tested positive for online threats such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses or other malware".

    We've entered a new age of superheroes. No longer are they just pictures in a comic book. They are now accessible on computers, game console devices, and mobile devices. Superheroes like Captain America, Thor, and Spider-man star on the silver screen. The Green Arrow and The Flash have their own television shows. Videos like Batkid and the Spider-man dad went viral on YouTube (and consequently, melted our hearts).

    This is great news to comic publishers like Marvel and DC Comics. Unfortunately, it's also good news to hackers and scammers too. Cybercriminals know that search engines (like Google, Yahoo! and Bing) can also be used for criminal means. Therefore, they use popular search terms to draw victims in like celebrity gossip, holidays, viral hits, and... you guessed it... superheroes.

    McAfee just released a study on the Most Toxic Superheroes that analyzed what superhero search led to the most risky websites using McAfee® SiteAdvisor® site ratings. And the Man of Steel topped the list. The study determined that searching "Superman," "Superman and free torrent download," "Superman and watch," "Superman and free app," and "Superman and online," yields a 16.5% chance of landing on a website that has tested positive for online threats, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware.

So, I guess the message is clear. Don't go searching for Superman content... just come straight here to this website instead!

Source: McAfee.com



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