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Searching online for record-breaking times, performances or screensavers of your favorite Olympians seems logical -- but you'll face a significant chance of getting infected with a computer virus, spyware or other malicious software, according to Internet security company McAfee. To keep us safe, the firm has released a list of the top ten most dangerous Olympic athletes to search for. "The Olympics presents the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals who know people around the world will be searching for stats and images of their favorite athletes," said Shane Keats, Research Analyst at McAfee. "With billions of people cheering on their countries' Olympians via the Internet, hackers and other criminals attempt to penetrate their computer systems with spyware, viruses, spam and other dangerous software disguised under famous athletes." Here's who to watch out for ... and how to keep yourself safe.![Jennifer_Rodriguez]()
Speed Skating; U.S.This newsworthy Miami native came out of retirement to skate in her fourth Winter Olympics, making her a magnet for cybercriminals and malicious screen savers. Searching for her poses a one in four chance of being infected with a virus, spyware or adware. The U.S. is home to a majority of the top ten most dangerous Olympians, ahead of Japan, Russia, Italy and Germany![Sayuri_Osuga_Reuters]()
Long Track Speed Skating; JapanSayuri packs a double punch of interest for Olympic fans, for participating in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. There is a 22% chance of contracting a virus when searching for downloads of her Olympic feats.![Alexander_Smirnov]()
Figure Skating; RussiaAlexander was ranked first in the 2009-2010 Russian Championship, and ranked as the most dangerous figure skater to search. He poses an 18% chance of downloading a malicious file when searched.![Peter_Fill]()
Alpine Skating; ItalyWith Alpine Skiing as the most dangerous Olympic sport physically, it's no wonder Peter lands in the top five most dangerous Olympians. He’s an easy target for hackers posing a 17% chance of visiting a risky site.![Sasha_Cohen]()
Figure Skating; U.S.Searching for America's sweetheart figure skater will not do sweet things for your computer. If you search for Sasha Cohen downloads, you'll face a 16% risk of being spammed later or contracting a virus. And move over skiing and hockey, skating took the prize for most dangerous sport -- to search for online, since six of the top ten most dangerous athletes fall into skating categories![Gillian_Apps]()
Ice Hockey; CanadaWhen she's not winning medals on the ice, this hockey star poses a 15% chance of giving you spyware or a malicious download.![Jack_Johnson]()
Ice Hockey; U.S.A.Jack is all over the globe, having walked in the Vancouver Opening Ceremony on Friday and playing in his LA King's hockey game the next day. He's also all over the Web. His continental spread makes him a more vulnerable Internet search for curious ice hockey fans, with a 15% chance of risk.![Anni_Friesinger]()
Speed Skating; GermanyThis speed skating Olympian doubles as a model and bona fide sex symbol in Germany. When searching for her nickname, "Super Sexy Anni," users have a 14% chance of finding infected links.![Angelina_Jensen_Reuters]()
Curling; DenmarkAngelina is a world curling medalist, and also a world class threat. When users search for Angelina Jensen downloads and screensavers they have a 14% chance of uncovering a dangerous file.![Ben_Agosto]()
Figure Skating; U.S.A.As the reigning silver medalist in his sport, Ben is used to being a hot topic of interest. Cybercriminals know this too, and users have a near 14% chance of catching a virus when searching for him. How to stay safe? McAfee and others advise keeping current on your security software, of course. But beyond that, firms advise you to be particularly careful when downloading screensavers or pictures of your favorite athlete. Is the site reputable? An extra few seconds spent verifying that information could save you from an Olympic-size headache.The 10 Most Dangerous Olympians -- Online
Cybercriminals have been targeting virus towards Olympic athletes, warns Internet security company McAfee. Here, the ten most dangerous competitors to search for online.
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- The 10 Most Dangerous Olympians -- Online
