McAfee reveals the most dangerous internet search keywords

Antivirus software and computer security company, McAfee, has released a list of the most dangerous internet search keywords which are most likely to expose internet users to the danger of downloading unwanted or malicious software.

In its research report, ''The Web's most dangerous search terms'' researchers at McAfee studied over 2,600 popular keywords, which were the most popular search terms of 2008, to determine the degree of risk involved in them.

The research revealed that cyber criminals/internet hackers/attackers often use popular terms or keywords as a bait to lure web users, designing websites based on these keywords. When unsuspecting web users visit these sites, they end up downloading malicious programme files, and also revealing personal and financial data.

According to McAfee, the danger is doubly enhanced as the most dangerous internet search keywords are often search terms associated with free items, such as music, screensavers, wallpapers as well as names of popular celebrities.

The search terms include keywords associated with finding work from home or making money online.

The report makes the surprising revelation that screensavers are one of the most dangerous internet search terms with six out of the top 10 search results for 'screensavers' containing malware.

Keywords such as ''Viagra'' are risky search terms as well and may be too hot for users PC to handle.         

The McAfee report reveals the ten most dangerous internet search keywords in India.

•    Waptrick

•    Katrina Kaif

•    Orkut

•    Yahoomail

•    Shahid Kapur

•    Rediffmail

•    How to earn money

•    Namitha

•    Shimla

•    Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

 ''Waptrick,'' the website offering free downloads of music, ring tones, wall paper, animations and logos for mobile phones, is the most risky search term in India. Amongst celebrities, Katrina Kaif, a stunning beauty though she may be, is also too hot to handle on the Web. She is the second most dangerous search term with a risk percentage of 28.6.    

The report also reveals the ten most dangerous web searches in the United States. These include:

•    Word Unscrambler

•    Lyrics

•    MySpace

•    Free Music Downloads

•    Phelps, Weber-Gale, Jones and Lezak Wins 4x 100m Relay

•    Free Music

•    Game Cheats

•    Printable Fill in Puzzles

•    Free Ringtones

•    Solitaire