Emma Watson is favourite celebrity bait for cyber criminals

Emma Watson is world's "most dangerous" celebrity to search for online as the Harry Potter star is most frequently used as bait in spam virus emails, a new study has claimed.

The study conducted by Internet security firm McAfee said today that Watson is the favourite celebrity bait for cyber criminals trying to trick internet users into downloading malicious software or to steal their personal information.

When searching for the 22-year-old, there's a one-in-eight chance of landing on a malicious site, the Daily mail reported.

This is the sixth time the Intel-owned security technology company has conducted the study, which was last year topped by Heidi Klum.

Female celebrities are far more likely to be utilised by cyber criminals: late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was the only male in the top 20.

Others among the riskiest celebrities to search online are Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes, Selena Gomez and Halle Berry.

McAfee said people using the internet should be aware of malicious content hiding in 'tiny' places like shorted URLs which can spread virally in emails, text messages or social
networking sites.

The firm has previously said that singers and sports stars are safer searches than models and movie stars.

Last year, supermodel and TV host Heidi Klum was named as the most dangerous celebrity in cyberspace.

McAfee said searching for downloads and screensavers for the Project Runway judge and former Victoria's Secret model, 39, ran at nearly a one in 10 chance of landing on a malicious
website.