Sharapova, Serena Williams used to spread malware

Hackers offer hoax links to tennis player information

Hackers are praying on surfers searching the web for news about how top tennis players are performing at Wimbeldon, in a bid to spread malware to steal sensitive personel data, says McAfee.

According to the security firm, female tennis stars are more likely to be used as bait than their male counterparts, with hackers offering hoax links to news stories about the players.

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However, instead of keeping up-to-date on the latest news, web users navigating to these sites will be encouraged to download malicious software such as key loggers which will harvest logins and passwords to be used in ID theft.

McAfee also said that Amelie Mauresmo topped the list of female tennis players whose name was most likely to used in connection with online scams. She was closely followed by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

"The rule of thumb for web users should be to not only visit more regular and reputable sites when looking for the latest state of play at Wimbledon, but also to use the tools available that enable a safer surfing experience," saidGreg Day, security analyst at McAfee.

"Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to grab users attention, so a high profile sporting event with heavy British interest, such as Wimbledon, offers them the ideal platform to capture the interest of consumers and ultimately persuade them to click on links that could be more dangerous than Federer's serve."

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