New PC Virus Delivers Illicit Child Photos as Payload

One of the most malicious computer viruses ever created has been launched against unsuspecting users. Rather than jeopardize the financial well being of an individual, however, this new form of malware looks to ruin reputations by suggesting that innocent people are pedophiles.

In this twisted practice, hackers are now unloading dozens of prohibited photographs into computers worldwide.

Virus Payload Not Random Acts of Chaos

The motivation for doing something so sinister is baffling, to say the least. While many would believe that hackers are engaging in this practice for the purpose of framing an individual or to cause random acts of chaos, the situation is likely much more disturbing.

According to some analysts, the hackers are the actual pedophiles. Rather than risking getting caught by the authorities or tarnishing their own reputations, these people are stashing their illicit photos on unsuspecting "dummy" computers. There, hackers can view their material without fear of being caught. If the police do apprehend the owner of a "dummy" computer, the hacker can simply move their 'loot' to the next victim's computer. (Source: yahoo.com)

$250,000 in Legal Fees to Clear Name

In one unfortunate case, Michael Fiola was given a state-issued laptop in his place of employment. It was later revealed that when Fiola and his wife went out for dinner one night, someone logged onto the computer and flooded it with pictures of illegal photos. The material was found by a technician at work.

Since then, Fiola has been subject to death threats, slashed tires and social exclusion. He was able to endure the $250,000 legal fees by liquidating his savings, taking out a second mortgage and selling his car. (Source: chron.com)

Eventually the charges were dropped, 11 months later, after a series of tests confirmed that the laptop was severely infected with viruses.

While the result was a happy ending for Michael Fiola, law enforcement officials have shown concern over the fact that the court ruling will set up an unwanted precedence for future (actual) pedophiles brought before the court. Police are expected to treat all future claims with skepticism, until it can be proven otherwise.