New virus infects computers with child pornography

A new virus is spreading across the internet that infects computers with pictures of child pornography, potentially putting unsuspecting users in trouble with police.

The virus uses the same type of program that is designed to steal confidential data such as bank and credit card details, but instead is now used to install incriminating pictures.

It is suspected the virus is being used by hackers to store pictures, so in the event of a raid police would be unable to find anything on the hacker’s home hard drive. Instead, an unsuspecting user could become the target of a police investigation.

It is common for innocent people to be caught up in these investigations, which are often time-consuming and costly. In the US, government employee Michael Fiola was fired and charged with possession of child pornography. He spent $268,000 in legal fees defending his name – taking out a second mortgage in the process.

However, an investigation found his computer was infected with a virus that commanded the computer to visit up to 40 child pornography sites per minute.
“It ruined my life, my wife’s life and my family’s life,” Fiola told ZDNet.com.au.