Malware can host child pornography on unsuspecting PCs
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
While most internet users are aware of the potential malware carries for computer slowdown and identity theft, many may not be aware of even more serious potential consequences of an infection: The unwitting possession of odious child pornography.
An investigation by the Associated Press reveals that many types of malware can - and have - been used to hijack the PCs of innocent users and cause them to make automated visits to child pornography websites or even host grotesque images on their hard drives. Two UK men were the first publicly known victims of this type of malware infection, having been cleared of any involvement in the trafficking of illegal images in 2003, though not before the seven-year-old daughter of one of the men made a horrifying discovery.
The virus defense to charges of child pornography possession is a complicated one, not least because it has been a common alibi for real child porn abusers for some time. Law enforcement and legal professionals must exercise care in bringing prosecutions, experts say.
At the same time, investigators told the AP that the defense hardly ever works for the real criminals, saying that incriminating emails and DVDs are almost invariably found.
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