Report: New Viruses Hide CP on Computers

LOS ANGELES — A new virus is cutting a swath around the Internet, leaving child porn in its wake.

But it doesn’t work exactly like a traditional virus. This time, viruses are simply a beachhead for even more malicious actions taken by hackers or child-porn collectors and purveyors. Anyone with the computer know-how could use a virus-infected computer as a remote hard drive to store all their illegal content.

Rhode Island residents Michael and Robin Fiola caught both barrels of this illegal activity, and they’re still fighting with the state authorities to clear their names

The AP revealed this new kind of virus after an extensive investigation, in which it was revealed that actual pedophiles use the “virus” defense in their own cases.

"It's an example of the old 'dog ate my homework' excuse," said Phil Malone, director of the Cyberlaw Clinic. "The problem is, sometimes the dog does eat your homework."

In the Fiola’s case, Michael Fiola’s employers discovered that he had four time the normal amount of data stored on his work computer. They discovered child porn and fired him. Since then, the Fiolas have spent more than $250,000 trying to clear their names.

But how can respectable citizens protect themselves from these kinds of attacks? It’s not easy, according to says Jeremiah Grossman, founder of WhiteHat Security Inc.

"Computers are not to be trusted," he said.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

JuicyAds Launches Summer Advertiser/Publisher Promo

JuicyAds has launched a summer promotion for advertisers and publishers.

FSC to Honor Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Leadership

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) will honor board chair Jeffrey Douglas for his 30 years of service to the industry at an event on June 27.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for April, May

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in April and May.

French Court Suspends Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

The Paris Administrative Court has suspended enforcement of age verification regulations for sites based in other European Union member nations, pending a final judgment on whether France’s AV rules align with EU standards.

UK Parliament Weighs Proposals Targeting Adult Content

The U.K. Parliament this week debated proposed amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, including clauses criminalizing “choking” content — and potentially outlawing paying for sex acts in cam performances and custom clips.

Rights Groups File Amicus Brief Supporting Backpage Defendants

Woodhull Freedom Foundation has joined Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Reason Foundation, and Electronic Frontier Foundation in filing an amicus brief in support of an appeal by the former operators of Backpage.com.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Ban on Choking in Online Adult Content

British lawmaker Jessica Asato stated in an interview aired on Sunday that she plans to ask Parliament to outlaw online adult content featuring the act of choking.

Feet4Cash Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Feet4Cash has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Report: VPN Usage Surges in France After Aylo Restricts Access to Pornhub

France has experienced a surge in virtual private network (VPN) signups after Aylo, which operates Pornhub, Redtube and YouPorn, cut off access to those sites in the country in the wake of new age verification regulations, business news site MENAFN is reporting.

New Creator Directory 'TrustyFans' Launches

TrustyFans, a newly launched directory designed to help fans discover their favorite creators, is now live.

Show More