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Innocent bystanders framed for child porn — by a PC virus
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Anonymous | 11:23 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Wow!, another good reason to stay away from pornography in ALL it's forms.
Dismiss as evidence. | 4:23 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
For this reason what is on a pc should not be allowed as evidence because anyone
can put it there, even law enforcement. Hackers and PC's are not reliable
as fact and all of this evidence is questionable, especially if that is their
only evidence.
There are millions of cases to prove PC information is not reliable or factual. Why else is billions of dollars spent by government and corporate americas businesses to prevent viruses? And they still get through the anti virus programs. No computer is immune to viruses and a virus can do anything the programmer desires.
Therefore I say it is a very good defense and prosecutors are over zealous and know to counter this is near impossible by the layman computer users. Convictions are a feather in the cap of prosecutors by any means to get it, even to ignore real evidence.
There are millions of cases to prove PC information is not reliable or factual. Why else is billions of dollars spent by government and corporate americas businesses to prevent viruses? And they still get through the anti virus programs. No computer is immune to viruses and a virus can do anything the programmer desires.
Therefore I say it is a very good defense and prosecutors are over zealous and know to counter this is near impossible by the layman computer users. Convictions are a feather in the cap of prosecutors by any means to get it, even to ignore real evidence.
Comments continue below
who should be blamed? | 5:59 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I think the people who provide the pornography, should be prosecuted, not just
those who end up with it on their computers.
@ Anonymous | 6:13 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
You apparently did not read the article fully - there is NO CONNECTION between
the sites visited and the stuff found on the computers. Many of those who have
been framed by the viruses have not visited ANY sites related to ANY type of
pornography.
Viruses can get on computers from things that are very innocent appearing - which is why they are such a problem.
Viruses can get on computers from things that are very innocent appearing - which is why they are such a problem.
But | 7:54 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
In the cases cited in the article, the virus was FOUND and was FOUND to be
responsible. This is not a case of something mysteriously and magically
appearing - the cause can be found.
A pedophile claiming his innocence because of some virus is able to be disproved because the virus is not there!!!!
A pedophile claiming his innocence because of some virus is able to be disproved because the virus is not there!!!!
so does this mean | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
the state of utah still leads the nation in porn..and the county which is san
juan(Leads utah)claims viruses also?
Anonymous | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
@7:54
What about those viruses that use networked machines to store things, or even infect them? While a virus on the machine can prove innocence, that doesn't mean they're guilty if nothing is found.
What about those viruses that use networked machines to store things, or even infect them? While a virus on the machine can prove innocence, that doesn't mean they're guilty if nothing is found.
Um.. | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
@Dismiss as evidence
You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones.
@But
A pedophile claiming his innocence because of some virus is able to be disproved because the virus is not there!!!!
Actually a virus is able to delete itself. If the section of memory where it was stored was formatted, the only way to recover data if anything had been there is through really expensive recovery processes with specialized equipment.
You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones.
@But
A pedophile claiming his innocence because of some virus is able to be disproved because the virus is not there!!!!
Actually a virus is able to delete itself. If the section of memory where it was stored was formatted, the only way to recover data if anything had been there is through really expensive recovery processes with specialized equipment.
Anonymous | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Any way you look at it, a married guy looking at PORN has "SEXUAL HEALTH
RELATIONSHIP" Issues. He either can't communicate needs to his wife,
has a wife who is inconsiderate of his needs, or he is inconsiderate of her
needs as well. Porn is a SUBSTITUTE for "Fantasy Role Playing". This
is sad. SEXES GREATEST ASSET is THE MIND! The key to a great sex life is a great
mind, immagination, role playing, fantasy, acting out together as a couple, and
being WILLING to comprimise with one another. If all this is done in a healthy
relationship, then the use of "PORN" by one of the spouses can vanish.
Think about it, the use of porn is a form of adultery. While
"Role-Playing" with your spouse is participating with your spouse.
Neither has to be someone else, just be you in different entities, or roles.
This is very simple, can be elaborate, and can definatley enhance your love
life, and your "Play" time as a couple. Don't be stupid,
especially if you love your spouse, talk with them, and fix the problem! Before
something like this happens to you. I am sure it cost him thousands!
Things are changing | 10:59 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I get viruses all the time on my computer. If I start getting child porn, and
many other people too, then the fact that there is child porn on a computer
could no longer be used as evidence against a person.
@ Um.. | 11:03 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
"@Dismiss as evidence
You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones."
If a computer is not plugged in and is not being utilized, is it a computer - or a paper weight?
You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones."
If a computer is not plugged in and is not being utilized, is it a computer - or a paper weight?
John Pack Lambert | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Everybody is blowing this out of proportion.
Be Careful | 12:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
This is one of the reasons that I don't download "free" games,
bootleg software, porn or any other questionable material. Viruses are rampant
on all of those sites!
Use a good virus scan program, and just don't visit questionable sites or download questionable materials. Even with those precautions, you are not 100% safe - so be vigilant, and check out any unusual behavior or files on your PC.
Use a good virus scan program, and just don't visit questionable sites or download questionable materials. Even with those precautions, you are not 100% safe - so be vigilant, and check out any unusual behavior or files on your PC.
Anonymous | 12:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I teach at a public college in another state. I was having problems with my
office computer. The tech person found a lot of bookmarked porn sites on it,
even though it had been cleaned off and debugged only three weeks earlier
because it had been so sluggish. I immediately reported the problem myself
before the tech person could.
We had part-time custodial staff cleaning the offices at night. Who knows?
Several other professors came forward and said that they had also noticed strange things going on with their computers--including bookmarked porn sites that they had never visited. One even got in the habit of turning off the sound every night and noting it on his calendar when he did so that nhe didn't have to worry about whether he was having a memory problem. It was always on when he came in in the morning. He had specific evidence that someone was tampering with his computer in the evenings. Fortunately, our supervisor/dean believed us.
I hasste to think what could have happened otherwise.
We had part-time custodial staff cleaning the offices at night. Who knows?
Several other professors came forward and said that they had also noticed strange things going on with their computers--including bookmarked porn sites that they had never visited. One even got in the habit of turning off the sound every night and noting it on his calendar when he did so that nhe didn't have to worry about whether he was having a memory problem. It was always on when he came in in the morning. He had specific evidence that someone was tampering with his computer in the evenings. Fortunately, our supervisor/dean believed us.
I hasste to think what could have happened otherwise.
Computers can be evidence | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Re: Dismiss as evidence
"For this reason what is on a pc should not be allowed as evidence because anyone can put it there, even law enforcement."
That is false and computer forensics is far more complicated than you make it out to be. Let's use this example to prove my point. You download files on January 6, 2009 and then delete it on February 24, 2009. An examination of that computer can find the files you deleted including the date and time you deleted it. We just need people who know what they are doing doing the examination and not some wannabe computer nerd
"And they still get through the anti virus programs. No computer is immune to viruses and a virus can do anything the programmer desires."
That's true but someone of that skill level should be doing the examination for the prosecution and the right thing to do is for the state to hire computer forensic specialists who can investigate computer crimes for county prosecutors who are underfunded.
We should still use computers as evidence but only after a through examination by someone who is qualified to do so.
"For this reason what is on a pc should not be allowed as evidence because anyone can put it there, even law enforcement."
That is false and computer forensics is far more complicated than you make it out to be. Let's use this example to prove my point. You download files on January 6, 2009 and then delete it on February 24, 2009. An examination of that computer can find the files you deleted including the date and time you deleted it. We just need people who know what they are doing doing the examination and not some wannabe computer nerd
"And they still get through the anti virus programs. No computer is immune to viruses and a virus can do anything the programmer desires."
That's true but someone of that skill level should be doing the examination for the prosecution and the right thing to do is for the state to hire computer forensic specialists who can investigate computer crimes for county prosecutors who are underfunded.
We should still use computers as evidence but only after a through examination by someone who is qualified to do so.
Jim | 1:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
My friend got divorced because pop-up ads for adult porn started showing up on
his family's PC. His wife insisted that it was proof that he was going to
porn websites. He said he had never done so. She told her family and bishop and
anyone that would listen about what a terrible person he was. He was kicked out
and slept on my couch for a few weeks. It took months for his wife to understand
(and believe) that things like this can happen from a virus or worm. He promised
me that he had never gone to any bad websites. When his wife finally said she
was sorry, he was unable to return to normal life because she had been totally
trashing him to their kids and neighbors. If something like this happens, learn
first, don't assume you know. His family life is now over, but he has to
pay child support and alimony and live in a crappy apartment.
Unplugged computers have viruses | 1:28 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Re: Um..
"You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones."
Viruses can be installed at the factory or prior to purchase either intentionally or unintentionally so your brand new computer can come loaded with a virus even if it has not been plugged in.
Search for the AP article "Your next gadget may come with a pre-installed virus" for more information.
"Actually a virus is able to delete itself. If the section of memory where it was stored was formatted, the only way to recover data if anything had been there is through really expensive recovery processes with specialized equipment."
You are right a virus can be self removing which means a computer can become infected and the virus can download child porn and then remove itself while leaving the porn so you have to know what you are looking for. This is why states should hire computer forensic examiners prior to prosecuting someone for having child porn on their computers. States can afford this but a defense attorney and his clients aren't likely to be able to afford proving their innocence.
"You are incorrect. There are computers that are immune to viruses ... Unplugged ones."
Viruses can be installed at the factory or prior to purchase either intentionally or unintentionally so your brand new computer can come loaded with a virus even if it has not been plugged in.
Search for the AP article "Your next gadget may come with a pre-installed virus" for more information.
"Actually a virus is able to delete itself. If the section of memory where it was stored was formatted, the only way to recover data if anything had been there is through really expensive recovery processes with specialized equipment."
You are right a virus can be self removing which means a computer can become infected and the virus can download child porn and then remove itself while leaving the porn so you have to know what you are looking for. This is why states should hire computer forensic examiners prior to prosecuting someone for having child porn on their computers. States can afford this but a defense attorney and his clients aren't likely to be able to afford proving their innocence.
Let's hope you are lucky | 1:35 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
John Pack Lambert | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
"Everybody is blowing this out of proportion."
I don't think so. People are going to prison for things they didn't do because states refuse to do the right thing and hire skilled computer forensics examiners prior to prosecuting someone. A jury of laypersons isn't likely to understand that someone may be telling the truth when they claim that their computer was infected with a virus and that is how their computer had child porn on it since they are likely to believe that the prosecution has given such claims due diligence prior to prosecuting and are telling the truth.
It is human nature to believe that someone in a position of authority is telling the truth and has no reason to lie, dissemble or stretch the evidence to prove something that isn't necessary true such as DNA evidence being used to positively prove someone guilty when in reality it doesn't do so.
It is never a big deal until it happens to you then it is no longer a small matter but a life changing event. Let's hope you are lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Everybody is blowing this out of proportion."
I don't think so. People are going to prison for things they didn't do because states refuse to do the right thing and hire skilled computer forensics examiners prior to prosecuting someone. A jury of laypersons isn't likely to understand that someone may be telling the truth when they claim that their computer was infected with a virus and that is how their computer had child porn on it since they are likely to believe that the prosecution has given such claims due diligence prior to prosecuting and are telling the truth.
It is human nature to believe that someone in a position of authority is telling the truth and has no reason to lie, dissemble or stretch the evidence to prove something that isn't necessary true such as DNA evidence being used to positively prove someone guilty when in reality it doesn't do so.
It is never a big deal until it happens to you then it is no longer a small matter but a life changing event. Let's hope you are lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lesson Learned (in time) | 2:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
If ever I am on a jury, I will not accept as evidence that this stuff being on a
computer is reason enough to convict. The prosecutor would have to show a video
tape or something like that of the person downloading the stuff on purpose.
Actually this has always been a good idea. In my household, there are many people and even neighboor kids who use our computers.
Heaven forbid someone else, (virus included) puts this stuff on my computer and I get into trouble for it. I wouldn't want that to happen to myself, and now that I know better, If ever I am on a jury for this type of thing, I will not allow it to happen to anyone else either.
Actually this has always been a good idea. In my household, there are many people and even neighboor kids who use our computers.
Heaven forbid someone else, (virus included) puts this stuff on my computer and I get into trouble for it. I wouldn't want that to happen to myself, and now that I know better, If ever I am on a jury for this type of thing, I will not allow it to happen to anyone else either.
THEeyepatch | 7:04 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Maybe a mandatory minimum for hackers, say 15 years in a MAXIMUM SECURITY
PRISON.
Anonymous | 2:37 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
It'd be nice if they'd have told us where to search for things like
this on our computers. I have virus scans and I never use file-sharing programs
anymore, but you never know what kind of website or file will have a virus. You
can check the regular folders for unwanted material, but what if it's
stored somewhere hidden?
A little more information about putting a stop to something like this, and less personal stories included would have been appreciated.
A little more information about putting a stop to something like this, and less personal stories included would have been appreciated.
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Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
In this July 2, 2009 photo, Nathaniel "Ned" Solon talks on the phone-intercom at the Logan County Detention Center in Sterling, Colo. Solon admits he used the program to download video games and adult porn but not child porn. So what could explain that material?
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Unfortunately, our friend, who has two handicapped kids and a wife with health problems, is now unemployable, especially in the field in which he is trained and has a master's degree. Sad all around.