Computer Virus Can Download Child Porn Onto Your Computer

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- The virus is called a Trojan Horse. It has the ability to mess up your computer and ruin your life.

"The hacker and malicious code writer can use lots of things to hide what they're doing and just use a minimal amount of your computer resources and cover their tracks," said web expert Bob Gourley.

He said people unknowingly download the virus by clicking on a link that seems otherwise legitimate like "sites that hold lyrics for music."

Gourley says once the virus takes hold, it can spend hours downloading content including child pornography. Often, co-workers or family find it and they're so outraged, they call police.

"Law enforcement is able to use very sensitive, very mature technologies to do computer forensics and see what you did, when you did and what was there on your computer," Gourley said.

Say it's not yours, and police may roll their eyes. It's what they've heard over and over again from actual pedophiles.

Gourley said pedophiles will use this virus to hide child porn on your computer so they don't get caught. He also says groups of people may be making money by selling storage space from your computer.

So what can you do? Here's some advice from Bob Gourley:

1. Download anti-spyware software

2. Maintain the most recent patches of your operating system

3. Use anti-virus software such as Symantec or McAffee

TIPS FROM MICROSOFT

Steps to help avoid viruses:

1. Use an Internet firewall.
   Note: Windows Vista and Windows XP with SP2 has a firewall already built-in and turned on by default.
2. Visit Microsoft Update to verify your settings and check for updates.
   Note: If you've installed the most recent version of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Update will also update your Office programs.
3. Subscribe to antivirus software and keep it current.
4. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.
5. Avoid opening an e-mail attachment from someone you know, unless you know exactly what the attachment is. The sender may be unaware that it contains a virus.
6. Use a standard user account unless you need to use an Administrator Account. For more information, see Why use a standard user account instead of an administrator account.

What about spyware?

Although spyware programs are different from viruses, some can behave like viruses and pose similar and other risks. To help protect against spyware, use antispyware software such as Windows Defender. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.