Welsh virus writer infects 27,000

"He pretty much fits the profile of a typical virus writer - he is young, techie and preoccupied with female nudity"

A 21-year-old Welshman has pleaded guilty to infecting 27,000 PCs with three different mass-mailing computer viruses. Simon Vallor from Llandudno has been charged with offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 for his part in writing and distributing the viruses. Vallor was behind the Admirer, Gokar and Redesi viruses. While none of them gained anywhere near the same levels of notoriety as the more common viruses of 2002, the prosecution claimed Gokar did infect 27,000 machines worldwide at the start of the year. In common with other virus writers, Vallor's motivation appears to have been a misguided attempt at self-promotion. Prior to today's hearing, he wrote, somewhat melodramatically, on his website: "I'd obviously wish for a suspended sentence but I think that's asking too much. Just in case I do get sentenced, remember this: Mundis vult decipi, ergo decipaitur ('The world wants to be deceived, and so it is')." He continued: "I can't say everything has been good in this life, a few laughs, a few jokes, a few drinks and a few smokes... I have regrets but I don't regret being me." According to Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, Vallor's character displayed other traits common typical of his kind. Cluley said: "Vallor pretty much fits the profile of a typical virus writer - he is young, techie and preoccupied with female nudity." Vallor was also charged with possession of child pornography, although these charges have been dropped. He is due to be sentenced in the New Year.