Sophos has released a warning about a new computer virus, W32/Liar-VB-A, that spreads through any flash or hard drives you have attached to your USB ports.  But the virus doesn’t do any damage to your computer.  Instead, the virus attempts to spread information about HIV/AIDS by installing an HTML file with information about the real life virus.  The HTML file includes a footer saying:

“This file Doesn’t make harmful change to your computer. This File is NOT DANGEROUS for your Computer and FlashDisk (USB). This File Doesn’t Disturb any Data or Files on your computer and FlashDisk (USB). So Dont be affraid (sic), and Be Happy!”

Good intentions aside, creating and spreading these computer virus is illegal.  But the thought of spreading a viral message like this has both fascinating and terrifying applications.  Computer viruses and worms could be the newest controversial (illegal) viral marketing tool employed to bring attention to political issues or commercial products. 

Like imagine if Liar-VB-A, instead of just presenting you with an HTML file, froze your computer and printed the words Vote Obama.  You would probably not want to vote for Obama now.  But you didn’t know a John McCain supporter spread the virus.

This is just a hypothetical.  For now.