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The judge must have really been torn over the sentencing. On the one hand a scapegoat is needed to prove that the authorities still have control over the situation and we need to set an example to other virus writers. On the other hand, Jeffrey was such a pathetic catch that any self respecting phisherman would throw him back. Sadly, when I say "pathetic" I mean from a technical point of view -- Jeffrey isn't really a virus writer, he made some modifications to an existing virus, and I would guess that he got help with that much. Jeffrey isn't all that bright, and thus he was easy to catch. Despite his physical stature, Jeffrey is not one of the "Mr Bigs" of the virus world.
Yet for the media he is the perfect fall guy, he is the quintessential sociopath computer geek (if only he would pose with glasses on!) and he represents the media projection of computer nerds everywhere. The mugs who read the newspapers can feel secure and superior because, while the odd computer virus may be a nuisance, we all know that harmless, misguided nuts like Jeffrey are behind it all and we all know that we can beat guys like that, they are no threat. Right?
Wrong!
The virus plague is NOT originating from social outcasts working in isolation in a back room. Getting onto a computer network is NOT isolation, it is the opposite of isolation. Being on a computer network is being in contact with millions of people all at once, and you can choose which of those people you wish to communicate with.
Virus writers are well organised, well connected and well paid for their work (the good ones are at any rate). Where does the money come from? Well spam pays for a start, then there are various types of fraud and banking scams that also pay. Let's not forget borrowed credit card numbers and good old espionage. Remember that virus infested machines are tools. Tools that, in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, can be used to provide a fully anonymous and private channel of communication to anyone at all. They are also tools that can be used to extract information from inside other people's networks. Useful information. Valuable information. Information that can be traded, sold, bought, collected and assembled.
Let me put this in simple terms: if seeing Jeffrey Lee Parson getting put behind bars makes you feel a little bit safer then you are as dopey as he is.
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