Junior School Student Charged For Infecting Computers With ‘Test of Skill’ Virus

A 15-year-old junior high school student from Saitama Prefecture has been charged with creating and distributing a computer virus.

The Fukui Police Station and the Cyber Crime Division of the Fukui Prefectural Police forwarded the case to the prosecutor’s office on November 26, 2024.

The young suspect, who was 14 at the time of the offense, is accused of violating the Unauthorized Access Prevention Act and faces charges related to providing and storing unauthorized electromagnetic records of instructions.

The analysts at Fukuishimbun and authorities observed that the case has drawn attention to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the potential for minors to engage in such activities.

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Cyber Attack

According to the police investigation, the suspect’s actions unfolded in two main incidents:

1. On April 1, 2024, the junior high school student allegedly downloaded malware onto a computer belonging to a teenager in Fukui Prefecture. This victim was reportedly someone with whom the suspect had online connections.
2. On October 11, 2024, the suspect is accused of storing another piece of malware on his own computer, further demonstrating his involvement in creating and handling malicious software.

The malware infection allowed the suspect to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Investigators found that the teenager had stored the web service IDs and passwords of the Fukui Prefecture victim on his own computer, highlighting the potential for identity theft and privacy breaches.

When questioned about his motives, the young suspect reportedly told authorities, “I learned (how to create computer viruses) on my own, and I wanted to test my skills.”

This statement reveals a troubling trend of tech-savvy youth exploring the darker aspects of technology without fully comprehending the legal and ethical implications of their actions.

The case came to light after the victim’s personal information, including name and address, was posted on a social networking site.

This led to a consultation with the prefectural police in April, ultimately resulting in the investigation and subsequent charges.

This incident raises several important issues:-

• The increasing accessibility of hacking knowledge and tools to minors
• The need for better cybersecurity education in schools
• The challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with underage cyber offenders
• The potential long-term consequences for young individuals involved in cybercrime

As digital technologies continue to evolve, it becomes crucial for parents, educators, and authorities to work together in guiding young people towards responsible and ethical use of technology.

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