Hackers Try To Spur Epileptic Seizures

When we think of computer attacks we normally think of someone trying to gain financial information or something like that.  But a report on MSNBC's web site states that someone was just trying to play a sick mean trick.

Apparently someone hacked into the Epilepsy Foundation's web site and bombarded the forum with posts that had links - disguized as helpful links - to sites that had flashing lights and pictures.  Rapidly flashing lights or pictures can cause epileptic seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.

The report said there was no evidense that the hackers were trying to gain private information but rather playing a mean trick.  Severe migrains and near epileptic seizures were reported.

You know, I enjoy a good practical joke now and then as long as it is safe and is no harm done or financial loss.  But this type of joke is not funny.  Apparently the person or persons who launched this attack do not understand that their actions could have cause serious physical harm to their intended victims.  A sudden epileptic seizure can cause serious physical harm or death if no intervention is available.

In the wake of this attack, the Epilepsy Foundation has had to ban its members from posting links in the posts and they have to closly moniter all submissions.  How sad.  A site that is set up to be a helpful resource for people with real issues has to now restrict the flow of information to its members because some sick kid (this includes adults) does something like this.

This just emphasizes the growing lack of respect for another's well being.  Respect for others is not being taught in the home, in our churches, and in out schools.  As a result, this type of behavior is becoming increasingly more prevelent.  Many parents today don't have a concept of respect for others and the problem in compounded in their children.  Many learn their morals from the tv, tabloids, and movies instead of the Bible.  Pastors are becoming more interrested in making political statements and neglecting the weightier matters of true love for our fellow man.  It is very hard for teachers (if not impossible) to teach respect in the absence of a Moral Center or context.

This just fulfills prophecy Jesus made in Matthew 24:12, "Because iniquity (lawlessness) will abound, the Love of many will grow cold."