Erin Andrews Video Links Trick Users Into Downloading Virus

The disgusting (and illegal) voyeuristic inspiration that led to video of an unknowing Erin Andrews nude in a hotel room didn't stop users from searching for the clip. Some of those users, though, got bitten by a group of hackers who tricked thousands into downloading a virus they claimed was the video.

Taking advantage of what was a highly-searched topic over the weekend, many sites set up links advertising the video, even after ESPN, Andrews' employer, and her lawyer put forth a strong legal effort to get all traces of the real video taken offline with threats towards anyone who published it.

"Hackers are no slacks when it comes to taking advantage of a hot Internet search trend. And they have been quick to set up bogus Web pages claiming to contain the video footage of Ms. Andrews in her hotel room," Graham Cluley of the anti-virus software company Sophos told USA Today.

Last week, rumors began to build that a nude video of Andrews -- the popular sideline reporter for the sports media giant -- existed, rumors that intensified when ESPN contacted a sports blog about removing the video even though no one had positively identified the woman as Andrews. On Friday, Andrews' lawyer, Marshall B. Grossman, released a powerful statement confirming the rumors and promising action.

"While alone in the privacy of her hotel room, Erin Andrews was surreptitiously videotaped without her knowledge or consent. She was the victim of a crime and is taking action to protect herself and help ensure that others are not similarly violated in the future. Although the perpetrator or perpetrators of this criminal act have not yet been identified, when they are identified she intends to bring both civil and criminal charges against them and against anyone who has published the material. We request respect of Erin's privacy at this time, while she and her representatives are working with the authorities."

The person(s) responsible for the video and its subsequent publication has yet to be identified.

Erin Andrews

Erin Andrews of ESPN attends the ESPN the Magazine's 6th Annual Pre-Draft party at Espace on April 24, 2009 in New York City.

Jerritt Clark, Getty Images

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews reports during the Wisconsin Badgers game against the Purdue Boilermakers at the Kohl Center on January 27, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin. Purdue defeated Wisconsin 64-63.

David Stluka, Getty Images

ESPN television college basketball reporter Erin Andrews looks on during the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Connecticut Huskies at Joyce Center on January 24, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. Connecticut defeated Notre Dame 69-61.

Joe Robbins, Getty Images

TV Personality Erin Andrews watches the action from the sideline between the West Virginia University Mountaineers and the Auburn University Tigers on October 23, 2008 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia won 34-17.

Ned Dishman, Getty Images

ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews smiles on-air during the game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Miami Hurricanes at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field on November 20, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia Tech beat Miami 41-23.

Mike Zarrilli, Getty Images

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews interviews forward Marcus Landry #1 of the Wisconsin Badgers after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Kohl Center on February 14, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Ohio State 55-50.

David Stluka, Getty Images

Commentator Erin Andrews of ESPN reports from the sidelines as the University of Miami Hurricanes host the Texas A&M Aggies at the Orange Bowl on September 20, 2007 in Miami, Florida.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews looks for interviews on the field prior to the Virginia Tech Hokies against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews poses for a photo after the Wisconsin Badgers game against the Michigan State Spartans at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

David Stluka, Getty Images

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews during a game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas.

Ronald Martinez, Getty Images