NSW: Kournikova virus sweeps Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2001
NSW: Kournikova virus sweeps Australia

A computer virus that tricks e-mail recipients into thinking they're about to view
a picture of glamour tennis player ANNA KOURNIKOVA has today swept through Australia.

E-mail servers across the US and Europe have also been hit, with experts predicting
the virus could affect hundreds of thousands of Australian users by the end of the day.

KENNY LIAO, the managing director of international anti-virus research company Trend
Micro, says the virus was first reported in Australia about 8.30am (AEDT) today and had
affected at least 15 corporations and 50,000 Australian computer users within hours.

The virus has slowed down e-mail systems dramatically and threatens to spread as rapidly
as last May's devastating I Love You virus, which caused tens of millions of dollars damage
worldwide.

Mr LIAO says the virus doesn't permanently damage computers, but many local companies
will be forced to shut down e-mail for a complete clean of the system.

Anti-virus company, Network Associates spokesman ALLAN BELL says if opened, the Kournikova
virus sends an e-mail to everyone in the address book, overloading the mail server.

AAP RTV jo/km/nf/jn

KEYWORD: US VIRUS AUST (SYDNEY)

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