News
New “Anna Kournikova” Virus Hits Net
- By Scott Bekker
- February 12, 2001
Major virus advisory companies, including
Sophos Anti-Virus and
Shym Technology, warned Internet users today to
be careful of a new worm that is spreading across the Internet. The virus
purports to be a picture of tennis star Anna Kournikova.
The worm, known as VBS/SST-A, arrives in an e-mail message
with the subject line “Here you have, ;0)” and an attached VBScript file called
AnnaKournikova.jpg.vbs.
When launched, the file sends itself to all addresses in the
user’s Microsoft Outlook address book.
“This virus is the latest to exploit psychology to aid its
spread amongst gullible users,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology
consultant for Sophos Anti-Virus. “Our message to computer users is simple –
think with your brain, not with your groin.”
Sophos Anti-Virus has issued an update which protects
against VBS/SST-A. It is available at the company’s Web site. – Isaac Slepner
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.