Allison Tom: Protecting yourself from the Anna Kournikova e-mail virus

February 13, 2001
Web posted at: 3:54 p.m. EST (2054 GMT)

CNN Moderator: Welcome to CNN.com, Allison Tom. What is this so- called Kournikova virus? Is it new?

Allison Tom: The Anna Kournikova virus is a new virus. A similar virus was actually detected back in August according to some computer security experts.

CNN Moderator: How will people know they have it? What should they look for in their e-mail messages?

Allison Tom: There are a few specifics to look for. Check the subject line of your e-mail. If it reads "here you have," or if the text in the e-mail reads "hi, check this," then it is likely the Anna Kournikova virus. There will also be an attachment in the e-mail. Do not open that attachment.

Question from chat room: Are there ways to get viruses besides downloading files or opening attachments?

Allison Tom: Viruses are most commonly spread through e-mails and attachments. It's important to always have an up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer. Most anti-virus software vendors update downloads on their site every few weeks.

Question from chat room: What does the Anna virus do anyway?

MESSAGE BOARDS Security on the Net Operating Systems   ALSO New e-mail virus preys on Anna Kournikova fans February 12, 2001 Kournikova virus slams U.S., Europe, misses Asia February 13, 2001

Allison Tom: So far, computer experts say this virus is likely to clog or overload e-mail servers and systems. It's considered a malicious virus, but it won't damage data on computers. This type of virus is known as a "worm" or VBS which stands for visual basic script.

Question from chat room: I received the attachment in e-mail this morning in my Netscape e-mail client. Will deleting the e-mail be enough to ensure I'm not infected?

Allison Tom: Deleting any e-mails with the virus is the first and most important thing to do. The next step is to update your anti-virus software to ensure that your computer is protected.

Question from chat room: Does the VBS Worm Generator make the likelihood of new viruses coming out every day a strong possibility?

Allison Tom: That's a possibility. This Kournikova virus is very similar to the "Love Bug" virus we saw last May. Computer experts say it is an old virus concept, one seen before and there could be other strains of similar ones in the future.

Question from chat room: Does Microsoft have any responsibility for these viruses, i.e., they could reset the defaults so these viruses don't auto-open when users open their e-mails, etc.?

Allison Tom: Microsoft created a patch specifically for Outlook users when the "Love Bug" virus broke out. That patch works with the new virus as well. It will scan incoming e-mails and notify users if there is a virus or e-mail containing harmful information. The patch can be downloaded on Microsoft's website at www.microsoft.com.

Question from chat room: What is the best anti-virus software on the market now?

Allison Tom: There are a number of good anti-virus software vendors on the market now. A few to check out are Trend Micro, Network Associates, F-Secure and Symantec.

CNN Moderator: Do you have any final thoughts today?

Allison Tom: Computer users should never open attachments from people they do not know or attachments they were not expecting. This is usually the most common way viruses are spread. Be mindful when going through e-mails and be sure you know what you are clicking on. Lastly, with Valentine's Day approaching there are some concerns that more viruses will be on the rise. Again, use caution and do not open attachments you are unfamiliar with or were not soliciting. And, if you do get any, delete them immediately.

CNN Moderator: Thank you for joining our discussion today, Allison Tom.

Allison Tom: My pleasure.

Check out the CNN Chat calendar
Post your opinion on our message boards

New e-mail virus preys on Anna Kournikova fans
February 12, 2001
Kournikova virus slams U.S., Europe, misses Asia
February 13, 2001

Computer Associates International
F-Secure
Trend Micro
McAfee.com
Symantec
Message Labs

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.