A computer virus named after Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova has invaded Korea after victimizing Internet users in many other parts of the world. The virus is named after the teenage tennis sensation who makes headlines regardless of whether she wins.
Officials said that the virus came to Korea after wreaking havoc in North America and Europe. The Kournikova virus is a variation of VBSWG.J, which is spread by e-mail. The virus has a title, ¡°Here you have,¡± and a message, ¡°Hi, Check this.¡± Internet users typically open the file assuming that it contains of a photo of the tennis star, immediately infecting their computers. The bug destroys all data on the infected computer and sends the virus to all addresses listed in the victim`s Outlook Express e-mail file. In some cases, it causes overloading in mail servers and knocks them offline.
Those with computer problems thought to be caused by the virus can get help from the anti-hacking support center at the Korea Information Security Agency (Tel: 118, www.cyber118.or.kr).