Truth About Computer Security Hysteria

Kournikova virus (2001)

A Kournikova virus generated worldwide media hysteria when it surfaced on 12 February 2001. One day later, the media abandoned its hysteria and began covering the "human aspect story" contained in the virus author's press release.

Some antivirus products needed no update because they could detect Kournikova generically. Other antivirus products failed to protect users until they obtained a software patch. Vmyths.com explained last year how to automatically detect this brand-new virus. Just read this page and replace every occurence of ILoveYou with Kournikova. It's that simple. We hate to say "we told you so," but, uh... we told you so.

Vmyths.com labels Kournikova as the first media event to include realtime virus data. No other press coverage in the last 15 years included such data.

See the related links for more information.

Last updated: 2001/2/25