How Anna Kournikova became linked to a computer virus that wreaked havoc on the internet with pictures of the Russian
The Anna Kournikova virus, also known as the "Vbs.OnTheFly" virus, was a computer virus that spread via email in February 2001. It was named after the famous Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova .
It used her name and the promise of a revealing photo to trick users into opening the email attachment. The attachment appeared to be a picture of Kournikova but was actually a malicious script that, once opened, would replicate itself and send copies to all contacts in the user's email address book.
This virus did not cause direct harm to files or systems, but it spread rapidly, clogging email servers and networks due to the massive number of emails it generated.
It was created by a Dutch programmer named Jan de Wit, who claimed he did it to demonstrate how easily people could be tricked by social engineering rather than to cause actual harm. He was later arrested and sentenced to community service.
"I never wanted to harm the people you opened the attachment. But after all: it's their own fault they got infected with the AnnaKournikova virus, OnTheFly virus or watever they call it," De Wit issued a clarification on his site.
A look into Anna Kournikova's career
Anna Kournikova was highly successful in doubles, winning two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 1999 and 2002, both with partner Martina Hingis. The pair was often referred to as the "Spice Girls of Tennis" due to their popularity and success on the court. They also won several other doubles titles and reached the World No. 1 ranking in doubles.
While she never won a singles title, Kournikova was a consistent presence in the top tier of women’s tennis. Her highest singles ranking was World No. 8, achieved in 2000. She reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 1997 at just 16 years old, which remains her best Grand Slam singles performance.
After her retirement from professional tennis in 2003 due to back and spinal injuries, the Russian remained active in the sport, frequently playing in exhibition and charity matches.