Poll finds few affected by "I Love You" virus

Fewer than one in 15 U.S. companies suffered substantial disruption because of the "I Love You" virus, according to a new Gallup poll.

Poll-takers surveyed a representative group of 261 email users on the impact of the virus in the workplace.

Awareness of the bug ran high, with 98 percent of respondents saying they knew of the "I Love You" attack. But reports of severe problems stemming from the virus trailed far behind, with just 7 percent reporting serious workplace disruption.

Despite reports of the rapid spread of the virus, only 18 percent said they themselves received a tainted email.

Of those surveyed, 74 percent agreed that the problem of viruses will get worse. Most also said the experience of the "I Love You" virus and other high-profile bugs such as Melissa had made them more careful about using email.