The problem is that Netscape's implementation of Java did not adhere to Java Sandbox guidelines, which is basically designed to protect users from Java code.

There hasn't been a global solution yet to this problem. If hackers can shut down Yahoo!, they can shut down anything they want tomorrow.

It's a serious risk, although the threat has not manifested itself, but it's brand new.

This is not a theoretical problem.

Its transmission technique is somewhat similar to Melissa. Once launched, it downloads an executable backdoor program from one of four Web sites. That program, Win_bug6, steals passwords stored on that computer and sends them to an e-mail address in the Philippines.

We haven't seen anything out of the ordinary. We're paying attention to any sites that may go down.