Search directories slowed by new virus

Google, Yahoo, AltaVista and other Internet search engines were briefly hampered on Monday by a new variant of the MyDoom virus

The computer virus was quickly detected and affected companies appear to have gotten a handle on the problem, although intermittent user delays were reported.

"The Google search engine experienced slowness for a short period of time early today because of the MyDoom virus, which flooded major search engines with automated searches," company spokesman Steve Langdon said.

"A small percentage of our users and networks were affected a longer period of time. At no time was the Google site seriously impaired," he added. "Service is expected to be restored shortly."

A spokeswoman for Yahoo (YHOO: news, chart, profile) said the virus briefly affected its search engine. But because of ongoing surveillance of the site, the company was able to quickly restore service, she added.

According to Keynote Systems, which measures Internet speeds and traffic, the problem was first detected at 7 a.m. Pacific time. McAfee, the software-security firm, rated the virus as a "medium" risk and offered a tool to subscribers and nonsubscribers alike for detecting the bug.

The virus is distributed via e-mail and can carry the name of co-workers. It may also ask users to download a program to "fix" the problem -- infecting users' computers in the process.

The latest virus is an offshoot of the MyDoom bug that made the rounds earlier this year. That attack was one of the most damaging to hit the computer industry in years.