Hackers exploited computers belonging to Stanford University to bring down some of the Internet's most heavily used websites last week, according to news reports--and Harvard computer experts say the University could also be vulnerable to similar attacks.

Despite news reports that insinuated Stanford computers were central to last week's attacks, which brought down popular sites like eBay.com, Amazon.com and Yahoo!, Stanford computer security officers say the university's involvement was minimal.

"Basically, what happened was that a small Stanford network was used as an amplifier on the attack against eBay only," said David J. Brumley, assistant computer security officer for Stanford University. "It was used for about 15 minutes only and then we shut it down."

Harvard computer officials acknowledge universities are particularly susceptible to such attacks.

Franklin M. Steen, director of Faculty of Arts and Sciences computer services, said he is aware of the possibility of attack on Harvard's computer systems.

"People have tried this here, too," he said. "They might succeed and they might not. Unfortunately, this is part of everyday life. People are persistent."

The challenge is not new, Steen said. While last week's incident has received news coverage because the attack was aimed at well-known sites, hackers have tried to use Harvard's systems to mount similar attacks in the past.

"We've been battling it for months," Steen said.