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DNS Changer Malware: Is Your Computer at Risk?

By April Sperry on July 6, 2012
DNS Changer Malware: Is Your Computer at Risk?

Remember back to November of 2011, when the FBI announced that a group of European criminals had created a computer virus that would hinder users’ ability to access the Internet? Well, it’s back.

The virus is called DNS Changer, and it’s a piece of malware that’s been largely forgotten since its debut in 2011. Back in November, the FBI decided not to take down the affected servers, because it would have caused something of an Internet blackout.

Instead, the institution called upon the nonprofit Internet Systems Consortium to create temporary servers that would allow the public time to rid their machines of the malware before being transferred back to the normal servers.

These temporary servers are being taken down on Monday, July 9th. That means that if you haven’t gotten rid of the malware on your computer by this coming Monday, you’ll lose access to the Internet, which in the year 2012, is a pretty terrifying prospect.

The important part: Checking your computer for the virus and getting rid of it

Chances are, you don’t know if your computer is infected with the virus. If you haven’t been running and anti-virus program on your computer, you should really check things out...

In any case, there’s a chance that the DNS Changer has been lying dormant on your computer for nearly a year. Not to fear though. There are several *trusted* and free programs out there that will check your machine for malware and uninstall any that is found.

This Snopes.com write up about the virus contains links to programs that will check your computer for the virus. The article’s second to last paragraph contains links to the DNS Changer Working Group as well as the FBI’s site where you can check your computer for malware.

If you’re found to be infected, don’t panic. Visit this page and scroll to the bottom, where you can take your pick of free programs that will delete it off of your computer.

Put this at the top of your Weekend To Do list. Monday is right around the corner!