Internet blackout July 9 update: Dnschanger check new Malware

Internet blackout July 9 has made many people very confused you can check Dnschanger Malware by just verifying your IP address.

DNSChanger malware is a critical virus attack in the cyber world. The entire world is anxious of the malware, which has been in action for around five years. Monday (July 9, 2012) is a crucial day for PC users, whose computers are infected with the virus. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is to shut down internet connectivity to around 4 million Windows PCs across the world on that day. Indeed, the move is part of fighting DNSChanger malware. Those computers won’t connect to the web on Monday, of course.

Internet security specialists warn that computer users should be extra cautious of their PCs affecting such viruses. It is high time people should get better protection for their PCs, laptops, tablets and even smartphones. Variety of virus attacks like the DNSChanger can destroy any computer. As per some sources, most of the DNSChanger-affected computers won’t work well after Monday. Users of the PCs may sometimes have to look for new computers to replace the infected machines. Otherwise, antivirus programs can help you clean your PCs from the malicious attack.

What is DNSChanger?
Put it simply, DNSChanger, as its name suggests, is a malicious malware attack that changes user’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings as per the wish of the hackers. The outcome of the infection is that PC users will be directed by the attackers to fraudulent sites. As per FBI officials, the hackers aim to generate revenues from online ads that are published on those sites users are automatically led to. It is found that seven hackers – six Estonians and one Russian – are behind the malware attack. DNSChanger has been there since 2007; but we are to experience its worst effect on July 9 only, experts say.

It is found that the malware is on rise. Hence, being a primary defensive step, users can clean up their systems before July 9, 2012 and thus avoid its consequences to an extent, security analysts suggest. Users can indeed make use of a variety of security programs including Microsoft Essentials for the purpose. Other third party antivirus programs from MacAfee, Kaspersky and others can also properly secure your computers from the malware attack.

If your computer is infected with the DNSChanger malware and it is not cleaned on time, you won’t be able to access internet at least on Monday or forever. Of course, you won’t be able to log on to any website. When you type the URL, your browser will show a “Page not found” notification. The situation may persist permanently. So make sure your PC is not affected with the malware.

How to check DNSChanger attack status?
It is so simple to check whether your PC is under the malware’s attack or not. FBI has developed its own tool for the purpose; you can reach at it going to http://bit.ly/FBI-checker.  Other major tools are http://www.dns-ok.us and http://bit.ly/Mcafee-checker. The last two tools are easy to use; but the first one is more authentic. In case of the last two tools, you just have to access the sites, which will atomically track your IP address and will tell you whether your PC is under attack or not.

Conclusion

The DNSChanger malware attack reveals the importance of keeping personal computers secure. PC users should provide better care to their computers using top security programs. Otherwise, malicious virus attacks will often affect the computers and your data, time and money will be stolen. Well, thanks to the smart efforts from FBI and its Operation Ghost Click program, many computers are protected from the malware attack across the world. Still, around 4 million PCs including around 63,000 PCs in the U.S are susceptible to the virus.

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Posted by admin on July 9, 2012. Filed under Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry