For the past few weeks, since becoming a ThreeVillagePatch subscriber, I've been trying to decide the subject of my first blog. What do the people of long island want to read about with regard to today's computer world? With the imminent threat of the DNS Changer infection expecting to prevent internet access on Monday, July 9, 2012, I finally decided to inform the public.
What is the DNS Changer Malware?
On November 8, 2011, the FBI arrested several cyber criminals in “Operation Ghost Click”. The criminals operated under the company name “Rove Digital”, and distributed DNS changing viruses; TDSS, Alureon, TidServ and TDL4.
In laymans terms, by changing a computer's DNS (domain name system), which is it's means to locate the website you are looking for, the virus' altered user DNS settings, pointing them to malicious DNS in data centers in Estonia, New York, and Chicago. The malicious DNS servers, in turn, provide fake, malicious answers, altering user searches, and promoting dangerous products. Because every web search starts with DNS, the malware diected unsuspecting users an altered version of the Internet.
Under a court order, expiring July 9, 2012, the Internet Systems Consortium is operating replacement DNS servers for the Rove Digital network. This will allow affected networks time to identify infected hosts, and avoid sudden disruption of services to victim machines.
How do I know if my computer has been altered?
The easiest test is to click on the following link:
If your computer is ok, you will see the following:
(green image)
If your computer has been infected, you will see the following:
(red image)
My Computer is Infected, What should I do?
Please read the information found on this site:
There are several procedures to choose from if you are a do-it-yourself type.
If you would like me to assist you, please contact me.
I will make myself available to the community.
Thank you for your time.
Mike Voigt - ComputerGuyNextDoor.com
mike@ComputerGuyNextDoor.com
(631)320-8838
