Why the FBI might soon cut off your Internet

istockphoto.com

Estonian hackers have infected millions of PCs across the U.S. with "malware," which could lead the FBI to take the drastic and unprecedented measure of cutting off some people's Internet access on March 8. Fortunately, there's still time to see if you're affected and take action before that deadline.

The malware (which stands for "malicious software") in question is called DNSChanger Trojan. As the name suggests, it is a program that hijacks your so-called domain name system server -- the technology that lets computers find Web addresses -- manipulating search results and controlling the sites your computer visits. It also blocks anti-virus software and Microsoft Updates.

How serious is the problem? According to tech blogger Brian Krebs, a security services firm called Internet Identity has found that half of all Fortune 500 firms and 27 out of 55 U.S. government agencies are infected with DNSChanger.

A federal taskforce has until March 8 to fire up surrogate DNS servers that bypass the trojan, a software program that looks legitimate but that can wreak havoc when activated. After that, affected computers might have to be taken offline, unless users obtain a court order to extend the date. If you have a computer infected by DNSChanger on March 8, you might find yourself booted off the Web.

Thankfully, it's easy to find out if you have the bug. Visit dns-ok-us to run a quick check to see if your computer is infected. Also go to the DNSChanger Working Group's website for more detailed testing information and for instructions on how to rid your network of the trojan.

[BizHacks Dave]

Thanks for pointing out the error in the story in such a polite and professional manner. Unfortunately, the intent of parts of my story were accidentally changed during editing. That can occasionally happen.

[suhasjs]

Hi Dave, are you actually technically challenged, and pretending to be savvy all this time, or are you today playing the fool.

The FBI has already "fired up" the surrogate DNS servers to replace the rogue DNS servers used by the Estonian gang that was outed in November.

These are due to be shutdown on 8th March.

Only those systems that are still infected by the DNSChanger Trojan/Malware will find the Internet blacked out.

If these systems are not yet cleaned up despite more that 3 months of notice, please tell me how the FBI is to be blamed.