Internet Access Ends Monday: For DNSChanger-Infected Computers

"Malware may knock thousands off Internet on Monday"
Associated Press, via FoxNews.com (July 5, 2012)

"The warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google. Internet service providers have sent notices, and the FBI set up a special website.

"But tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago...."

Not everyone is online as much as the Lemming: or wants to be. Since it's possible that you didn't hear about DNSChanger, and why it's a serious problem, the Lemming assembled this link list:

• "DCWG"
  (www.dcwg.org)
  DNS Changer Working Group
  • Created to help deal with Rove Digital's malicious DNS servers
  • Helps monitor DNS servers run by ISC
    • Under court order
• "Notifying DNSChanger Victims"
  Facebook Security (June 4, 2012)
• "Notifying users affected by the DNSChanger malware"
  Google Online Security Blog (May 22, 2012)
• "FBI - Check to See if Your Computer is Using Rogue DNS"
  (forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS)
  • "The FBI is seeking information from individuals, corporate entities, and Internet Services Providers who believe that they have been victimized by malicious software (“malware”) related to the defendants"
  (June 8, 2012)

The Lemming also offered free advice, which may be worth every cent:

• No foreign ruler wants you to transfer his wealth through your bank account
• The inheritance from a rich relative you don't know about
  • Doesn't exist
    • Neither does the rich relative
• "Free" usually isn't
• You won't make millions by stuffing envelopes
• If you wouldn't do it in your neighborhood, don't do it online
  • Cyberspace is real, too
  (June 8, 2012)

Bear in mind that the Lemming's not an online security 'expert.' Do your own research: and use your brain.

Alerts, Infections, and Maybe 64,000 Computers in America

"...Despite repeated alerts, the number of computers that probably are infected is more than 277,000 worldwide, down from about 360,000 in April. Of those still infected, the FBI believes that about 64,000 are in the United States.

"Users whose computers are still infected Monday will lose their ability to go online, and they will have to call their service providers for help deleting the malware and reconnecting to the Internet...."
(Associated Press)

Going from 360,000 to 277,000 infected computers, globally, meant getting the attention of computer users - for almost one of every four DNSChanger-infested units. That's not doing too badly, in the Lemming's opinion. Folks who use computers and go online aren't necessarily tech-savvy enough to know why good security is a good idea.

As it is, it looks like 64,000 folks in the Lemming's home country will be in for a surprise. You probably don't want to be one of them, which is why the Lemming re-posted that link list.

The resources set up in America are fairly easy to read, simple to use: and yes, the Lemming checked. The household computers here are clean. As far as the Lemming can tell.

DNSChanger: What Happened

"...The problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of more than 570,000 infected computers around the world. When the FBI went in to take down the hackers late last year, agents realized that if they turned off the malicious servers being used to control the computers, all the victims would lose their Internet service...."
(Associated Press)

There's more in yesterday's article: and even more in last month's Apathetic Lemming of the North post on the DNSChanger malware situation.

Related posts:

• "Lemming Tracks: Google, Facebook Affected by DNSChanger Malware! WHEN WILL IT END?!!!!"
  (June 8, 2012)
  Particularly
  • Malware, Facebook, and Counting Down to July 9
  • DNSChanger: Background and Help
  • Malware, the Internet, Lizard Men, and a Ranting Lemming
  • DNS Changer: Yes, It's Important
• "International Cyber Crime Ring Busted: 'By Jove, I Think They've GOT It!' "
  (October 3, 2010)
• "'Here You Have' - Nitwits on the Net"
  (September 12, 2010)
• "Microsoft, Domains, Zombie Computers, and Spam"
  (February 26, 2010)
• "'Work at Home,' Transferring Money Overseas: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?"
  (November 3, 2009)