Jul 08, 2012 04:10 PM EDT
Malicious Computer Virus DNS Changer Will Blackout Internet in 8 Hours: FBI Says Check 'dns-ok.us' from DCWG

Thousands of infected computers may lose internet in less than 8 hours, so PC users are advised to check their system for DNS Changer Malware before it is too late.

So what is the DNS Changer? What does it do? And why will it kill your internet if infected?

DNS Changer was created by a group of hackers back in 2007. The malware redirect infected computer’s traffic to rogue servers, so that they will be able to generate revenue from advertising companies. It is reported that they raised about $14 million through this illegitimate method. Six of the seven hackers were arrested by FBI in 2011.

The arrest, however, did not solve the problem immediately, because shutting down the malicious server will mean all the infected computers will lose Internet. To remedy the problem, FBI requested the court to setup clean DNS servers for the infected computers while cleaning out the malware. The shut down date was originally scheduled in March, but had been extended to July 9. FBI, who plans to shut down the servers at 12:01 a.m. ET, estimated there are still around 64,000 Americans who need to clean their system.

It is easy to check whether your computer is infected or not.

FBI has advised to work with DNS Changer Working Group (DCWG) to solve the problem. Simply click here or copy-paste the URL www.dns-ok.us. Do download or installation is required. If you see green background, that means your computer is safe. If it is red, then follow the instruction provided by DCWG and remove the malware before Monday.

Google and Facebook have also partaken in the notification effort, and Internet providers Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon are contacting their customers as well.

Again, check now to see if you will have Internet tomorrow or not.

Are you green?

Update: Thousands Survived the "Internet Doomsday". Contact Internet Service Provider if still Infected.

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