The Internet is abuzz about the DNS Changer computer malware that is expected to leave some without Web access on Monday.
The nasty bug came to light last year when it was reported that international cyber criminals were taking control of computers and also diabling anti-virus updates.
The problem was so concerning that the FBI responded by running a computer intervention. (Click here to read more from the FBI on the DNSChanger malware.)
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It is estimated that about 277,000 computers worldwide — 64,000 of them in the United States — may still be infected with the malware, and on July 9 the FBI is disabling its stopgap measure. So for some, there will be no Internet access after Monday.
Users will find blank screens on their Web browsers Monday if their machine is infected and not fixed, The Christian Science Monitor reports:
"Unfortunately, most of those that still have infected machines are going to find out the hard way on Monday – they'll be cut off – and have to take their machines to a local computer store to get it cleaned up," says Rod Rasmussen, president of Identity Internet. "The biggest danger for most people isn't going to be the DNS Changer itself, but all the other things that got installed."
To find out if your computer will be still be connected on Monday, visit FBI-approved www.dns-ok.us for a simple online test that will tell you if you're good to go.
Dennis M Herring
12:43 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
I wish To Thank you for you help in checking my PC and the information given.\
have A good day
Dennis M. Herring Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Dennis M Herring
12:45 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
Comment haS BEEN SUBMITED
Dave Ogilvie
6:50 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
What do I run to check for malware
Toni Whitt
8:18 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
Click on the blue hyperlink that says click here for instructions on checking your computer.
Charles Schelle
9:23 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
Did anyone get a dreaded screen saying your computer is not OK?
Eric Carlson
11:37 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
why does mine say " Internet Explorer could not find www.dns-ok.us" ??? Please Help ??? Thank u
Charles Schelle
11:45 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
Not sure if the site temporarily crashed if millions of people are checking it. Try it again here: http://www.dns-ok.us/
Charles Schelle
12:09 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Eric, also try using a different Web browser like Google Chrome, Safari for Windows or Firefox.
Margaret Ann McClain
11:59 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
I can't get the link that I'm suppose to check with. Does that mean I have the virus?
where do i find my IP ?
Charles Schelle
12:05 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Try one of the sites offered in English on this site, which also offers directions on what to do if you get the infected message or believe you might be affected. http://www.dcwg.org/detect/
Margaret Ann McClain
12:01 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
what is Patch?
Charles Schelle
12:03 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Patch is a network of hyperlocal community news websites that tries to make your life ridiculously easy. There are about 850 Patch sites and probably one in your neighborhood if you stumbled upon Sarasota Patch today looking for this story. Visit http://Patch.com to find a Patch in your town. Or visit AOL.com and punch in your ZIP code to find local news headlines from Patch and other sources.
Margaret Ann McClain
12:04 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
At this moment I just want to see if I will have internet in the am. But everytime I try to get on that link they won't let me. I am not very computer knowledgeable. So this is very stressful to me.
Charles Schelle
12:07 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Margaret, I would also attempt downloading or using a different Web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox or Safari for Windows and try to access that site as well.
Manuel Aguirre
1:13 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Try this website out just ignore the top and go down to the checkbox
http://dns-changer.eu/