Catherine McCrum asks:
Are there any precautions you recommend we take now to minimize the possible internet problems possibly coming on July 9th 2012 as reported in various news reports?
12 Answers -
Dalsan
July 6, 2012Go to http://www.dcwg.org to check and find resources about how you can fix it. If you have a good antivirus program that is up to date and have done a complete scan on your computer(s), then most likely you are fine. Always better to check and be safe than to ignore and hope for the best. The virus has been out for a while, so most if not all antivirus software will have a fix for it.
This is a site that will tell you if you are affected: http://www.dns-ok.us/
The only reason it is getting around the news more now is because the “safety net” that the FBI had implemented will be taken down on July 9th as they thought by that time everyone would have a chance to fix it. This is not like the “millennium bug” where it was thought that all computer would shut down due to the date change and computers changing the year back, but is an actual virus.
To get a great and free scanner for your computer that has one of the best detection rates, get Malwarebytes Antimalware at: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/
You not need to worry, this is not a big deal to handle. There are various online DNS virus scanner tool available. Read more->
July 8, 2012http://www.decryptoblog.com/2012/07/dns-changer-virus-monday-Alureon.html
I’m not worried, but many people have compared the doomsday virus, which is a dns changer, to the Millennium bug. This virus, not bug, is more of a threat to people than the bug was as this virus doesn’t just blow over, you have to check for it and clean it off should you have it. I have multiple virus and spyware checkers and use a secure DNS, which should even if I were to have it, I won’t notice as I already go through Comodo’s DNS.
July 8, 2012Mike
July 6, 2012If you read carefully this is related to a virus called “DNSChanger” which has been around for almost a year now.
As long as you have an up to date anti virus installed I don’t see you in any danger. If you want to be sure there are mutliple pages related to this malware which also offer information on how to remove it:
http://www.dcwg.org/fix/
http://www.dnschanger.com/
Bruce Epper
July 6, 2012You can check to see if it will be an issue for you by visiting http://www.dns-ok.us If the image shows up with a green background, you have nothing to worry about.
Manide
July 6, 2012F-Secure has an explanatory article (solution included) here: http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/2012/07/02/what-is-dnschanger-and-why-should-you-care/
PerryKahai
July 7, 2012Catherine,
I see that your system is Linux-based. Is that true? My suggestions are based on you having a Windows-based system.
The first thing you need to do is to check if your computer is indeed infected with the DNSChanger virus. McAfee, Symantec, and others have free tools to both detect the infection and then clear it. From what I have read, McAfee’s tool also simplifies the task of changing your DNS servers back to what they need to be. Clear the infection with the software you prefer. More information on where you can download this software are available at http://www.dcwg.org/fix/.
Once you clear the infection, you need to go to Network Settings on the computer (can be accessed from the Control Panel) and change the DNS Server settings back to Automatic. In addition, make sure that the computer is also set to obtain an IP address automatically. Then reboot your computer.
Third, check your router settings. According to PC Magazine, the virus also changes the DNS Server settings on the router. Once again, the router should be set to obtain its IP address and DNS Server information automatically (assuming that’s what your ISP does). Then, reboot your router.
Finally, you want to perform a Disk Clean-Up to prevent the computer from getting re-infected. Windows provides you a built-in utility to do that (look under Accessories, System Tools). In addition, delete any Restore Points that Windows may have created over a period of time (look under System Restore from the Control Panel).
I have seen situations where you have to log into each user account you have created on the computer (son, daughter, etc.) and run the virus cleaning tool. If that is the case, make sure you do so. Also, run Disk Cleanup for each account.
I believe if you take these steps, you should be ok, assuming the virus is indeed present on your computer.
Dalsan
July 7, 2012Sorry, my suggestions for antivirus were for Windows, not Linux. I missed that and should have paid more attention.
Anyways, here are some good antivirus software you could use as suggested by MUO: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-linux-antivirus-programs/
This should help you out should you need an antivirus software to scan your computer.
I believe Dalsan has a great suggestion for you, Catherine. I have always believed (and will continue to do so!) that no platform is immune from malware. I am sure those following technology must know that, last week, Apple quietly removed their claim about Mac’s immunity to malware from their website! Linux is not far behind, I believe. That said, one should be safe than sorry. It is likely that nothing will happen to Linux computers on July 9 but I won’t be taking any chances. Do check online the free tools available to detect the DNSChanger malware. A somewhat comprehensive discussion of the issue and remedies is available at http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57467580-263/how-to-detect-and-fix-a-machine-infected-with-dnschanger/.
July 7, 2012Muhammad Ahmad
July 7, 2012You don’t need to worry as DNSChanger does not affect Linux and mobile platforms, It only affects MAC and Windows OS.
renevranc
July 7, 2012here some info to see if you are infected and more http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/dns-changer/
Ben
July 7, 20121. Point your browser to this website http://www.dns-ok.us to check if your computer is infected.
2. If your computer is infected, goto this site http://www.dcwg.org/fix for instructions on how to fix it.
Its also a good idea to ensure that your antivirus program is up to date.
Catherine McCrum
July 8, 2012Thanks everyone, my question has been answered abundantly.
Vrancken René
July 8, 2012have a look at this recent article http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/preventing-dnschanger-malware/
Sohaib Shaikh
July 8, 2012if logically looked at can it be the high class possibility to access the sites using Ip address 74.125.224.72
To access google
to access FB 69.63.176.13
And further other sites !just google it b4 9 th july
Cause dns servers convert names to ip address that are further into binaries!
Well you could access it that way?:) :X