DNS Changer Malware – How To Detect If A Computer Is Infected

If you are still not aware, on Monday 09th of July 2012 at around 04:01 GMT, some Internet users might lose their Internet connection because of the so-called DNS Changer Malware that had been reported back in November 2011. The report came from the U.S. Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) where it was stated that a vicious malware known as the DNSChanger or DNS Changer malware  is at wild infecting computers to benefit cyber-thieves.  A short description of the term DNS for those who are not familiar with the term. The word DNS is the abbreviation of Domain Name System which converts a friendly website name like google.com, techgazine.com, facebook.com, and all others alike into numerical values called I.P. address (which only computers/servers can understand) to allow machines to talk and process requests/responses.  And without this kind of system, it will be impossible for us to browse or surf the Internet.

According to FBI, as of the moment there are already more than 250,000 computers, combination of PC Desktop and MAC, had been infected. Currently, FBI authorized Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) to maintain clean DNS servers as a temporary solution but will be pulled out by 09th of July 2012.  This is now where we are expecting for users to lose Internet connection and might also infect other computers worldwide.

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What Can DNS Changer Malware Possibly Do To Harm Me?

If you are fond of doing most of your banking transaction online or if you spend most of your time doing online activities where personal information is a must, then you should be aware of this DNS Changer Malware.  The DNS Changer malware, if your computer is infected by this virus then there’s a big chance that cyber-thieves might be able to control and steal vital information from you without knowing it. These hackers or cyber-criminals can access and redirect you to fraudulent website which give you the impression and will make you believe that the website you are currently accessing and looking at is the actual website – but it’s not.  And without proper protection and awareness of this malicious malware – you might end up as one of their victims.

How Can I Detect If My Computer is Infected With DNS Changer Malware?

A rule-of-thumb, never ever leave a computer without an effective anti-virus!  You are definitely giving this one big chance for hackers to access your computer whenever you go online. Thanks to those developers whom developed a dedicated online tool to detect DNS Changer malware.

1.  DNS Changer Check-Up (US)
http://www.dns-ok.us/

You just need to open a browser and click the link above. You don’t need to do anything, just ensure that you are connected with your ISP (Internet Service Provider).  Be ready to smile if you see the result like the one below because it means your computer is safe, otherwise contact your network administrator or ISP provider to assist you.

2. DNSChanger Check-Up (Malaysia)
http://dnschanger.detect.my/

Here’s another one from CyberSecurity in Malaysia.  Like the previous one, you just need to open a browser and click the link.  If the result will be somehow similar to the one below then you are safe.

My computer is infected, what should I do?

Here’s a list of known anti-virus that can clean your computer if you found out that it is infected with DNS Changer malware:

• Hitman Pro (32bit and 64bit versions)
• Kaspersky Labs TDSSKiller
• McAfee Stinger
• Microsoft Windows Defender Offline
• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• Norton Power Eraser
• Trend Micro Housecall
• MacScan
• Avira’s DNS Repair-Tool

Execute or run the program and scan your computer and let it remove the virus from your system.

Another method that was recommended by most users was by changing your network settings to DHCP. You can also try that and check again with the aforementioned links above if your computer is now safe.

Protect your system to protect your vital information.

[Source: FBI via Globe]

Tags: DNS Changer Malware, DNSChanger, Malware, Security, Virus