Check Your Computer for DNS Charger Malware
Internet users are urged to check their computers to avoid connectivity problems when the FBI completes its shut-down of a massive international hacking ring later this year.
To check your computer, click this link to : www.dns-ok.us
What happened?
Last November, the FBI arrested several criminals who were operating a hacker ring that distributed viruses to computers worldwide. The viruses pointed Internet users to fake websites that resulted in millions of dollars in advertising revenue for the hackers.
When the FBI made the arrests, they moved Internet traffic from the hacker’s servers to special servers established to avoid Internet disruption for affected computers. The FBI plans to shut these servers down on July 9, however, which will result in Internet outages for infected computers that have not been cleaned.
What is Socket doing?
Our engineers were notified by the FBI of affected IP addresses on our network and worked with affected customers to clean the virus off those computers.
We are also proactively monitoring Internet traffic to determine if any users on our network are visiting the hackers’ sites. We have not seen any such traffic. If we do, we plan to notify those users and help them take appropriate action to clean their computers.
How do I tell if my computer is infected?
It's still a good idea to check your computer for DNS Changer malware.
Visit http://www.dcwg.org/ and click on the “Detect” link in the upper left-hand corner. Scroll down and click the link next to “English.” This test will not install any software or make any changes to your computer, and it only takes a few seconds.
If you see a green graphic, your computer is likely not infected. Socket does not redirect DNS traffic for its customers, as the warning advises users to be aware of.
If you see a red graphic, follow the instructions or call Socket Technical Support at 1-800-762-5383 for assistance in removing the virus from your computer.
What else can I do?
Help spread the word and encourage your friends and family members to check their computers as well. If more users check their computers now, there will be fewer outages in July when the FBI servers are shut down.
Also, be sure your computers are protected with an up-to-date anti-virus program. Socket recommends and supports Trend Micro Internet Security and offers it at a discounted rate to our customers. Learn more or call 1-800-762-5383.
Additional resources
Read more about Operation Ghost Click, the FBI's operation to dismantle the international cyber ring.
Fill out this form if you believe you have been victimized by the DNS Changer malware.
View more DNS Changer information and instructions from the FBI.