Computer expert Dave Hatter explains DNS Changer malware - FOX19.com-Cincinnati News, Weather & Sports

Computer expert Dave Hatter explains DNS Changer malware

Posted: Updated:
Posted by Emily McKnight - email

  • FOX19 Headlines

  • Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
    By The Associated Press Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

  • Thursday, June 20 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-06-20 11:32:58 GMT
    Police are investigating after four individuals were shot in a car near the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge.  The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m Thursday night near Central Avenue and Third Street. The incident
    Police are investigating after three individuals were shot in a car near the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. The victims were driven across the bridge and dropped off in Covington.  

  • Thursday, June 20 2013 7:31 AM EDT2013-06-20 11:31:47 GMT
    Cincinnati is the paddling capital of the United States. The Ohio River Paddlefest is the largest canoe and kayak paddling event in the Midwest with over 2,200 paddlers making their annual trek down the
    Cincinnati is the paddling capital of the United States. The Ohio River Paddlefest is the largest canoe and kayak paddling event in the Midwest with over 2,200 paddlers making their annual trek down the river.
    •   
CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -

DNS (Domain Name System) makes it possible to use simple names to access the Internet rather than complex IP addresses which are actually required for communication over the Internet. For example, when you visit the FOX19 web site, a DNS lookup occurs behind the scenes and the IP address 74.128.17.211 is returned.  The database of domain names is distributed over many servers on the Internet and each user has DNS servers specified by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

DNS Changer is malware that changes the DNS Server settings on your computer and possibly on your router so that criminals can intercept the DNS lookup process to return bogus IP addresses, allowing them to control where you go.  For example, infected PCs can alter user searches and direct users to fake web sites that could sell bogus products, infect your computer with more malware, steal your money and/or steal your identity.

The criminals behind the malware were busted and the FBI working with the Internet Systems Consortium setup temporary surrogate DNS servers so that folks with infected systems would not lose Internet access. Those temporary servers will be taken down tomorrow, and if your PC or router is infected, you'll lose Internet access.  The links below will help you check your systems and correct them if you've been infected.

Helpful links:

Protect Yourself From DNSChanger

Malware may knock thousands off Internet on Monday

DNSChanger Malware PDF from the FBI

DNS Changer Working Group

The Best Security Suites of 2012

Be sure to check out Dave Hatter Monday morning on the FOX19 Morning News!