Internet Could Go Dark Monday for Users With Infected Computers

Time is quickly running out for those Internet users whose computers are infected with the DNSChanger malware. (Click here for information about a one-click test that detects whether your machine has been infected.)

On Monday, servers put in place by the FBI to replace the rogue DNS servers will be taken offline. The servers were originally scheduled to be taken offline in March, but  in order to allow computer users more time to rid their machines of the DNSChanger malware. July 9, as a result, could be "Internet Doomsday" for some users.

The malware rerouted computers to specified websites and advertisements that resulted in fees being paid to the perpetrators. The malware also prevented users of infected computers from being able to install anti-virus software or operating system updates.

“Remediation efforts were immediately undertaken to minimize any disruption of Internet service to the users of computers infected with the Malware,” an FBI press release stated. “This remediation was necessary because the dismantling of the defendants’ rogue DNS servers—to which millions of computers worldwide had been redirected—would potentially have caused all of those computers, for all practical purposes, to lose access to websites.”

In November of 2011, six Estonian nationals and one Russian national were charged with infecting more than four million computers with the DNSChanger malware. As of June, more than 300,000 computers remained infected.

The FBI has posted detailed instructions for detecting the malware on its website as well as a warning:

“In addition to directing your computer to utilize rogue DNS servers, the DNSChanger malware may have prevented your computer from obtaining operating system and antimalware updates, both critical to protecting your computer from online threats. This behavior increases the likelihood of your computer being infected by additional malware. The criminals who conspired to infect computers with this malware utilized various methods to spread the infections. At this time, there is no single patch or fix that can be downloaded and installed to remove this malware. Individuals who believe their computer may be infected should consult a computer professional.”