Millions May Lose Access To Internet Due to DNS Changer Trojan @McAfeeConsumer

5 Jul 2012 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:08

In a Beacon Hill studio interview, identity‑theft expert Robert Siciliano (McAfee) warns that a DNS Changer Trojan could cause millions of PCs to lose internet access after a temporary FBI protective measure expires on Monday. The Trojan hijacks a computer’s DNS settings, redirecting web traffic to ad‑laden sites that generate revenue for the malware creators. The FBI had previously deployed a safeguard that flagged infected machines, but this safeguard is set to lapse, meaning infected PCs will be blocked from the internet. Siciliano advises viewers to check their systems using the free McAfee DNScheck tool (McAfee.com/DNScheck) before the deadline. If the infection is not removed, the FBI will disconnect the compromised PC, cutting off email, social media, and all web access until the malware is cleaned.

Chapters

OK, when was the last time you updated your computer's security system? You might want to do that if you haven't lately before this Monday. On Monday, thousands of computers could lose internet access because of a virus. The FBI investigated that virus late last year and arrested the creator of it, and then they put a protective measure in place to make sure it wouldn't affect people's internet. But that safety net is about to expire. So what do you need to know? Joining us now from our Beacon Hill studio to explain Robert Siciliano, identity theft expert with McAfee. Good evening to you. What does this virus do to your internet access?
Well, it's called the DNS Checker Trojan, and essentially people who got this, their PCs are used as a server and the web traffic on their computers is directed towards advertisements on other websites so the creators of the actual virus can get paid.
Okay, so basically you go online and then all of a sudden you're going to these sites that you never meant to go to. What do people need to do before Monday to make sure that doesn't happen?
So the FBI and others have created, uh, checkers, tools essentially that, uh, you can plug into to find out if your, uh, device is affected. I recommend going to McAfee.com/DNScheck. So that's McAfee.com/DNScheck, and then you just hit the Check My PC button, and it will let you know if your computer is infected. I did it, everybody in my family did it. If you do it, you'll know instantly if you're gonna have a problem.
All right, we'll have to put a link up on our website for that before Monday. What happens if you don't take those measures though in time?
Yeah, you will lose internet connectivity. Basically, your PC will be banned from the internet because you have that virus. The FBI and others, they know that you have that virus. Your PC gets disconnected essentially. You can't access Email, social media, chats, uh, any websites. Uh, so you're down for the count until you clear your PC of that virus.
All right, this is very good to know. A lot of things to do over the weekend to make sure we're clear and good to go. Robert Siciliano, thanks so much for joining us. Thank you.