Skip to main content

DNS Changer Virus


Never heard of it? Heard of it but not sure what is happening?  Let me explain a little bit about it.

This malware infected both Windows and Mac computers. Millions of computers were infected with this malware (short for malicious software program). Although many computers have been "cleaned" with updates and antivirus and malware removal programs,  the FBI still estimates that 500,000 computers are still infected.

The rogue program infected the computer by changing the DNS.  The DNS is like the number directory (173.194.78.121) that points to the correct web address (www.dailymouseclicks.com). This malware misdirected people from legitimate websites to spoof websites that looked very similar that contained lots of advertising. From my understanding, there were a few variations of the malware which restricted operating system and antivirus updates that would remove the virus/malware.

The bad guys were caught and the servers were seized by the FBI. But instead of letting people realize that their computers were infected, they used the servers to direct people to the correct websites for a period.   In July, 2012 the servers will be shut down and those infected computers will no longer to to the correct websites.

You can check to see if your computer is infected by going to http://www.dns-ok.us/.

If the background is green, your computer is OK. If it is red, you will need to get your computer serviced by a professional.  The reason I recommend taking it to a professional is for the last 6+ months your computer has been infected. There is a good chance that it has been compromised by other viruses and trojans.  The repair may require manual removal of viruses or worst case, backing up documents and reinstalling your operating system. ☺


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Digital Marketing for the Small Business

OutMarket has put out in interesting white paper on " 15 Ideas to Grow with Digital Marketing ".  Online marketing is not just for the big guys but is easily available for small businesses and you need to take advantage of that opportunity to level the playing field in your industry. The article provides some of the first steps in developing your online marketing plan and well worth reading. Some small business owners want to save funds and do it themselves but you might want to consider hiring this out to an online marketing specialist so you can focus on YOUR business. Twitter, Facebook, Google Analytics and social media monitoring can monopolize your time, taking you away from running your business. Shameless plug, McAllister Park Design can help you with your online marketing and increase your exposure online to potential clients. We will work with you as a consultant to help you develop a plan or as your regular marketing guru, your choice.

Facebook and Recipes, Lots of Recipes!

So, I do enjoy recipes and they are a harmless collection, but more and more recipes are showing up on FB. My son says it is because all the "old" folks showed up on FB, but I say that old and young can share the platform, but I digress. You find this great recipe posted on Facebook (Or Pinterest) and decide you want to keep it, so you post it on your wall so you can find it again.. but wait.. it isn't alphabetical, you can't even search for it, so that recipe you want to use is now listed 10 miles down your timeline somewhere under 2011. Honestly, there are better ways and I would love to hear your suggestions. This is what I do. I use my Evernote program to save the document. There is a cute link on my browser navigation (featuring an elephant) at the top of my browser. I highlight the text of the recipe, click the elephant button and Evernote Web Clipper pops up. I have a category all set for Recipes and click the Clip selection button. I am done. When I wa

Google: Now you know!

Google has released clear information on how to perform better in search engines. Provide useful, legitimate content!  This update is called the " Helpful Content Update " and it is clear that original, informative information is king.  A new sitewide ranking system is being added which awards people with good quality content.  Now, this isn't really new, but it clarifies that your ranking can be impacted and if you are a subject matter expert in your field or business, make it shine!  Utilize your website as informational, not just a short brochure or a business card.  Show your knowledge and experience and make it work for your organically.