• Home
  • About 404TS
  • Contact

404 Tech Support

Where IT Help is Found

  • Articles
    • Code
    • Entertainment
    • Going Green
    • Hardware, Gadgets, and Products
    • Management
    • Network
    • News
    • Operating Systems
    • Security and Privacy
    • Software
    • System Administration
    • Talking Points
    • Tech Solutions
    • Web
    • Webmaster
  • Reviews
  • Media
    • Infographics
    • Videos
  • Tech Events
  • Tools
    • How do I find my IP address?
    • Browser and plugin tests
  • Get a Technical Consultation
You are here: Home / Articles / Security and Privacy / How to check for DNSChanger malware infection and fix it

How to check for DNSChanger malware infection and fix it

2012-05-01 by Jason

The DNSChanger malware has an interesting history. The FBI, who took down the cybercriminal ring, is running a campaign to get the word out to users that they need to fix their computers before July or they may lose access to the Internet. At one point, as many as 4 million computers around the world may have been infected with the malware.

With the scheme broken up in November, 2011, the FBI and an ad-hoc group called the DNSChanger Working Group are concerned that there may still be some 350,000 computers infected. The malware changed the DNS values on a computer to redirect web traffic to where the criminals wanted them to go. When the ring was busted, the FBI obtained a court order to put clean DNS servers in place to keep previous victims online. The court order was set to expire in March but an extension was granted until July 9th. At that time (unless another extension is obtained), victim computers will not be able to translate domains like 404techsupport.com into the IP addresses they need to navigate the web.

You can test to see if your computer was affected by the DNSChanger malware by visiting www.dns-ok.us
No software is downloaded, no changes are made, and no scanning is required.

If you see an image with a green background, it should mostly mean you are not infected (but you should still be running antivirus and regularly scan for malware).

If you see an image with a red background, it means you are using the now clean DNS servers that will shutdown soon and it may also mean you are infected with malware.

To fix the issue, the DNSChanger Working Group has a list of tools and guides that  help resolve malware infections including Kasperky Labs TDSSKiller, Microsoft Windows Defender Offline, and many others.

You will also want to change your DNS either back to your ISP’s DNS, OpenDNS, or Google Public DNS.

  • OpenDNS guide
  • Google Public DNS guide

If you are a victim, you can also fill out this FBI form to file as a victim of the malware.

Filed Under: Security and Privacy

Trending

  • My Keyboard Is Making the Wrong Symbols!
    In Tech Solutions
  • Cisco talks security by the numbers
    In Infographics
  • Smart outlet can automatically reset your router if WiFi fails
    In Hardware, Gadgets, and Products

Latest Media Posts

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • How to ‘Unblock’ multiple files at a time with PowerShell How to 'Unblock' multiple files at a time with PowerShell
  • Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability
  • Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month
  • Read the Event Logs on Windows Server Core Read the Event Logs on Windows Server Core
  • SOLVED: “This modification is not allowed because the selection is locked.” SOLVED: "This modification is not allowed because the selection is locked."
  • 3d rendering circuit cloud for cloud computing technology Build and Deploy a Modern Web 3.0 Blockchain App in 2022
  • Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource
  • Printer printing document wirelessly from mobile phone or smartphone wifi connection vector flat cartoon illustration, file air print on fax or ink jet via cellphone bluetooth modern design Why Your Business Needs Online Fax Services In 2022
  • 6 Best Ways to Protect Your Business Account 6 Best Ways to Protect Your Business Account
  • How to download videos from Instagram How to download videos from Instagram
Ajax spinner

Elevator Pitch

404 Tech Support documents solutions to IT problems, shares worthwhile software and websites, and reviews hardware, consumer electronics, and technology-related books.

Subscribe to 404TS articles by email.

Recent Posts

  • Build and Deploy a Modern Web 3.0 Blockchain App in 2022
  • Telecom Application Development: When to Outsource
  • Why Your Business Needs Online Fax Services In 2022

Search

FTC Disclaimer

404TechSupport is an Amazon.com affiliate; when you click on an Amazon link from 404TS, the site gets a cut of the proceeds from whatever you buy. This site also uses Skimlinks for smart monetization of other affiliate links.
Use of this site requires displaying and viewing ads as they are presented.

Copyright © 2022 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in