Computer Virus July 9 Aftermath: FBI Still Powerless Against Malware

By Staff Reporter

The computer virus that was set to be wiped out on July 9 is experiencing an interesting aftermath. The virus, called DNSChanger, once affected about 4 million computers worldwide and has stolen over $14 million through the malware scam. In it's latest attack, 300,000 computers were corrupted globally.

The FBI initially gave details on the virus when the malware creators were arrested in November.

"The United States has charged seven people with orchestrating the worldwide Internet fraud. Six were arrested in Estonia, while the seventh, who was living in Russia is still at large. Estonia has extradited two of the men to New York, where they appeared in Manhattan federal court," Reuters reported.

The awful virus corrupts the computer's DNS system which ultimately results in leading users to fake DNS servers that redirects to fabricated websites and false products on sale.

"They can do a lot of damage," said Geek Beat Live co-host John Pozadzides. "They can present you to a fake Bank of America where you log in, and once you log in, they've got your log in details and can immediately go and empty your bank account," added Pozadzides.

The FBI took over the virus operation with a solution. They created a DNS safety net that would redirect Internet users from the fake servers to real ones. They even provide instructions on the site so those who have been affected can fix the problem.

However, those who have been targeted by the DNSChanger lost Internet access on July 9. The US shut down the servers that were protecting those contaminated. Approximately 64,000 people have been corrupted in the US, but many are still unaware of the contamination.

The FBI is encouraging Internet users to visit www.dcwg.org and run the appropriate tests to see if they have been affected by the virus. Backing up important files and thoroughly scanning computers is an important process to remain safe.

Any users who still have the DNSChanger malware after July 9 will not have access to the Internet.