Thursday, March 8, 2012

DNS CHANGER: How do I know if my computer is safe?


Notes taken by: Theresa Payton, Fortalice, LLC.  Material also featured in WBTV's segment Protecting Your Cyberturf featuring Kristen Miranda and Theresa Payton.

March 8, 2012 was going to be a potentially crazy day on the internet where unsuspecting computers connected to world wide malware would stop talking to the internet.  That date has moved to July 9th but what is this malware and how can we find out right NOW if your computers are talking to it?  

It’s called DNSChanger and if this is the first time you are hearing about it, that’s okay, you’re not alone and...you might be fine but how would you know?  Cyber Expert Theresa Payton helps us understand what DNSChanger is, how we can find out if we have it, and if we do how to get rid of it!

In November 2011, U.S. Federal prosecutors announced Operation Ghost Click.  They busted a ring of cybercreeps who had infected millions of computers with malware they named DNSChanger.   The malware changes the DNS that you think you are going to to a rogue server.   You still surf the net so you might have no idea.  

When the FBI busted the cybercreeps, they created clean internet DNS servers to block the malware.  They have been rerouting infected computers to a safe place but they cannot just take over the computers and clean them.  That’s where we need your help!

The FBI has created a set of instructions to check your computer and then a detection tool that you can run to determine if your machine is infected.  We have included those links below.

Three Tips for a Healthy Computer or Digital Device:
* Maintain up-to-date browsers, software, computers, and antivirus software.
* Do not clink on links in email messages unless you have to - even from people you know.
* Use extreme caution when opening email attachments - verify with the sender before opening

WORD OF THE WEEK:  
LYTRO:  It’s a cool, hip new way to take pictures.  A slim little camera that captures everything.  They call it a “living picture” because it allows you to focus AFTER you take the picture.  No more frustrated moments trying to get your pet or a little one to stay still!  For now it only integrates with a Mac but Windows software is coming soon.  The low end model is $399 and the higher end model is $499

WEB RESOURCES:
The FBI has provided step-by-step instructions at:
http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911/DNS-changer-malware.pdf

You can find the FBI tool https://forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS


You can a great review on the Lytro camera at:
http://mashable.com/2012/02/29/lytro-camera-review/

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