FBI: Hundreds of Thousands May Lose Internet in July

[Tony_FLADEM]

For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections this summer.

Unknown to most of them, their problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual response, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system is to be shut down.

The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner, www.dcwg.org , that will inform them whether they're infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won't be able to connect to the Internet.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/47142091

[Fumesucker]

1. How do we know *this* story isn't a scam to take control of our computers?

[hedgehog]

2. Wouldn't an FBI link be .gov?

The kind folk at Help&Meta-discussion have confirmed that this is legitimate.

I apologize for my previous suspicion. I've gotten caught before by an elaborate scam that makes it look as if Microsoft is warning me of a computer infection, then actually infects my computer if I click the link.

[Fumesucker]

6. The FBI never runs stings?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. "Roger, Unit 4. We have a live one. Do you have a current 20 on one . . . FumeSucker?"

"Negative, Base. Unit 4's GPS tracking is a bit slow. Can you try the aerial units for triangulation?"
"Roger, Unit 4."
"Aerial 6, this is Base. How do you copy?"
"Base, this is Air 6, 4 by 4."
"Have you a 20 on Fumesucker?"
"Roger, Base. Tagged and tracked."
"Maintain surveillance and keep the recording running, Air 6. Probably grows some pot in their basement, too. Damn hippies."
"Roger that, Base. You want we should land and crack some eggs?"

[Odin2005]

11. ROFLMAO!!! DUzy!

[PoliticAverse]

4. Here's a link to the issue on fbi.gov...

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911

[Occulus]

5. But the checker websites STILL don't really mean much:

"Your computer appears to be looking up IP addresses correctly!

Had your computer been infected with DNS changer malware you would have seen a red background. Please note, however, that if your ISP is redirecting DNS traffic for its customers you would have reached this site even though you are infected. For additional information regarding the DNS changer malware, please visit the FBI's website at:

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911"

So WTF? Am I infected or not???

[obxhead]

7. Sure.

Let me head to that site ASAP so someone can install the latest hack on my laptop.

I'll wait until July 9th. If my PC stops I'll swap the HDD and re install.

[Occulus]

8. It doesn't install anything.

It only checks to see if your PC is properly performing DNS lookups.

[obxhead]

9. ok

I know it won't install anything on my PC either way.

The truth is, I'm more concerned about the FBI than I am any hackers.

[Electric Monk]

10. Hmmm, DNS wars. Are you now, or have you ever, used an 'outlaw' DNS?