Are You a Victim of DNSChanger Virus?

If you are among those who think they are affected by DNS changer virus, do not panic. There are measures that you can take so that you can successfully sail through the problem.

Why is there so much fuss about DNSChanger?

The DNSChanger virus has been designed by cyber criminals to redirect users through fraudulent servers for the purpose of accessing private or confidential data. A DNS (Domain Name System) is essentially a free Internet service that converts the domain name into the numeric Internet Protocol (IP). There are chances that you may also unknowingly download this virus from illegitimate sites.

A very interesting thing to note here is that this virus actually surfaced in the year 2007 and since then it has gone on to affect 40 lakh computers worldwide. The DNSChanger Virus is so deadly that once it finds a way into your system, it will paralyze the antivirus software already installed in your computer. Moreover, it will also prevent you from visiting any website and download the best antivirus protection software that you can use to protect yourself from future virus attacks.

How to Identify the DNSChanger Virus?

You can only secure your computer system from DNSChanger Virus only if you are aware about the various signs that you are infected. A large number of experts and cyber security firms have devised very important tools or websites through which you can detect whether your computer has been infected or not in a very hassle free manner. Here are links of the various websites that offer free diagnostic checks against this nasty malware:

Malware Check: dns-ok.us

DNS Changer Working Group: dcwg.org

FBI: forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS

McAfee: mcafee.com/dnscheck

How to Remove DNSChanger Virus?

If it is detected that your system has been affected by the DNSChanger malware, then the very first step that you must take is to take the backup of all the critical files in an external hard drive or a pen drive. After taking the back up, you will be required to reformat your system. However, if in case, you are lucky enough to escape from this virus, then you must ensure that you take more precautions to protect yourself from future attacks. You can certainly avoid this situation by getting excellent anti-virus protection and scanning the computer on a regular basis. It will be also best to call out the Internet provider and request them to get your DNS changed.

So, if you have been lucky enough to not have been affected by DNSChanger Virus, then you must not waste time, make sure you have a best antivirus software installed, scan your computer on a regular basis before this virus spells doom for you.