Thousands of computer users may lose Internet access on Monday, when the deadline for a temporary fix to a malicious software scam shut down by the FBI last year expires.
What is it?
Millions of computers were
infected with the so-called "Internet Doomsday" virus used in the
hacking scam, which redirected Internet searches through DNS servers
used by the scammers. (Who, in turn, allegedly netted $14 million in
bogus advertising revenue.) After U.S. and Estonian authorities busted the malware ring last November,
a federal judge ordered that the FBI use temporary servers while the
malware victims' PCs were repaired. The temporary servers will shut down
at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Monday, meaning anyone using a computer still
infected with the virus will likely lose Internet access.
"Connectivity will be lost to the Internet PERIOD," Symantec, the online security firm, said in a blog post.
"If your computer is still using DNS entries that are pointing to the
FBI servers on July 9, you will lose TOTAL access to the Internet. No
connecting to the office from home, no updating Facebook, nothing until
the DNS settings are fixed."
How many computers have it?
It's unclear how widespread the "blackout" will be. According to a working group
set up by security experts, more than 300,000 computers remained
infected as of June 11, including 69,000 in the United States. Last
week, 245,000 computers were said to be still infected with the
so-called Alureon virus, according online security firm Deteque,
including 45,355 U.S. machines.
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