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Resolved Question

will the Internet end in July?

Apr 23, 2012 11:09PM PDT

For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections after early July. The problem started when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual move, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system will be shut down this summer.
The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by a security partner 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. Is there any truth to this?
To check and clean computers, try: http://www.dcwg.org

Discussion is locked

SeafarerChief has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Internet doomsday on July 9th? Don't panic!
Apr 25, 2012 10:50AM PDT
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Answer
No. It will not end. But there is truth..
Apr 24, 2012 5:12AM PDT

The internet will not end on July 9th. But there is truth to the article you quoted from. The below may better help you understand the situation. :

Avoid Internet Doomsday: Check for DNSChanger Malware Now

From CNET: Web could vanish for hordes of people in July, FBI warns

One need only check the DNSChanger Eye Chart to see if they're infected. If so, the removal instructions are included in the articles. Otherwise, feel free to post and ask for help. We're only .. a post away. Wink

Hope this helps..
Carol

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Nice check!
Apr 24, 2012 5:47AM PDT

Quick and simple. Thank you.

I did try that dcwg.org site the other day but the server was down due to high traffic. Happy

Seems the message was getting through to people.

Mark

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YW, Mark
Apr 24, 2012 7:20AM PDT

Good to know you saw a [color=green] green [/color] ( Sad ) background and not red!

Carol

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Green?
Apr 24, 2012 8:12PM PDT

Ohh!

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GREEN
Apr 24, 2012 10:59PM PDT

Contacted my ISP and they gave me the same answer so they don't re-direct anything.

Problem solved until the next FUBAR from the hackers.

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Answer
Yes. It's true,absolutely true.
Apr 27, 2012 10:55AM PDT

Al Gore is taking his ball and going home.

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Funny
Apr 27, 2012 10:30PM PDT
Laugh FUNNY... irellevant but funny.
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Answer
Use an antivirus application and keep it updated
Apr 27, 2012 11:05AM PDT

If you do stuff as basic as using a decent antivirus application, keep it updated, and do regular scans with it. And apply MS security updates when they come out. And use your common sense and judgement when reading email and going to web sites, I guarantee that the internet will continue for you after July. That is, if the internet is there at all at that point *smile*, which is very likely to be the case.

Certainly going to the "check your DNS" web sites referred to above will give you some sense of security, but you need to exercise consistently good behavior and judgement to make sure that your computers stay free of malware.

Pretty much simple as that.

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Answer
Surfers disease
Apr 27, 2012 12:51PM PDT

Only those machines that have picked up this virus/worm/trojan will experience an internet (Page 404) interuption. The check/test site will help some but even the simplest/slowest DSL has protections and will nip most outgoing excessive usage patterns quickly. Try visiting a few porn sites or download movie site and then do a scan with your anti-virus software or suite of programs and see what it comes up with. Some ISPs offer a free anti-virus suite. At least as a minimum. Routers can have hardware firewalls to prevent most but should not be the only line of defense. Is this another alleged virus that has little effect overall and active nodes get cancelled out quickly. Is this an "advertising" for the new cybercrime voting and bill passing seen as an invasion of privacy. What makes everyone think that everything you say over a payphone, cellphone/smartphone, cordless phone, across the spectrum to a baby monitor has NO privacy whatsoever. Your internet even more so and all that's needed is some hardware and the right software and skilled operator, millions can be had, why use my protected and slow DSL to do any nefarious biddings.