CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A malicious computer virus could cause thousands of people to lose Internet access in a few weeks.
The FBI estimates 4 million computers were infected with the malware called DNS Changer.
Office worker Enjoli Parker-Reel sees viruses on her computer all the time.
“Our computer goes down and it takes a while for it to come back up,” Reel said. “Normally it will work its way into your registry.”
Computer repair expert Chris Finley said any device that connects to the Internet could get the virus, including iPads and Android tablets.
The virus forces computers to get online through so-called rogue servers, displaying fake versions of websites where the hackers made money on advertising clicks.
The FBI has already arrested the hackers who wrote DNS Changer.
The FBI set up temporary servers so those infected could still get online and clean their computers, but on July 9, the FBI will shut down those servers.
“Once those servers are taken down, those infected computers will not be able to connect to the Internet,” said Agent Stephen Emmit.
The wide range of malicious programs keeps Finley’s shop in Plaza-Midwood busy.
In the connected age, Finley said computers need to be protected. A person’s best protection is up-to-date anti-virus software and programs that block pop-ups and phishing scams.
For more information on the virus, click here. To check your computer, click here.
WSOC
