Malware Computer Virus to Shutdown Internet on Monday – How to Avoid the Interruption

According to the FBI and other sources, a malicious computer virus, termed Malware will likely cause a shutdown of the internet for an estimated 277,000 people on Monday. Most of those to be affected should have been notified, but if you are unsure, there are some things that you can do to protect yourself and avoid the Malware virus shutdown.

The problem stems from a computer virus which the affected users have unintentionally downloaded at some time onto their computer. The malicious software, or Malware, is virtually undetectable for the user. It works by redirecting the users internet requests through another web server, before going to the desired web site. In doing so, the user is exposed to some “pay-per-click” advertising which has netted the hackers an estimated $14 million.

The malware was virtually harmless to the user, but cost the advertisers millions in revenue paid for false internet traffic. The FBI actually uncovered and stopped the redirect from the malware over a year ago. The problem coming up this Monday is because of how the problem was handled.

While about ½ of the close to 600,000 computer originally infected have been cleaned of the computer virus, the FBI took steps to protect the remaining users while the rest were given time to be addressed. To keep everyone online, the FBI kept the re-direct web servers online, minus the false advertising, while the malware was removed. But on Monday, the FBI will be shutting down the servers.

Those whose computers are still infected with the malware virus will suddenly find themselves unable to connect to the internet when this happens. Internet service providers are aware of most of the affected individuals, as they can trace which computers are routed to the FBI controlled server, and have sent them notices about removing the virus.

If you believe that you may be affected, or to check and see if your computer is infected by the malware virus, the FBI has provided a link to a web site which can help you scan your computer and remove the malware virus. The web site is http://www.dcwg.org.