Protecting you from DNS Changer with McAfee

McAfee, a Facebook Security trusted partner, is working constantly to protect users from malicious content and malware like viruses, Trojans, and worms. We encourage users to check out this tool, so they don’t lose access to the Internet and Facebook!

On July 9, 2012, the FBI will be shutting down Internet servers that had previously allowed millions of Internet users, who were infected by the DNSChanger Trojan, access to the Internet. Internet users who are affected by the Trojan will lose access to websites, email, chat, or social networking sites, like Facebook, on July 9.

Note: Internet servers are also known as Domain Name System (DNS) servers. DNSChanger Trojan is a nasty virus that has been around for some time.

What you should be aware of:

• Before July 9, it is recommended that all consumer Internet users check their computers for the Trojan and update their Internet settings.

• If your computer has the Trojan or does not have the correct Internet settings then you will not have access to the Internet beginning July 9th.

• To do quick check on your computer, McAfee has introduced a free tool that helps you easily identify whether you have been affected by the Trojan and provides a free solution if your computer is infected.

Follow these steps to find out if your computer is infected with the DNSChanger Trojan:

1. Go to: www.mcafee.com/dnscheck 

1. Click the “Check Now” button to see if the computer has been infected. 

1. If the computer is infected, the website will offer you a free solution to get rid of the Trojan and update your Internet settings. 

1. If your computer is not infected, you will receive a “Congratulations, you are OK” screen and no further actions are needed.  

Additional information about DNS servers and the DNSChanger Trojan:

What is a Domain Name System (or DNS)?

Domain Name System, also known as DNS, changes user-friendly website names into the Internet protocol (IP) addresses that computers use to talk to each other. When computer users enter a website name (ex. www.name.com) into their web browsers, their computer will contact a DNS server.

What is the ‘DNSChanger’ Trojan?

‘DNSChanger’ is a Trojan created by cybercriminals to redirect the Internet traffic of millions of unsuspecting consumers to websites where the thieves have profited from advertisements. All computers still infected with DNSChanger malware will no longer be able to access websites, email, chat, or social networking sites like Facebook after July 9th.

This solution is part of McAfee’s relentless focus on protecting and liberating consumers so that they may safely experience everything the Internet has to offer. As partners, Facebook and McAfee have been working together since 2010 to support a safe and secure environment for Facebook users.