Users with a computer infected by a virus called DNS Changer will not be able to access the Internet after July 9. Unless these users disinfect their computers, the FBI warns that they will face the “Internet Doomsday.”

How do you know if you’ve been affected? We’ll walk you through all that in a minute, but first, let’s give a little background information.

Some users may have been affected with a strain of malware called DNS Changer. At Enterhost, we use Sophos anti-virus software, and it is from their website that we first read about this scam.

A while ago, international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of computers. While a user thinks they are going to a normal website, the virus actually redirects the computer to hacker-created websites.

The FBI wants to shut down the servers that are redirecting users’ computers. If users don’t rid themselves of DNS Changer before the July 9, they will no longer be able to access the Internet unless they remove the virus.  That could be a major headache for users who don’t have access to a second PC for downloading anti-virus software.

Luckily, you have plenty of time to test your computer, so there is no need to panic. The FBI states that users have until July 9 to test their computers to see if it is infected with this malware.

Checking your computer is so simple, it should only take about 30 seconds. Here it is: one easy step!

To test your computer, visit the DNS Changer Check-Up Site. If your computer is not infected, your screen will be green, like this image.

If your computer has been infected, the screen will show up as red.

For infected users, there is a list of anti-virus software that can fix the problem. Of course, if you have any questions about the virus or your computer, clients can contact the Enterhost support team.

For additional information regarding the DNS changer malware, please visit the FBI’s website. Read other articles from PC World and Fox to learn more about the virus.

-Carissa Cotner, Marketing Coordinator