DNSChanger malware is on top of everyone's mind this week since over 270,000 systems may be effectively losing internet access next Monday because of it.
What is DNSChanger malware?
The criminal organization behind DNSChanger is long gone, but the effects of the malware persist. DNSChanger malware, as the name says, changes your DNS server settings so that infected systems check the servers set up by the criminal organization, allowing them to control your internet traffic.
Even once the malware has been removed the bad DNS settings can remain, and if your router still has its default username and password (your local security expert is now feeling justified about harping on defense in depth) your router might be broadcasting the bad DNS settings to systems on your network as well.
Those rogue DNS servers have been cleaned and maintained since November 2011 in order to allow affected users to correct their DNS settings. However, they are being taking offline on July 9th. Once the DNS servers are taken offline all affected systems will no longer be able to find servers by name, making most of the net inaccessible to the affected users.
Not sure if you're affected by this?
One of our researchers explains how to check whether your DNS server is part of the rogue DNSChanger group and lists other resources in a recent post.
Please make sure to check your DNS server as soon as possible. Check now.
Please note: BeyondTrust customers using PowerBroker Desktops Windows Edition should rest assured that malware such as DNSChanger is severely mitigated in IT environments that practice least privilege management. If you are not already familiar with our line of privilege management products you should head on over here to learn more.
