Thousands of computer users may lose internet access this summer
-
FBI Warning: Hackers invaded computers with an online advertising scam
Computer users here in Bermuda and around the world could be just a few clicks away from losing internet access.
The problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of computers around the world. The hackers infected a network of more than 570,000 computers globally.
Investigators say most of the victims are believed to be individual home users, rather than corporations that have IT staff who routinely check their computers. What’s worse — most victims don’t even know their computers have been infected, although the malicious software has probably slowed their web surfing and disabled their antivirus software.
The FBI set up a safety net months ago using US government computers to prevent the internet from shutting down for those infected users. But the safety net is set to expire on July 9.
Now, the FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner (http://www.dcwg.org) that will inform them whether they’re infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won’t be able to connect to the internet.
Need to
Know
2. Any poster that insults, threatens or verbally abuses another member, uses defamatory language, or deliberately disrupts discussions will be banned.
3. Users who violate the Terms of Service or any commenting rules will be banned.
4. Please stay on topic. "Trolling" to incite emotional responses and disrupt conversations will be deleted.
5. To understand further what is and isn't allowed and the actions we may take, please read our Terms of Service
- Should liquor stores be able to sell alcohol on Sundays?
- Yes
- 71%
- No
- 27%
- Don't Know
- 1%
- Total Votes: 2016
- Poll Archive
Comments
You must be registered or signed-in to post comment or to vote.
Published Apr 25, 2012 at 8:26 am (Updated Apr 25, 2012 at 8:25 am)