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Possible computer infection warning issued to Atlantic Broadband customersCUMBERLAND, Jun 30, 2012 (Cumberland Times-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Atlantic Broadband customers were recently sent an e-mail alerting them to possible computer infections that could shut down their Domain Main Server on website name. The e-mail, dated June 21, 2012, detailed information about the problem that the FBI uncovered last November. "The FBI uncovered and took over an operation that had used invalid DNS servers to infect anywhere from 350,000 to 500,000 computers, both Windows and Mac, worldwide. This operation worked by changing the computer's DNS settings, so that they are able to direct the infected computer(s) to websites of their choosing," read the email sent to Atlantic Broadband customers. "The problem with this malware is that the user in completely unaware of the infection, as the computer appears to be working like normal. All computers have the potential to be infected, whether you are running Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. "On July 9, the FBI will be completely shutting down this operation. What this means to infected machines is that it will appear as if your internet has stopped functioning. You will likely get errors in your web browser stating that the 'page cannot be found.'" Ron Patterson, voice and data specialist for Atlantic Broadband in Altoona, Pa., said it is the first such e-mail the company has ever sent to its customers about a computer hacking problem. Patterson said customers may access various websites listed as links in the e-mail to address the problem. For more information, the FBI has provided documents explaining the malware further: -- http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/ 2011/november/malware_110911/DNS-changer-malware.pdf -- http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/ 2011/november/malware_110911/DNS-changer-malware.pdf A link to a scanner to see if a computer is infected can be found at http://www.dns-ok.us If a computer is infected, the page will have a red background. If the machine appears to be ok, the page will have a green background. Options for fixing your computer should it be infected can be found at http://www.dcwg.org/fix There are several malware scanners listed on this page that can detect and fix this issue. Further questions regarding the issue may be directed to the Atlantic Broadband technical support team at 1-888-536-9600. Calls are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ___ (c)2012 the Cumberland Times News (Cumberland, Md.) Visit the Cumberland Times News (Cumberland, Md.) at times-news.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |