July 2012
Bitdefender Free Removal Tool Protects Internet Connections from DNS Changer Shutdown
250,000 Internet Connections at Risk When FBI Shuts Rogue Servers July 10
Bitdefender, the leading global antivirus company, has released a tool to prevent computer users worldwide infected with DNS Changer malware from losing their internet connection on July 9.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation will shut down rogue DNS servers on Monday following an investigation into the DNS Changer malware that hijacks users’ traffic. The malware, which redirects users to malicious pages by changing the way computers resolve domain names, may result in the loss of a quarter of a million internet connections worldwide.
During the investigation, the FBI seized the IP addresses of the rogue servers and deployed legitimate ones to keep resolving names for affected users, but that service is about to end. The Bitdefender DNS Changer Fixer corrects the effects of the malware and safeguards Internet connectivity with a single click.
“The DNS system is a core part of the Internet, and cyber-criminals are constantly trying to subvert it to seize control of the destinations the user wants to visit,” said Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Researcher. “Most of the times, the user is redirected towards malicious or phishing pages, but, in special circumstances, when the rogue DSN infrastructure is destroyed, web connectivity becomes impossible. The DNS Changer Fixer applies the appropriate settings to the PC to restore safe connectivity to the Web.”
This utility is available for free from http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/freetools/
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. The company is an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection since 2001. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Product of the Year" by AV-Comparatives, "Best Repair 2012" by AV-Test, "Editor's Choice" and "The Best Antivirus for 2013" by PC Mag, that confirmed the antivirus software’s leadership status among security products.
More information about Bitdefender's products is available from the company's security press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, where readers can find stories from the underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software - and gossip.