It’s possible that either your computer or your home router has been modified to use resources once controlled by criminals to redirect your traffic.  You can find more information about this malware below:

http://www.dcwg.org

or visiting the FBI page about DNS Changer:

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911

If you think you have been affected by this malware, you do need to fix your computer.  The malware tool kits used that change your computer’s DNS settings are very pervasive.  Initially, the only way researchers could ensure that a machine was fixed was to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system from scratch.  The malware affected the boot blocks on the hard disk of the computer, so even if people just reverted their operating system to a prior backup, the malware could reclaim the PC.  Later on, several anti-malware software companies came up with fixes that removed software correctly.

In addition to modifying your computer’s DNS settings, the malware also looked for home routers to which the computer was attached and modified their DNS settings as well.  Not only were the infected computers using rogue DNS services, but other devices in the household or office as well, including wifi-enabled mobile phones, tablets, smart HDTVs, digital video recorders, and game consoles.  The criminals would change the web content that users downloaded to suit their needs and make money.

Below are some steps to follow:

The first thing you want to do is make a backup of all of your important files.  You might go to a computer store or shop online for a portable hard drive and copy all of your files onto that drive.

Either you or a computer professional that you rely upon and trust should follow the “self help” malware clean up guides listed below.  The goal is to remove the malware and recover your PC from the control of the criminals that distributed it.  If you were already thinking of upgrading to a new computer, now may be a good time to make the switch.

Changing DNS is only one of the functions of the malware kits.  The malware could have been used for capturing keystrokes or acting as a proxy for traffic to sensitive sites like bank accounts or social media.  It would be a good idea to check your bank statements and credit reports as well as change passwords on any online accounts especially saved passwords from your applications or web browsers.

How Can I Protect Myself?

This page describes how you can determine if you are infected, and how you can clean infected machines. To check if you’re infected, Click Here. If you believe you are infected, there are instructions on how to clean your computer.