Many might lose Internet access Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Tens of thousands of Americans might lose Internet access Monday because of a computer virus.

The potential loss of connectivity stems from the FBI shutdown of a major Estonian fraud ring last year.  The criminals infected nearly 4 million computers worldwide - 500,000 here inthe United States - with a piece of malware called DNSChanger that routed infected computers to their servers.  They were able to generate about $14 million in "illicit fees," according to the FBI.  

The FBI shut that criminal ring down but decided to put replacement Internet servers in place so those infected computers would not lose their Internet access, but would no longer be routed to malicious sites.

On Monday, the FBI will shut those replacement servers down.  Computers that had been affected but not yet repaired may lose their internet access.  

Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin is urging Rhode Islanders to visit the FBI's website for further information and to see if they need to take any action.

"These types of issues are only going to increase as our society relies more and more on the Internet, so it is a reminder that everyone can do their part by practicing good computer hygiene," Langevin said.  Langevin has lobbied in Congress for stronger cybersecurity policies at the national level.

Here are some websites to check out for more information before Monday's server shutdown:

• The FBI's page on DNSChanger, with info on what happened and what you can do about it - http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911

• DNSChanger Check-Up, a site where you can check if your computer is affected - http://dns-ok.us/