Threat Encyclopedia:

The Threat Encyclopedia is where we arm you with knowledge to help you understand and avoid malware.

This isn’t an in-depth analysis of malware code but instead covers the basics and helps you understand the threats AVG security products help protect you from.

What is a DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an essential piece of your internet experience. The DNS is provided by your internet service provider (ISP) and when you try and access a website your computer contacts DNS servers to determine the IP address for the website. Your computer then uses this IP address to locate and connect to the website. Without DNS Servers you would not be able to access websites, send e-mail, or use any other Internet services.

How can my DNS be exploited?

Criminals have learned that if they can control a user’s DNS servers, they can manipulate which sites the user connects to on the Internet. By controlling DNS, a criminal can get an unsuspecting user to connect to a fraudulent website or to interfere with that user’s online web browsing.

What does DNSChanger do to my computer?

DNSChanger malware causes a computer to use rogue DNS servers in one of two ways.

First, it changes the computer’s DNS server settings to ensure that rogue DNS servers are being used, leaving the user at risk of giving away personal data and downloading malware.

Secondly, it attempts to access any devices connected to the computer or on its network and change their DNS too. In this way it’s possible that a DNS infection on your computer spreads to laptops, netbooks, mobile phones and tablet devices.

How can I be sure I am protected?

All editions of AVG antivirus help protect against this threat so be sure to keep your client updated. For more information come and talk to us at the AVG Forum.