DNS Changer is a Trojan trying to alter the DNS settings on the compromised machine in order to serve malicious purposes. Personal information theft and browser hijacks are often part of the DNS Changer attacks. Experts report that banker Trojans, TDSS rootkits and other malicious software has been used in several DNS Changer attacks in order to improve their spyware capabilities and lower the security of the targeted system.
DNS Changer Aliases: Windows DNS Changer, Trojan:W32/DNSChanger, FBI DNS Changer, DNS Changer Trojan, Doomsday Virus, DNSChanger, Ghost Click Malware, Win32.DNSChanger, DNS Changer Malware, DNS Changer Virus, Ghost Click Virus.
DNS Changer Distribution and Infection
Mostly, DNS Changer is distributed via links spread through the social networks. Recently, many DNS Changer attacks have been using TDSS rootkits to gain access to the targeted machine. Computers running Windows are the target of the DNS Changer attacks. By abusing the DNS settings, the attackers can transmit online traffic, which lets the DNS Changer a perfect tool in many different hijack-based attacks. For example, to cause redirects to phishing websites, disguised as legitimate ones. This way the DNS Changer can steal personal information and login credentials by requesting the user to log-in to his supposedly real account. The DNS Changer can also redirect the user’s browser to fraudulent web pages created to generate pay-per-click revenue for the authors of the attack.
DNS Changer can be installed by rootkits like TDL4 rootkit that may trigger other types of attacks on your computer. The security of your system should be considered majorly reduced until you remove the threat with a reputable AV product.
Experts have discovered examples of DNS Changer attacks where the settings of a communal modem or router have been changed, and the ones on a private computer. Users are advised to strong passwords and login names in order to avoid device hijacks and other, similar computer threats. Even if a machine itself is not infected by DNS Changer, it may experience the infection’s consequences if it uses infected routers.
DNS Changer – How to Protect Your System?
Since DNS Changer alters the DNS settings on the compromised machine, users may have to set them back to normal after the infection has been deleted. The different versions of DNS Changer use various methods to hide their presence on the affected computer. Some variants can harm certain drivers and if the user tries to restore them from backup copies the infection itself may get restored.
Here are a few suggestions on how to prevent DNS Changer infections:
- Make sure to use unique and long usernames and password when you create online accounts
- Pay attention to the activity of the other PCs in your network
- Be careful with PC threats that are disguised as legit programs and program updates
- Always use trustworthy AV products and keep them up-to-date
Spy Hunter FREE scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the malware tool. Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Preparation before removing DNS Changer.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for DNS Changer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by DNS Changer on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by DNS Changer there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by DNS Changer on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
DNS Changer FAQ
What Does DNS Changer Trojan Do?
The DNS Changer Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like DNS Changer, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can DNS Changer Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can DNS Changer Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the DNS Changer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNS Changer how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on DNS Changer?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the DNS Changer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.