NEW: Computer Virus Could Knock Rhode Islanders Off Internet

NEW: Computer Virus Could Knock Rhode Islanders Off Internet

With tens of thousands of Americans potentially losing internet access Monday because of a computer virus, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) is urging Rhode Islanders to find out if their machines are infected. The lost access is a result of a major Internet fraud ring that was broken up by the FBI late last year. 

According to the FBI, the criminals had used malicious internet servers to infect “millions of computers worldwide with a virus that enabled the thieves to manipulate the multi-billion-dollar Internet advertising industry” and cause additional problems for unsuspecting users. While the FBI has been able to temporarily direct computers to replacement servers since the sting, this action did not remove the malware from already-infected computers, which still need to be repaired.

When the temporary servers are shut down Monday, users who have not had their machines cleaned will lose Internet access if they do not act. Rhode Islanders should visit http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911 for further information and for help finding out if they need to take action.

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“While I have fought for stronger cybersecurity policies at the national level to protect against major attacks, we all have an individual responsibility to protect our personal computers and prevent malicious programs from spreading,” said Langevin, who co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. “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. I urge Rhode Islanders to check if they have been impacted by this virus and to visit the FBI’s ‘How to Protect Your Computer’ page for general recommendations.”