News / Science & Technology

Computer Virus Could Leave Hundreds of Thousands Unable to Use Internet

TEXT SIZE - +
VOA News

Hundreds of thousands of people could be in for an unwelcome surprise on Monday, unless they check their computers now for a global virus that infected their machines last year.

 

The virus caused by Eastern European hackers will make it impossible to access the Internet.

 

Facebook and Google are alerting users who they suspect may have infected computers.

 

The hackers used an online advertising scam to take control of nearly 600,000 computers last year, harvesting information about users. 

 

A temporary fix set up by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation closes down at 0401 UTC Monday. 

 

The FBI has a website where users can find out if their computers are infected and how to fix them.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

You May Like

Karzai to Discuss Enhancing Defense Ties with India

Afghanistan looking for more military aid as it prepares for withdrawal of NATO forces by next year More

India, China Pledge to Overcome Border Tensions

Indian prime minister and Chinese premier attempt to move past tense standoff in the Himalayas during Delhi talks More

Burmese President Opens US Visit with VOA Town Hall Meeting

Ahead of his meeting with President Obama Monday, Thein Sein answered questions on human rights and economic development in his country More

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Valley Fever Raises Concerns in California, Arizona

A longstanding health problem in California's Central Valley has worsened in recent years, leading health officials to order the relocation of 3,000 prisoners from two state prisons. But the disease affects much of the population in some rural communities and, Mike O'Sullivan reports, while it often goes unnoticed, it sometimes can be devastating for patients.