DNS-Locker

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 1
First Seen: September 1, 2015
Last Seen: May 13, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

DNS-Locker is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that may be responsible for a wide variety of irritating symptoms on affected Web browsers. DNS-Locker may alter the way your Web browser connects to the Internet by altering the affected computer's DNS settings. This allows DNS-Locker to redirect Web traffic, display unwanted Web pages on affected Web browsers, and force computer users to view certain content repeatedly. DNS-Locker may be responsible for displaying numerous advertisements on affected computers, as well as for Web browser redirects, pop-ups and other irritating symptoms. If DNS-Locker is installed on your Web browser, PC security researchers strongly advise removing DNS-Locker immediately. DNS-Locker may affect the most popular Web browsers used today, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Responding to DNS-Locker and Symptoms that may be Associated with DNS-Locker

DNS-Locker has been linked to various irritating symptoms such as pop-up windows and new tabs opened automatically on the affected Web browser. DNS-Locker may become very disruptive quickly due to the way DNS-Locker prevents computer users from using their Web browsers normally. One additional problem related to DNS-Locker is that many of its associated advertisements may try to carry out known tactics or expose computer users to potentially harmful content online. For example, DNS-Locker advertisements may try to persuade computer users to download fake software updates or bogus video codecs. These ads may also try to convince computer users to interact with them by claiming that there is a prize of some kind. DNS-Locker may display pop-up advertisements claiming that there is a threat issue on the victim's computer and advertising fake security software or a bogus technical support number. PC security analysts strongly advise against interacting in any way with DNS-Locker advertisements and pop-up messages, since doing this may increase the risk of additional PUPs and other types of unwanted content entering the affected computer.

How DNS-Locker and Similar PUPs may be Distributed

The most common way in which DNS-Locker is distributed is by bundling DNS-Locker with other software. Low-quality freeware may be bundled with DNS-Locker and other PUPs using a third-party installer or download manager. During the installation of the free program, computer users may be prompted to install DNS-Locker and similar PUPs and may be opted in by default. Computer users should pay attention to the installation process when installing any new software in order to opt out of installing DNS-Locker and another unwanted content. If a custom or advanced installation option is present, computer users should use it to prevent DNS-Locker and other unwanted content from being installed on their computers.

How DNS-Locker may be Used to Make Money at the Expense of Inexperienced Computer Users

Advertisements are an essential part of the Internet. Advertisements allow website creators to support their content and continue to deliver their online services or content. However, there are ways in which certain people may abuse the advertisement system by creating components specifically designed to force computer users to view advertisements repeatedly. DNS-Locker and other PUPs are designed so that computer users may have no choice but to view their related advertisements and Web pages. They also may track the computer users' activity, keeping records of the websites viewed and searches carried out on the affected Web browser. This data may be used for marketing or sold to a third-party, representing a security concern. DNS-Locker may be associated with various pay-per-click and affiliate marketing campaigns that may generate revenue by pushing computer users towards certain websites or links.

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