Disruptions Limited After Malware Server Switch-Off, FBI Says
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The threat of a widespread Internet lockout seems to have passed without affecting as many people as originally feared.
After hundreds of thousands of computers were infected by malware, the FBI set up two clean back-up servers that would allow infected computers to continue to access to the web.
Last night, the agency pulled the plug on those servers despite the fact that some people might still be relying on them, meaning those people would not be able to get on the Internet today.
As of Sunday night, a spokesperson for the FBI says roughly 42,000 unique IP addresses in the United States were still communicating with the clean servers. Globally, they estimate about 211,000 unique IP addresses were still affected.
It's important to point out that just because you are on the Internet today, it does not mean you are in the clear.
Many Internet service providers, including NY1 parent company Time Warner Cable, put measures in place prior to the FBI server shutdown to make sure their customers remained online.
A spokesperson for Time Warner Cable says they will also be contacting customers who they believe might have been infected and will work with them to remedy the problem.
If you are unable to get on the Internet today, officials with the FBI recommend you contact your service provider for help.