Malware-Infected Computers Could Lose Internet Monday - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Tens of thousands of Americans may lose their Internet service on Monday unless they check their computers for malware that could have compromised their systems a year ago.

That's when hackers installed malware on hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide via an ad scam.

The FBI caught them last year but realized that if the bureau turned off the servers, every infected computer would lose Internet capabilities. Instead, a temporary server was set up to give people the chance to get the malware off their machines.

Time's up on Monday, however, as the FBI is shutting down that temporary safety net.

Internet providers and social media outlets have been notifying users for months to fix the problem.

There were some 360,000 infected machines last April. But now it's down to 277,000 worldwide. The FBI believes that 64,000 of those are in the U.S.

If your computer is affected, you've probably noticed some slower web surfing and your anti-virus software has been disabled.

Companies like Comcast have been reaching out to infected users, and Facebook and Google have been showing messages, too.

You can also check if your computer is infected by going to the FBI's website, www.DCWG.org. The site includes links to commercial sites that will check your computer, or give you detailed instructions on how to check it yourself.

Another site where you can check your computer is www.dns-ok.us.