Even infected users can benefit by switching to OpenDNS, says marketing director

Apr 11, 2012 19:31 GMT  ·  By

The security and DNS provider for 2% of the world’s Internet users, OpenDNS, is blocking the Flashback Trojan that has infected almost 700K Macs to this date. Existing customers needn’t take any action, according to the company’s Director of Marketing, Allison Rhodes.

Noting that the Flashback Trojan is being described as one of the single biggest Mac security incidents of all time, Ms. Rhodes says OpenDNS includes protection in Premium DNS and it is also completely free to users, as it does in cases of very large scale attacks like this.

“People not yet using OpenDNS need only to set up the service on their wireless router, computer or device to secure their computers and devices from the attack,” according to the company’s marketing director.

A hierarchical distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the web or a private network, the DNS associates various information with domain names assigned to each of the participating entities.

“OpenDNS is far and away the most ideal measure Internet users can take to protect their machines from Flashback, as OpenDNS is a proactive, preventative measure,” says Ms. Rhodes.

“It’s the only solution that doesn’t require software or installing of anything. All Mac users should switch to OpenDNS now to prevent infection, and avoid a scenario where infection occurs and disinfection is necessary.

Enabling OpenDNS prevents the Flashback Trojan from talking to its command and control, even if you find yourself infected, says Ms. Rhodes.

The OpenDNS executive adds that “If you’re already using OpenDNS services, no action is required to get the protection. It was enabled for you automatically. In addition to protection from Flashback, OpenDNS will also protect you from future, widespread attacks and make your Internet both faster and more reliable.”

OpenDNS Enterprise is available for businesses with a comprehensive set of definitions for malware and botnet protection.