Avast Dns Hijack Found

Hello, all.
I was doing some repair on my wifi network, (couldn't load usatoday.com, or theatlantic.com via any wifi device in my home, but direct ethernet connections and also cellular G4s signal were able to load both sites easily, there are a bunch more, these are just two examples)
I noticed that in my system tray, my network status said 'Currently connected to utopia.net' which is strange since I am a Comcast Xfinity customer, and presumably using their servers, (75.75.75.75)
I looked up 'utopia.net' and saw several discussions about DNS hijacking, so as an experiment, set my DNS to google's public DNS servers, (8.8.8.8), restarted my computer, (wasn't sure if that was even needed) and still, my network connection comes up as 'utopia.net'
I have used a VPN service to safeguard business information between myself and several clients financial, but have since uninstalled and deleted them from my computer, seeking an answer to this strange 'utopia.net' question.
I saw was there was a discussion here a couple of years ago on the same subject and thought I'd see if anyone had any definitive information on what exactly 'utopia.net' network is, and what to do about it. I'd prefer that if I am using Comcast Xfinity, that my network connection status say 'Comcast Xfinity'
Comcast techs, by phone, (no explanation needed) said that the original problem of not being able to load certain sites on my wifi network, maybe have been due to the DNS getting hijacked, or something to that effect.
Any ideas or information on what this is and how to fix it?

1. Avast Dns Hijack Found Windows 10
2. Avast Blocking Dns

Thanks!
RR
Stats:
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 -bit system

Dreaded arris TG862 standard Comcast wireless router
Processor AMD A8 7600 Radeon R10 10 compute cores 4C+6G

Avast security experts write about cybersecurity threats and share solutions and tips you can use to stay secure in the digital world. We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites. My router passes the router checker, but other tools say dns hijack vulnerability Hi, While thanking you for providing an excellent tool after some times of deep update, i wish to state that while my router pass your check, some other programs say, that my dns server by ISP has already been hijacked and hence asked me to change the dns to.

Attached Files

• utopia.net dns hijack.jpg43.45KB0 downloads

Edited by RandomRobert, 26 May 2017 - 12:52 PM.
Moved from Win 7 to Am I Infected - Hamluis.

System Requirements

What are the system requirements for Avast Antivirus?

For Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security, Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Free Antivirus:

• Windows 10; Windows 8/8.1 except RT and Starter Edition (32 or 64-bit); Windows 7 SP1 or higher, any Edition (32 or 64-bit).
• Windows fully compatible PC with Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 processor or above (must support SSE2 instructions).
• 1 GB RAM or above.
• 2 GB free space on the hard disk.
• Internet connection to download, activate, and maintain program updates and antivirus database.
• Optimally standard screen resolution no less than 1024 x 768 pixels.

Using Microsoft Windows operating systems without the latest Service Pack may not be supported. For details, refer to the documentation on Microsoft's website:

Download and Installation

How do I download Avast Antivirus?

Download your preferred Avast Antivirus product using the direct links below:

How do I install Avast Antivirus?

For instructions to download and install your Avast Antivirus product, refer to the following articles:

How do I update my current Avast Antivirus program version to the latest version?

For detailed instructions to update Avast Antivirus to the latest program version, refer to the following article:

Is it necessary to uninstall a previous version of Avast Antivirus before installing a new version?

If you have Avast 7.x or later, you do not need to uninstall your previous version because Avast Antivirus setup automatically detects and upgrades the existing installation.

If you have Avast 6.x or older, you need to uninstall your version of Avast using the Avast Uninstall Utility, then install Avast Antivirus by following the instructions in the relevant article below:

How do I uninstall Avast Antivirus?

For detailed instructions to uninstall your Avast Antivirus product, refer to the following article:

Avast Dns Hijack Found Windows 10

License and Registration

How do I activate my license for Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security, or Avast Pro Antivirus?

You can purchase a license for Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security, and Avast Pro Antivirus via the Avast Store. To activate your product, follow these instructions:

1. Open your Avast order confirmation email and copy the activation code.
2. Right-click the Avast icon in the system tray and select Subscription information from the context menu.
3. On the My license screen, click Enter a valid activation code.
4. Enter your activation code and click Enter.
5. Click OK.

For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

1. Open your Avast order confirmation email and open the attached file (License.avastlic).
2. Click Yes to insert the license file.
3. Click OK in the confirmation dialog that appears.

For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

How do I register Avast Free Antivirus?

It is no longer necessary to register your Avast Free Antivirus as your initial free license automatically activates after installation. When your free license expires, you can let the program automatically renew the license. Alternatively, you can manually activate your 1-year license by following these steps:

1. Open the Avast user interface and go to ☰Menu ▸ My licenses.
2. Click the Upgrade now button next to Avast Free Antivirus in the list located under Licenses on this PC.
3. Click Select in the Avast Free Antivirus column.
4. Click the X icon on the new screen that appears to return to the My licenses screen.

For details, refer to the following article:

What should I do if Avast Antivirus does not accept my purchased license?

If you face issues activating Avast Antivirus, use the Avast webform to resend your license to the email address used for your purchase, then try to insert the license into the program again. If the activation code or license does not work, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Uninstall Avast Antivirus using the Avast Uninstall Utility and restart your computer.
2. Download and install the product version of Avast Antivirus connected to the purchased license.
3. Insert the license into Avast Antivirus.

Can I get a copy of my purchased license?

If you did not receive your purchased license, you can request it via our webform using the email address provided for your purchase.

You can also download your license from your Avast Account. For more information, refer to the following article:

Can I transfer a license to another computer?

Yes. If you are no longer using your Avast license on one PC, you can activate the license on another PC and use your Avast product for the remainder of the subscription period. However, you cannot use a single license simultaneously on more than one PC. For more information, refer to the following article:

Can I use my license for Avast Antivirus to activate SecureLine VPN and Cleanup?

SecureLine VPN and Cleanup are integrated into the Avast Antivirus user interface, but require separate, paid licenses to use. You can purchase a license for either product from the Avast Store.

How do I cancel the automatic renewal service for my Avast license?

If you activated the auto-renewal service, your current license is automatically renewed upon expiration. You are notified in advance via email.

You can manage the auto-renewal option for your order by contacting Avast Customer Support directly, or by following the instructions in the relevant article according to the license distributor:

Features and Settings

What features are included in the different versions of Avast Antivirus?

You can check the features available in each version of Avast Antivirus on our product comparison chart.

• Avast Free Antivirus: includes our intelligent antivirus features that detect viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, and other threats in real-time. Avast Free Antivirus also includes extra free features such as Software Updater and Passwords.
• Avast Pro Antivirus: comes with all features included in Avast Free Antivirus, and additionally includes Real Site and Sandbox.
• Avast Internet Security: comes with all features included in Avast Pro Antivirus, and additionally includes Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Sensitive Data Shield, and Anti-spam.
• Avast Premier: comes with all the features included in Avast Internet Security, and additionally includes Webcam Shield, Data Shredder, and automatic updates in Software Updater.
• Avast Ultimate: comes with all features included in Avast Premier, and additionally includes the paid version of Passwords, SecureLine VPN, and Cleanup Premium.

What is Smart Scan?

Smart Scan is a comprehensive scan that detects the following:

• Viruses: files containing malicious code which may impact the security and performance of your PC.
• Vulnerable software: out-of-date software which hackers can use to access your system.
• Bad browser add-ons: browser extensions that are usually installed without your knowledge and affect the performance of your system.
• Poor search engines: default search providers that may offer poor search results or endanger your privacy.
• Network issues: vulnerabilities in your network that may lead to attacks on your router and network devices.
• Performance issues: items such as junk files and unnecessary apps, or settings issues that may interfere with the operation of your PC.

To run a Smart Scan, open the Avast user interface and go to Protection ▸ Virus Scans, then click Run Smart Scan.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What are Core Shields?

Core Shields displays the main protection components in Avast Antivirus. By default, all Core Shields are enabled to provide optional protection. The Core Shields are: File Shield, Behaviour Shield, Web Shield, and Mail Shield.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Virus Chest?

Virus Chest is an isolated space where you can safely store potentially dangerous files or send them to the Avast Threat Lab for analysis. Files in the Virus Chest cannot run or access your system and data, so any malicious code contained within a file is unable to harm your PC.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is CyberCapture?

CyberCapture is a feature that detects and analyzes rare, suspicious files. If you attempt to run such a file, CyberCapture locks the file from your PC and sends it to the Avast Threat Lab where it is analyzed in a safe, virtual environment.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Rescue Disk?

Rescue Disk is a feature which allows you to create a bootable version of the Avast Antvirus scanner on a USB or CD.

For more information, refer to the following article:

The complete series list for - Warriors: Dawn of the Clans Erin Hunter. Series reading order, cover art, synopsis, sequels, reviews, awards, publishing history,. Warriors: Dawn of the Clans. The Sun Trail. Thunder Rising. The First Battle. The Blazing Star. A Forest Divided. Path of Stars. Warriors dawn of the clans book series. Prequel to the Warriors Universe The Sun Trail (Warriors: Dawn of the Clans, #1), Thunder Rising (Warriors: Dawn of the Clans, #2), The First Battle (War. Discover the origins of the warrior Clans in this thrilling prequel to Erin Hunter's #1 nationally bestselling Warriors series. This box set includes all six books in. The first book in the Dawn of the Clans series takes readers back to the earliest days of the Clans, when the cats first settled in the forest and began to forge the.

What is Firewall?

Firewall is a feature available in Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security. Firewall monitors all network traffic between your PC and the outside world to protect you from unauthorized communication and intrusions. Firewall can prevent sensitive data from leaving your PC and can block attempted intrusions by hackers.

Avast Blocking Dns

You can also set the application rules to control network and internet communication for specific software applications. Firewall applies these rules whenever a particular application tries to establish a connection to the internet or with another network.

What is Real Site?

Real Site, formerly known as Secure DNS, is a feature in Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security and Avast Pro Antivirus which secures you against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking. Some malicious programs can stealthily redirect you from an authentic URL to an inauthentic website to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Every time you enter the URL (address) of a website, such as www.example.com, into the address bar of your browser, the URL is translated to the IP address (Internet Protocol address) of the web server where the web page that you want to access is stored. Real Site provides an encrypted connection between your web browser and Avast's own DNS server to ensure that the displayed website is the authentic one.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Ransomware Shield?

Ransomware Shield, available in the latest versions of Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security, secures your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature scans for and automatically secures folders which may contain personal data and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your folders and which applications are always blocked.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Sensitive Data Shield?

Sensitive Data Shield, available in the latest versions of Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security, scans and protects your personal sensitive documents against unauthorized access and malware. The files considered as sensitive contain your personal information which, if revealed, can compromise your privacy and identity. Sensitive Data Shield controls which applications and users have access to your files to secure your private data.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Webcam Shield?

Webcam Shield, available in the latest version of Avast Premier, prevents applications and malware from accessing your PC's webcam without your consent. With Webcam Shield enabled, untrusted applications cannot capture images or videos and send the content outside of your PC to compromise your privacy.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Wi-Fi Inspector?

Wi-Fi Inspector, formerly known as Home Network Security, scans your network for vulnerabilities and identifies potential security issues that open the door to threats. This feature checks the status of your network, devices connected to the network, and router settings. Wi-Fi Inspector helps you secure your network to prevent attackers from accessing it and misusing your personal data.

What is Passive Mode?

Passive Mode disables all active protection, such as Shields and Firewall, so that you can use more than one antivirus program at a time without interfering with the performance of your PC or the reliability of antivirus detections. In Passive Mode, Avast Antivirus receives all virus definition and program updates which allows you to manually run scans to check for issues on your PC, however, Avast does not actively protect you.

• All third party antivirus programs are uninstalled.
• The main screen of Avast indicates You're protected.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Software Updater?

Software Updater is a feature in Avast Antivirus that keeps commonly used third party software up to date to eliminate potential security risks. Malicious threats or attackers often use leaks in outdated software to access your PC. Software Updater displays the most popular programs installed on your PC and allows you to easily update them.

In Avast Premier, you can configure Software Updater to perform updates automatically. In Avast Internet Security, Avast Pro Antivirus, and Avast Free Antivirus, you can maintain updates manually by clicking the Update button next to each application.

For more information, refer to the following article:

What is Sandbox?

Sandbox is a virtualization tool in Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security and Avast Pro Antivirus which allows you to browse the web or run an application in a completely isolated, safe environment. When you run an application in Sandbox, your activity and web content is contained, which prevents damage to your PC. This is useful when you want to run suspicious or untrusted applications without risk.

What is Data Shredder?

Data Shredder is a feature in Avast Premier which allows you to irreversibly erase your files or whole drives, so that there is no way for anyone to restore and misuse your data.

When you erase a hard drive, or delete a file using standard tools, only a reference to its data is removed from the file system. Simply deleting sensitive files, such as user data or licensed software, may not be safe as there are tools capable of restoring deleted files. Data Shredder overwrites files with meaningless data multiple times before deleting them which prevents data from being recovered. Data Shredder is especially useful when selling/donating your computers or hard drives.

What is Anti-spam?

Anti-spam is an additional installable component available in Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security. Anti-spam ensures that the inbox in your mail management software is free from unwanted spam and junk emails. This feature applies to mail clients installed on your PC, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird.

What is Do Not Disturb Mode?

Do Not Disturb Mode is a new feature in Avast Antivirus, and an upgrade to the previous Game Mode feature. Do Not Disturb Mode works to silence unnecessary notifications while you run almost any application in fullscreen. Each time you open an application in fullscreen, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically detects it and adds it to a list of applications. When you run applications from this list of entries, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically launches to silence notifications from Windows, Avast Antivirus, and other applications. In the Do Not Disturb Mode applications list, you can also tick the Maximize performance box next to any application, which will allow it to run at highest priority and boost the performance of your PC.

What is Browser Cleanup?

Browser Cleanup is a feature now integrated into Smart Scan and Cleanup.

When you run Smart Scan, your PC is scanned for various elements, including poorly rated browser add-ons. If such add-ons are detected, you can click Remove All to remove them.

If you use Cleanup, the Clean option scans for and identifies poorly rated browser add-ons. You can select which add-ons to remove, as well as view reputable add-ons.

What is Passwords?

Passwords is a password manager that allows you to use one Master Password to quickly and safely log into your online accounts and complete web forms. Passwords encrypts and securely stores your sensitive information, and enables you to synchronize your data across all your devices.

For details, refer to the following article:

What is SecureLine VPN?

SecureLine VPN is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN functions as a private tunnel through the internet which encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections such as those in cafes or airports. SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations which means you can bypass geolocation restrictions as well as access your favorite content while traveling.

SecureLine VPN is integrated into the Avast user interface, but requires a separate, paid license to use. For more information about SecureLine VPN, refer to the following article:

What is Cleanup?

Cleanup scans for unnecessary items and performance issues to create space on your PC and improve the speed of your system. After a scan, Cleanup offers to remove or resolve any found issues.

For details, refer to the following article:

Miscellaneous

Can I set Software Updater to automatically update my applications?

Avast Antivirus informs you when Software Updater detects updates for third-party applications. In Avast Premier, you can configure Software Updater to perform updates automatically.

In Avast Internet Security, Avast Pro Antivirus, and Avast Free Antivirus, you can maintain updates manually by clicking the Update button next to each application.

Does my PC's performance slow down during an Avast scan?

Avast Antivirus comes with several pre-defined scans as well as the option to create your own custom scans and you can also create your own custom scans. Generally, running a scan does not noticeably affect system performance. However, performance may be affected somewhat depending on your system configurations, especially if you execute multiple scans simultaneously.

Does Avast Antivirus scan webmail accounts?

If you use a web based email account, such as Yahoo or Gmail, Avast does not directly scan your emails. However, Web Shield and File System Shield actively protect your PC from malware which could be contained in your email messages.

If you use a mail management software, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird, Mail Shield scans for threats in your incoming and outgoing email messages.

Can I adjust the sensitivity of Anti-spam?

Yes. If you want to adjust the sensitivity of the Anti-spam filter, open the Avast user interface and go to Protection ▸ Anti-spam. Select one of the following settings:

• Relaxed: use this setting if too many legitimate emails are being marked as spam.
• Strict (default and recommended setting): keep this setting enabled to maintain optimal spam filtering.
• No mercy: use this setting if too many spam emails are getting into your inbox.

You can also adjust the sensitivity of Anti-spam from Settings ▸ Components ▸ Anti-spam ▸ Customize.

Can I turn off the Microsoft Windows Firewall when using the Firewall in Avast Premier or Avast Internet Security?

Yes. Avast Premier and Avast Internet Security include a built-in firewall. The Avast Firewall monitors all communication between your PC and outside networks and blocks unauthorized communication. It is highly recommended to keep all Avast protection components enabled at all times for reliable PC protection.

Can I turn off the antivirus protection?

Yes, but we do not recommend doing this permanently. If you need to disable Avast Antivirus, right click the Avast icon in the system tray and select Avast shields control. Select one of the following options:

• Disable for 10 minutes
• Disable for 1 hour
• Disable until computer is restarted
• Disable permanently (not recommended)

• Avast Ultimate 19.x
• Avast Premier 19.x
• Avast Internet Security 19.x
• Avast Pro Antivirus 19.x
• Avast Free Antivirus 19.x

• Microsoft Windows 10 Home / Pro / Enterprise / Education - 32 / 64-bit
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
• Microsoft Windows 8 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate - Service Pack 1, 32 / 64-bit