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SALT LAKE CITY -- We've received reports of a computer virus related to this website, KSL.com.
KSL wants to assure users the problem has been identified and it is now safe to browse KSL.com.
The virus is a scam from someone trying to get your credit card information. It came through a third-party network used to distribute ads on KSL.com.
Clark Gilbert, president and CEO of Deseret Digital Media, which runs KSL.com, said, "We were obviously very concerned and took this very seriously."
Calls and e-mails about the virus came in to KSL Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
We know that dozens of IT managers, including those for the State of Utah, blocked KSL.com on their networks until the situation was fixed.
"First of all, we apologize," Gilbert said. "[Users] should know we're taking every precaution we can to protect the site."
If you were hit, you would have seen a pop-up ad for an antivirus software on your screen. Clicking on it asks you for your credit card number.
General Manager of KSL.com Brett Atkinson said, "It's definitely something that's coming through not our local advertisers, but some of the third parties that we work with that do send advertisers to us."
"Unfortunately, it got through their filters and attacked us. We found the source of that and have been able to pause it, but it's something we have to watch all the time just to be safe," Gilbert said.
By 11:00 Thursday morning, those third-party ads were taken down and details about what happened were posted on the site.
KSL wants users to know the website is safe.
It appears the same virus attacked other news sites, including one in Minnesota earlier this week. KSL is now trying to identify the source and boost security.
"We're working with the same firms that have worked to protect those sites since those incidents happened, so we'll be safe in the future," Gilbert said.
CLICK HERE for more information on how to remove the virus from your computer and download free malware removal software.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
