Global internet likely to be shut down over next 48 hours | Here’s why

Internet users worlwide are likely to face network issue while surfing the net over the next 48 hours as the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will carry out maintenance work during this time period by changing the cryptographic key, according to sources.

The step is being taken to protect Internet's address book or the Domain Name System (DNS). This has been necessitated to counter the rising incidents of cyber attacks, news agency ANI, quoting Russia Today, reported.

"To further clarify, some internet users might be affected if their network operators or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have not prepared for this change. However, this impact can be avoided by enabling the appropriate system security extensions," the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) said in a statement.

The global Internet shutdown is necessary for ensuring a secure, stable and resilient DNS, the CRA stated.

A report in The Indian Express, however, said that internet services are not going to be shut down.

The ICANN Organisation has told the media outlet that the Root Key Signing Key (KSK) Rollover which is underway now will have minimum impact across the world.

“Note that data analysis suggests that more than 99 per cent of users whose resolvers are validating will be unaffected,” an Icann.org spokesperson in Singapore was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. 

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According to ANI, net users could face difficulties in accessing web pages or making any online transactions in the next 48 hours. They could also face inconvenience accessing the global network if they use an outdated ISP. 

So, does it mean internet will be completely shut down?

Not really, according to reports. The maintenance process doesn’t mean that your Internet will be dead. But certainly, it will be down in batches, and you may encounter problems while surfing certain websites and web-based services. Once the maintenance work is done and the system updated, things should be back to normal.

On October 9, Google, after fixing a bug exposing private data in as many as 500,000 accounts, had announced that it was closing down the consumer version of its online social network. It had said that Google+ failed to gain meaningful traction as a challenge to Facebook.

A spokesperson from the US internet giant cited "significant challenges in creating and maintaining a successful Google+ that meets consumers' expectations" along with "very low usage" as the reasons for the move.