The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians about a banking malware that targets users worldwide through sophisticated phishing campaigns.
This advisory was released by NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team on Monday, December 9, 2024.
According to NITDA, the new version of the Grandoreiro malware is a significant threat, using advanced techniques such as screen overlay attacks and remote device control to steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and personal data.
This malware is primarily distributed through phishing emails and fraudulent websites that deceive victims into downloading malicious software disguised as legitimate updates or documents.
Once installed, the malware bypasses security controls, granting attackers unauthorized access to users’ devices.
NITDA warned that this could lead to financial losses and identity theft ¹. To mitigate this risk, the agency urged the public to exercise caution and adopt recommended security measures.
NITDA advised users to stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect their information. To achieve this, the agency recommended several measures:
- Avoiding suspicious links and attachments: Refrain from opening links or downloading attachments from unknown emails.
- Downloading software from trusted sources: Ensure that all software downloads come from reputable sources.
- Enabling multifactor authentication: Secure online banking and financial accounts with multifactor authentication.
- Keeping antivirus software updated: Regularly update antivirus software to protect against the latest threats.
- Avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions: Refrain from using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions to minimize the risk of data theft.
- Regularly monitoring bank accounts: Regularly check bank accounts for unauthorized activities to quickly identify and respond to potential threats.
Adopting these measures, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to the Grandoreiro malware and other similar threats.
Geeky Nigeria reports that NITDA is a public service institution established in 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate general IT development in the country.
Read also: NITDA Alerts Job Seekers Of ‘CovertCatch’ Malware On LinkedIn
