The “MoneyMonger” software is used by hackers to extort trusting people using money-lending apps, according to a warning from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The warning was made by the organization’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Umar, the virus campaign aims to extort individuals into complying with their demands or risk having their private information made public.
“Developing countries like Nigeria are a prime target for dodgy loan apps and this has created an avenue for hackers to exploit.
“Although none of the 33 apps used in the deceptive scheme has been distributed through the Google Play Store, they have been distributed through unofficial app stores like Smishing, rogue ads, compromised websites and social media campaigns.
“The campaign has reportedly racked up over 100,000 downloads,” Umar said.
She continued by saying that after being installed, the virus gathers and uploads a variety of sensitive data from the victim’s device to its server.
She claims that the information gathered includes, among other things, GPS position, text messages, contacts, call records, files, images, and audio recordings.
According to Umar, the victim would be extorted into making large interest payments using the information.
She advised people to install the most recent anti-malware programs on their mobile devices.
“Always download applications from trusted sources, and read reviews before downloading any app.
“Beware of what information the app collects from your device and do not click on suspicious links,” Umar warned.
She advised people to contact the agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) at cerrt@nitda.gov.ng, www.cerrt.ng, or +234 817 877 4580 if they had any additional questions. (NAN)
