The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning regarding the “MoneyMonger” malware, which is used by hackers to extort gullible individuals using money-lending apps.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, the agency’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, issued the warning.
Umar said that the malware campaign was aimed at blackmailing users into accepting their demands or risking having their private information in the public domain.
“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,â€