NITDA Warns Nigerians of Malware Targeting Banking Information

NITDA Warns Nigerians of Malware Targeting Banking Information

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued an urgent alert to Nigerians about a sophisticated banking malware, Grandoreiro, which poses a global threat by targeting users through advanced phishing campaigns.

In an advisory released by NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team on Monday, the agency highlighted the dangers of the malware, describing it as a significant risk to personal and financial data security.

According to NITDA, Grandoreiro employs advanced techniques such as screen overlay attacks and remote device control to steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and personal data. The malware is primarily spread through phishing emails and fraudulent websites, which trick 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,” the advisory warned.

To mitigate risks, NITDA urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt robust cybersecurity practices. The agency provided a series of recommendations, including:

• Avoiding links and attachments from unknown emails.
• Downloading software only from trusted sources.
• Enabling multi-factor authentication for online banking and financial accounts.
• Keeping antivirus software updated.
• Avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
• Regularly monitoring bank accounts for unauthorized activities.

“Cyber threats like Grandoreiro are evolving, and users need to stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect their information,” the agency stated.

NITDA’s advisory serves as a critical reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard sensitive personal and financial data.