In a warning, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT.NG), has warned Nigerians to be aware of a resurgence of a cybersecurity threat online, called the Grandoreiro banking malware.
The malware majorly masks itself as a real software update and would only show its real mission when installed, like stealing bank login credentials. Nigerians are warned to only install software updates from authentic websites and not some random websites.
A statement from NITDA reads, “A new version of the banking malware Grandoreiro has emerged, targeting users globally. This banking Trojan is primarily distributed through phishing emails and fake websites.”
The agency noted several potential risks involved with the Grandoreiro banking malware, such as unauthorized access to online banking accounts, theft of financial information and personal data, remote exploitation of victim devices to bypass security controls, and potential financial losses for individuals and businesses.
However, for every problem, there must be a solution, and NITDA has drawn up preventive measures Nigerians can use to avoid the Grandoreiro banking malware attack, such as:
- Avoid phishing traps by not clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails.
- Download software securely by obtaining updates and documents only from trusted sources.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection for online banking accounts.
- Use antivirus software by regularly updating and scanning devices with antivirus and anti-malware tools.
- Secure financial transactions by avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and using a VPN where necessary.
- Monitor banking activities by regularly reviewing account statements to detect and report suspicious transactions promptly.
NITDA has encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious activity or seek guidance through the following CERRT.NG channels: Email: cerrt@nitda.gov.ng, phone: +2348178774580 and Website: www.cerrt.ng
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