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NCC’s CSIRT warns against banking app-targeting malware

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NCC’s CSIRT warns against banking app-targeting malware

The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it had discovered a newly-hatched malicious software that steals users’ banking app login credentials on Android devices.

NCC’s Director of Public Affairs (DPA), Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, in Abuja.

Adinde explained that the main intent of this malware was to steal credentials, combined with the use of SMS and notification interception to log in and use potential two-factor authentication tokens.

He said, according to a security advisory from the NCC CSIRT, the malicious software called “Xenomorph”, found to target 56 financial institutions across Europe, had a high impact and high vulnerability rate.

“Xenomorph is propagated by an application that was slipped into Google Play store and masquerading as a legitimate application called “Fast Cleaner” ostensibly meant to clear junk, increase device speed and optimise the battery.

“In reality, this app is only a means by which the Xenomorph Trojan could be propagated easily and efficiently.

“Fast Cleaner was disseminated before the malware was placed on the remote server, making it hard for Google to determine that such an app is being used for malicious actions.

“This is to avoid early detection or being denied access to the Playstore,” he said.

He further explained that once up and running on a victim’s device, Xenomorph can harvest device information and SMS, intercept notifications and new SMS, perform overlay attacks and prevent users from uninstalling it.

“The threat also asks for Accessibility Services privileges, which allow it to grant itself further permissions.

“The CSIRT said the malware also steals victims’ banking credentials by overlaying fake login pages on top of legitimate ones.

“Considering that it can also intercept messages and notifications, it allows its operators to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication and log into the victims’ accounts without alerting them.

“The Fast Cleaner app has now been removed from the Play Store but not before it garnered 50,000+ downloads,” he said.

The DPA said that the commission had advised telecom consumers to be on alert in order not to fall victim of this manipulation.

He urged telecom consumers and other Internet users, particularly those using Android-powered devices, to use trusted Antivirus solutions and update them regularly to their latest definitions.

He also implored consumers and other stakeholders to always update banking applications to their most recent versions.

The newsmen report that Xenomorph has been found to target 28 banking apps from Spain, 12 from Italy, 9 from Belgium, and 7 from Portugal.

Cryptocurrency wallets and general-purpose applications like emailing services are also some of the targets.

 

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Public Feedback: Lagos Announces Complaint Hotlines To Boost Transparency

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LASG Announces Traffic Diversion At Second Rainbow

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has announced dedicated phone hotlines aimed at facilitating public feedback and complaints regarding the activities of the Ministry and its Officials.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi who disclosed this also said this was sequel to Recognizing the importance of fostering transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance.

He subsequently provided phone numbers which citizens can call to channel and express their concerns, report grievances, and provide valuable feedback on transportation-related matters.

“Members of the public are encouraged to utilize this service responsibly by providing accurate information and details when lodging complaints or sharing feedback”, he said, adding that the Ministry assures the public of its commitment to addressing all inquiries and complaints promptly and effectively.

The hotline numbers for lodging complaints and providing feedback are as follows: 09020009000 and 09020004000.

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Fasting: Sultan Declares Monday, 1st Ramadan 1445 AH, Following Moon-sighting

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Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Monday, March 11, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH in Nigeria.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, signifies a month-long period of fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. 

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Sunday in a radio and television broadcast.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations from across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby, announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifying the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Monday accordingly,” he declared.

The Sultan urged Muslim faithfuls to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the Holy Month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

The Sultan also called on wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

*Anonymous

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Looming Divorce: “My husband follows anything under skirt”, wife tells court

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…As another marriage hits rock over Wife’s monitoring of phone, husband’s lockouts 

Mrs Jane Ebi, a businesswoman, on Friday dragged her husband, Monday, before a Customary Court in Jikwoyi, near Abuja.

She accused him of “following everything under skirt”.

Jane, who is seeking a divorce, said that her husband is hot tempered, wicked, and had a bad attitude of getting drunk and following different women or anything under the skirt.

The petitioner alleged that her husband had been trying to get her out of the way by killing her.

She also told the court that her husband passes nights outside their matrimonial home.

“My husband always sleeps outside our matrimonial home with small girls leaving me and the children in danger.

“I have done all I can to make the respondent change from that life, but he has refused to change. It is on these grounds that I seek to divorce him,” She said.

The respondent, Monday, who is a driver, however, denied all the allegations.

The presiding judge, Doocivir Yawe, advised the couple to explore reconciliation and adjourned the matter until March 7, for a report of settlement or hearing. 

In another development, a businessman, Mr Ojo Owo, on Friday, dragged his wife, Muyibat, before a Customary Court in Jikwoyi, near Abuja, for always locking him out of the house.

Appeal Court Orders ASUU to Resume Work Immediately

His claims are contained in a divorce petition he filed against his wife.

“On several occasions, my wife locked me out of the house whenever I come back home late from work.

“She has the habit of monitoring my phone calls, picking my phone to go through my messages.

“She searches my calls log, picks and calls the numbers on my phone to insult, embarrass and call my customers names,” he alleged. 

The petitioner also accused his wife of sleeping around.

“She admitted this to me when questioned,” he claimed. 

The petitioner further told the court that he gives his wife money to take care of her hair.

“I also provide body creams and food.

“I don’t know why she is sleeping around; I beg this court to dissolve the marriage,” he said.

The respondent, however, denied the allegations.

The Judge, Thelma Baba, advised the couple to explore settlement options for the sake of their children and adjourned the matter until March 7, for a hearing.

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