The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned against a money-lending app “MoneyMonger” malware used by hackers to blackmail unsuspecting people.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of the agency, gave the warning on Thursday in a statement issued in Abuja.

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,” Umar said.

She added that once the malware was installed, it harvests and uploads a wide range of private information from the victim’s device onto its server.

According to her, the collected data include GPS location, text messages, contacts, call logs, files, photos and audio recordings, among others.

Umar said that the information would be used to blackmail the victim into paying high-interest rates.

She cautioned that individuals should install up-to-date anti-malware applications 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.

For more enquiries, she directed individuals to reach the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) of the agency at cerrt@nitda.gov.ng,www.cerrt.ng or +234 817 877 4580. (NAN)

Always download applications from trusted sources, and read reviews before downloading any app.

Deen45:
I beg oo, these have really tarnished the image of my friend

DirtyGold:
If there is prosperity on the land, people wont fall prey to fictitious apps like this

What's tha business?

She added that once the malware was installed, it harvests and uploads a wide range of private information from the victim’s device onto its server.
According to her, the collected data include GPS location, text messages, contacts, call logs, files, photos and audio recordings, among others.
Umar said that the information would be used to blackmail the victim into paying high-interest rates.

Haylel:
You deserve every blackmail you get if you borrow money from loan apps.

You read the terms and condition.

You knew when the date is due and what the interest is.

They didn't toy with you when you wanted to borrow.

Now, it's time to pay back you start crying that loan apps are bad.

Y'all ought to be taken to the streets and flogged 2 strokes for every #1,000 you borrowed.

I will never borrow a man money I cannot let go. Even when he makes the money he is supposed to repay me, he remembers that he needs to upgrade his phone rather than pay me back.

The loan apps should wind up or use the collateral method. Drop your phone before you borrow.

Ingrates!