A dangerous malware with potentials of crippling the computing networks of Nigerian banks, business enterprises and government agencies has been busted.
In bursting the AI malware, these banks and agencies of the federal government have been save unquantifiable measures of assets.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which busted the AI-powered malware identified it as “DeepLoad”, which once executed, silently installs itself, harvests stored user credentials and sensitive data from browsers, while at the same time, evading antivirus software by leveraging on AI, NITDA said in its verified X handle.
Identifying financial institutions, Nigerian government Agencies, financial businesses and individuals as primary targets of the malware, NITDA revealed that once the virus is executed, DeepLoad silently installs itself, it harvests stored user credentials and sensitive data from browsers, evading antivirus software by leveraging on AI.
NITDA further stated that upon infection, that the malware could result in unauthorized access to bank accounts, mobile money services, payment cards.
It reiterated that the malware also steals saved passwords, personal information, and Documents.
The implication of this is grave, enabling fraudsters to compromise sensitive data
Away from the malware penetration threat, The Eagle reports that the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, formally received the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA) Portal, last month.
READ ALSO: LG To Unveil Refrigerators With Advanced Cooling Technology
READ ALSO: Cyber Attacks On Financial Technology Firms, Misuse of Investment ..
The agency described the event as marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Continental Hotel Abuja on Abdullahi who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr Dimie Warowei, described the event as the culmination of a strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The NGEA initiative, which began in late 2022, is a key component of Nigeria’s e-Government Masterplan 2.0 and aims to modernise public sector digital infrastructure.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.