NCC alerts Nigerians to destructive apps on google store
The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has alerted Nigerians about a new malware, (app), which has infiltrated Google play and is capable of compromising mobile phones and computers.
The authorities called it hidden ads, which can also impact device performance and jeopardize users’ privacy.
In a statement by the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, the Commission noted that the advisory on the malware to telecom subscribers has become necessary as a result of the damage it could cause them.
It noted that “NCC-CSIRT classified the virus, first identified by the McAfee Mobile Research Team, as high in probability and damage potential.”
The statement reads: “The malware infiltrated the Google Play Store in the form of several device cleaners or optimization apps.
According to the summary provided by NCC-CSIRT, upon installation, the app can run malicious services without the user opening the app. It also spams the user with irrelevant advertisements. The apps have received downloads ranging from 100,000 to over a million.