NITDA Warns Against Blackmailing Money Lending App MoneyMonger

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning regarding the "MoneyMonger" malware that hackers exploit to extort unsuspecting individuals via a money lending app.

The agency's Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Hadiza Umar, released a statement on Thursday that included the warning in Abuja.

According to Umar, the virus campaign aims to extort individuals into complying with their demands or risk having their private information made public.

“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 have been distributed through the Google Play Store but 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 continued by saying that after being installed, the virus gathers and uploads a variety of sensitive data from the victim's device to its server.

She claims that the information gathered includes, among other things, GPS position, text messages, contacts, call records, files, images, and audio recordings.

According to Umar, the victim would be extorted into paying a hefty interest rate using the information.

She advised people to instal the most recent anti-malware programmes on their mobile devices.

“Always download applications from trusted sources,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 on [email protected],www.cerrt.ng or +234 817 877 4580.