Tech

NCC warns against use of Mobile Apps Group

Following the constant introduction of malicious apps into Google Play Store, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has warned against the installation of apps from the publisher, the Mobile Apps Group.

The NCC-CSIRT said the publisher’s products were discovered to contain Trojans and adware that are harmful to users and their privacy.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NCC spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, the NCC-CSIRT’s advisory on the incident disclosed that “the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) has continued to observe and monitor the constant introduction of malicious mobile applications into Google Play Store.

“Mobile apps Group has a history of distributing malware-infected apps through the Google Play store, and the current batch of apps has already been downloaded over a million times,” it said.

The NCC-CSIRT further listed the group’s apps as the Bluetooth Auto Connect, Bluetooth App Sender; Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB; and Mobile transfer: smart switch.

READ ALSO: State House Perm Sec defends N2.1bn 2023 budget

It stated that the “apps will delay the display of ads for up to three days after installation to avoid detection. However, once this period has passed, the user is bombarded with advertisements and is directed to malicious phishing websites in the Chrome browser.

“While the device is idle, the malicious app can open Chrome tabs in the background. Some of the sites it opens may appear to be harmless, but they are pay-per-click pages that generate revenue for the developers when clicked on.

“Consequences of installing the malicious apps include the user being bombarded with advertisements, which will degrade the user experience; theft of sensitive user data; clicking on the ads resulting in the stealth download or installation of additional malware, as well as the user privacy and data being jeopardized.

“These unpleasant consequences are avoidable when users refrain from downloading apps developed by Mobile apps Group and ensure to read app reviews before installing any app. Other proffered solutions are for users that may have installed any of the identified malicious apps to immediately uninstall them and to install up-to-date anti-malware solution to detect and remove malware,” the NCC-CSIRT said.

The CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

The CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Tinubu writes NASS, seeks Oluyede’s confirmation as Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Lieutenant…

6 hours ago

Court sends man to prison for impregnating 15-year-old daughter

A Magistrate Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has remanded a 48-year-old…

7 hours ago

Uba Sani: Kaduna made history with free fertilizer distribution

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani says the state made history by carrying out the largest…

7 hours ago

Varsity denies awarding professorship to sacked UNIZIK VC

The Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State has denied awarding professorship to the sacked Vice-Chancellor…

10 hours ago

First winner in ‘Glo Festival of Joy’ gets new car

Technology company Globacom, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, delivered a brand new Toyota Prado car…

10 hours ago

Uba Sani donates N10m to military heroes

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has launched the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem with…

13 hours ago

This website uses cookies.