x

NCC warns on new software that steals users’ banking app login credentials

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team, CSIRT, has warned Nigerians to be wary of a newly-hatched malicious software that steals users’ banking app login credentials on Android devices.

According to a security advisory from the NCC CSIRT, the malicious software, called “Xenomorph,” found to target 56 financial institutions in Europe, has high impact and high vulnerability rate.

NCC said the main intent of this malware was to steal credentials, combined with the use of SMS and notification interception to log-in and use potential 2-factor authentication tokens.

“Xenomorph is propagated by an application that was slipped into Google Play store and masquerading as a legitimate application called “Fast Cleaner” ostensibly meant to clear junk, increase device speed and optimize battery. In reality, this app is only a means by which the Xenomorph Trojan could be propagated easily and efficiently.

“To avoid early detection or being denied access to the PlayStore, ‘Fast Cleaner’ was disseminated before the malware was placed on the remote server, making it hard for Google to determine that such an app is being used for malicious actions.

“Once up and running on a victim’s device, Xenomorph can harvest device information and Short Messaging Service (SMS), intercept notifications and new SMS messages, perform overlay attacks, and prevent users from uninstalling it. The threat also asks for Accessibility Services privileges, which allow it to grant itself further permissions.

“The CSIRT said the malware also steals victims’ banking credentials by overlaying fake login pages on top of legitimate ones. Considering that it can also intercept messages and notifications, it allows its operators to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication and log into the victims’ accounts without alerting them.”

Hot this week

CACOL Commends Federal Government for Removing Nigeria from FATF Grey List

By Jabiru HassanThe Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership...

INSPIRATION: Do Not Let Life Define You

With Mary EwaThough bashed, pained, rejected, and even abandoned,...

Truck Crushes Female Federal University Lokoja Lecturer to Death in Lokoja

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaA female lecturer at the Federal...

Gov Alia Dissolves Lobi Stars FC Board, Management to Reposition Club for Better Performance

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiBenue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth...

Kogi First Lady Advocates Women Empowerment for Economic Independence

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe wife of the Kogi State...

BAVCCA urges Nigerians to defend Dangote Refinery

President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association...

INSPIRATION: The Family: The Forgotten Powerhouse of Civilization

By Mary EwaFamily — the smallest yet most powerful...

INSPIRATION: Seeing Myself in the Light of Now

By Mary EwaTechnology is the wealth of the twenty-first...

PenCom mulls reintroduction of gratuity as pension assets hit N25trillion

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, UyoThe National Pension Commission, PenCom, has...

Security Operatives Question NDDC MD Over Alleged Coup Financing

By our correspondentThere is palpable tension at the headquarters...

ALSTDI Commends President Tinubu for Extending Adebomehin’s Tenure, Hails Progress in Geospatial Intelligence and National Mapping Reforms

….Says extension reflects confidence in performance and continuity….Urges Surveyor-General...

ALSTDI Commends Tinubu for Extending Adebomehin’s Tenure, Praises Geospatial and Mapping Reforms

….Says extension reflects confidence in performance and continuity….Urges Surveyor-General...

The Global Governance Initiative and the Quest for a Multipolar World

By Prof. Udenta O. UdentaThe world is changing, and...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img