Warning to Nigerians: Avoid clicking links sent through SMS, malware in circulation, NCC says

• Nigerians have been asked not to click on any link sent through SMS because it can contain a terrible virus
• According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the virus infects Android mobile devices
• Some of the messages with the link to the malware are said to contain information on COVID vaccination and power outages

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned the public of TangleBot, a new virus infecting Android mobile devices through short messaging service (SMS).

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC spokesman, following a recent security advisory made available to the commission by the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT).

Some of the messages with the link to the malware are said to contain information on COVID vaccination and power outages.

“The aim behind both or either of the messages (on COVID-19 or impending power outages) is to encourage potential victims to follow a link that supposedly offers detailed information,” the statement reads.

“Once at the page, users are asked to update applications such as Adobe Flash Player to view the page’s content by going through nine (9) dialogue boxes to give acceptance to different permissions that will allow the malware operators initiate the malware configuration process.

“The immediate consequence to this, is that the malware then steals sensitive data stored on the device and monitors almost every user activity, including camera use, audio conversations, and location, among other things.”

The NCC added that the malware takes control of the targeted device, including access to banking data.

“In order to ensure maximum protection for Internet users in the country, the ngCERT has offered a number of preventive measures to be taken by the consumers. These measures include an advisory to telecom consumers and other Internet users to refrain…