The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has warned users against the installation of apps from an offending publisher, the ‘Mobile Apps Group’.
The warning, contained in a press release by NCC Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, was on the heel of the constant introduction of malicious apps into the Google Play Store.
The telecoms regulatory body disclosed that the products of the ‘Mobile Apps Group’ were discovered to contain trojans and adware that are harmful to users and their privacy.
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.”
NCC-CSIRT’s advisory listed the group’s malicious apps to include the Bluetooth Auto Connect; Bluetooth App Sender; Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB; and Mobile transfer: smart switch.
According to the advisory, “The malicious 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.”
The NCC-CSIRT’s advisory stated that consequences of installing the malicious apps included the user being bombarded with advertisements, which will degrade the user experience.
Others, it stated included theft of sensitive user data; clicking on the ads resulting in the stealth download or installation of additional malware, as well as the user’s privacy and data being jeopardised.
“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.
“NCC-CSIRT rated the malicious activities of the offending apps as high in probability and potential to do damage,” it was stated in the release.
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 in collaboration 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.
