Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rayyan Alhassan
Published on 2024-03-11 21:28:34
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding a new malicious malware called ‘OV3R_Stealer’ that is targeting Facebook users. The advisory was released in Abuja on Monday by Hadiza Umar, the Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at the agency.
The OV3R_Stealer malware is spreading through deceptive job advertisements and fake accounts on Facebook. Users are becoming infected by clicking on these malicious advertisement links. The malware employs various methods to extract sensitive data from victims and can also be used as a dropper for other malware, including ransomware.
According to Umar, when users click on the advertisement, they are redirected to a malicious discord URL which then executes the malware through a PowerShell script. This PowerShell script masquerades as a Windows Control Panel (CPL) file to download the malware payload from a GitHub repository.
The OV3R_Stealer malware poses a significant risk by silently exfiltrating a wide range of personal and sensitive information, including geo-location based on IP, hardware information, passwords, cookies, and credit card details. This stolen data is then transmitted to a Telegram channel where it may be sold or used for phishing attacks.
To protect against this malware, users are advised to ensure that their software is always updated, avoid clicking on advertisement links especially on social media platforms, and regularly update their system antivirus. Staying informed about new and evolving threats is also crucial for safeguarding against such malicious attacks.
It is essential to remain vigilant and cautious while browsing the internet and interacting with online content, especially on popular platforms like Facebook. By taking proactive measures to protect personal information and staying informed about potential threats, users can mitigate the risk of falling victim to malicious attacks.
In conclusion, being proactive and informed is key to protecting oneself from cyber threats like the OV3R_Stealer malware. By following the advice provided by NITDA and staying cautious while using the internet, users can safeguard their personal information and prevent falling prey to malicious attacks. Stay updated, stay safe!
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
