A new ongoing malware campaign that exploits the growing popularity of AI tools by disguising itself as an AI voice generator has been discovered by Kaspersky.

The malware uses GitHub to store password-protected archives as the final payload. This payload contains password and data stealers, enabling cybercriminals to steal various types of data, mine cryptocurrency, and download additional malicious software.

The Gipy malware has been active since mid-2023 and distinguishes itself by choosing AI tools as bait to spread malware. In a recent campaign observed by Kaspersky, the initial infection occurs when a user downloads a malicious file from a phishing website that imitates an AI application used to change voices.

These websites are well-crafted and appear identical to legitimate ones. Links to the malicious files are frequently placed on compromised third-party websites running WordPress.

After the user clicks the “Install” button, the installer for a legitimate application starts, but in the background, a script executes malicious activities.

During its execution, Gipy downloads and launches third-party malware from GitHub packaged in password-protected ZIP archives. Kaspersky experts have analysed over 200 of these archives. Most of the ones on GitHub contain the infamous Lumma password stealer.

However, the experts also found Apocalypse ClipBanker, a modified Corona cryptominer, and several RATs, including DCRat and RADXRat. Additionally, they discovered password stealers like RedLine and RisePro, a Golang-based stealer called Loli, and a Golang-based backdoor named TrueClient.

The cybercriminals behind Gipy do not show a particular geographical preference, targeting users worldwide. The top five affected countries are Russia, Taiwan, the US, Spain, and Germany.

“AI tools bring remarkable benefits and revolutionise our daily lives, but users must stay vigilant. Cybercriminals are leveraging the surge in AI interest to spread malware and conduct phishing attacks. AI is being used as bait for over a year now and we do not expect this trend to abate,” comments Oleg Kupreev, security expert at Kaspersky.

Afreximbank, has officially announced the launch of the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, a partnership between the CANEX Book Factory and the Narrative Landscape Press Limited.

The CANEX Book Factory, a key intervention under the CANEX programme, aims to promote a vibrant literary culture across Global Africa and encourage the development of a sustainable business ecosystem in the literary sector.

CANEX was launched in 2020 by Afreximbank as a key driver for development and job creation in Africa, having recognized the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative and cultural industries.

The CANEX Book Factory will spotlight and elevate the African book value chain through a Pan-African writing workshop, an e-newsletter highlighting African literature and the prize for publishing in Africa. This will culminate in the Award Ceremony at the CANEX WKND to be held in Algiers, Algeria between 16-19 October, 2024.

A USD20,000 prize will be awarded to the publisher of the best trade book. Trade books refers to books published for a general audience, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry and excludes textbooks and academic books. Additionally, four finalists will each receive $2,000 in prize money.

Commenting on this announcement, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, executive vice president-Intra African Trade and Export Development Bank at Afreximbank said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of The CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, a pioneering initiative by Afreximbank aimed at promoting and celebrating excellence in African publishing. This prize underscores our commitment to nurturing Africa’s creative industries and supporting the vibrant literary landscape across the continent. Through the CANEX Prize, we aim to recognize and empower African authors and publishers who play a vital role in shaping our cultural identity and enriching our communities through literature in what is a multi-billion-dollar industry.”

On the importance of initiatives such as CANEX,  Ms. Chimamanda Adichie, renowned writer and novelist, said: “Imagine being an African, dreaming about being a writer, surrounded by people in a room who share the same interests, it propels you, it gives you hope. I’ve always believed that there is nothing more essential to the human spirit than hope. For me, CANEX is about hope – the hope of many more African stories.”

Submissions will be judged on the quality of writing, editing and production. Priority will be given to books printed and produced on the African continent as well as to books published in indigenous African languages.

A key concession for the inaugural year (2024) is that books published in the preceding two years will be considered.

By supporting the enabling environment for various creative sectors like fashion, music, film, art, literature, gastronomy, and sport; CANEX seeks to support the advancement and expansion of the creative and cultural economy, both within Africa and the diaspora, utilizing various financial and non-financial tools and initiatives.

CANEX invites publishers in Africa to submit published trade books for the inaugural CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa. To submit your entry, please visit:  https://apo-opa.co/3WR3vgu.

Transcorp Power Plc, a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), announced impressive financial performance at its recently concluded 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the first since the Company went public, via a listing by introduction of its shares, on Monday.

L-R: Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, OON, Non-Executive Director; Peter Ikenga, Managing Director/CEO; Emmanuel N. Nnorom, Chairman; Stanley Chikwendu, Company Secretary at the Annual General Meeting of Transcorp Power Plc held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday

The Company recorded gross earnings of N142.1 billion, a 57.3% increase, compared to the previous year.

Profitability remained strong, demonstrating its resilience amidst evolving market dynamics.

Profit before tax showed an impressive year-on-year growth, up 84.4%, from N28.6 billion reported in 2022 to N52.8 billion in 2023.

At the AGM, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, chairman of the Board, highlighted Transcorp Power’s achievements over the past year, while assuring shareholders of the Company’s commitment to maintaining its exceptional financial results and improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said: “Last year’s strong performance is a testament to the resilience of our business strategies, underpinned by a culture of strong corporate governance.  We know that with our strategy and the dedication of our team, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders.”

Speaking on the Company’s performance, Peter Ikenga, managing director/chief executive officer, Transcorp Power, stated that the Company’s success is as a result of the rigorous execution of our strategies and deliberate focus on enhancing operational efficiency.

“As we celebrate last year’s achievements, we remain committed to continuous improvement. This year, our strategic focus is on recovering plant available capacity, enhancing operational excellence and efficiency, and rigorously implementing our plant maintenance schedule. We will continue prioritizing and investing in human capital, aiming to enhance in-house capabilities.  Our commitment to incident and injury-free operations remains strong, as we leverage our talent, foster ingenuity, and nurture teamwork. We are determined to build on our successes and leverage strategic investment opportunities to deliver even greater performance and sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”

Shareholders at the AGM lauded the Company’s professionalism and commitment to growing value for shareholders.

Mrs. Bisi Bakare, one of the company’s shareholders, commended Transcorp Power for continuously exceeding shareholder expectations.

She said: “I am very satisfied with Transcorp Power’s performance. It demonstrates their commitment to creating value for us shareholders, which is what we are all here for.”

Transcorp Power’s social responsibility activities were also commended at the AGM.  The Company has contributed to Nigeria’s sustainable development, particularly in the areas of education, community development, and environmental sustainability.

Operationally, the Company’s focus on excellence and optimisation has contributed to its position as a market leader in the power sector.

Through strategic investments and operational strategies, Transcorp Power continues to enhance its generation capacity and optimise plant performance.

Transcorp Power Plc is an electricity generating subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), a leading, listed African conglomerate with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors.

Transcorp Power is committed to creating value and driving economic growth, by improving lives through access to electricity and transforming Africa.