Telecom
Blackbyte Ransomware Abuses Legit Driver to Disable Security Products, Says NCC-CSIRT
The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has flagged a high-impact threat to Windows operating system, the Blackbyte Ransomware, which has the capacity to bypass protections by disabling more than 1,000 drivers used by various security solutions.
The NCC-CSIRT said the BlackByte ransomware gang, which is using a new technique that researchers called, “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver,” is exploiting the security issue that allowed it to disable drivers that prevent multiple Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and antivirus products like Avast, Sandboxie, Windows DbgHelp Library, and Comodo Internet Security, from operating normally.
Recent attacks attributed to this group involved a version of the MSI Afterburner RTCore64.sys driver, which is vulnerable to a privilege escalation and code execution flaw tracked as CVE-2019-16098.
The “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver” (BYOVD) method is effective because the vulnerable drivers are signed with a valid certificate and run with high privileges on the system.
Two notable recent examples of BYOVD attacks include Lazarus, abusing a buggy Dell driver and unknown hackers abusing an anti-cheat driver/module for the Genshin Impact game.
The NCC-CSIRT advisory recommended that system administrators protect against BlackByte’s new security bypassing trick by adding the particular MSI driver to an active blocklist, monitoring all driver installation events, and scrutinising them frequently to find any rogue injections that do not have a hardware match.
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 collaboratively with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (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.
Telecom
Using Pre-registered SIM Card Can Land You in Jail- NCC Warns
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the dangers of purchasing and using pre-registered SIM cards.
The Commission stated that the practice is illegal and could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment.
The NCC reiterated that individuals using pre-registered SIM cards might inadvertently become implicated in serious crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
It said the use of these SIM cards compromises the accuracy of consumer information and hampers efforts to track criminals effectively.
In a statement, the NCC stressed, “Using pre-registered SIM cards undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it challenging for authorities to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of crimes.”
The NCC urged Nigerians to avoid buying pre-registered SIM cards and to ensure their SIM cards are properly registered in their names to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Telecom
TECNO and Tiwa Savage Unveil ‘Water and Garri’ in Style
The recent premiere of the highly anticipated film Water and Garri was nothing short of a star-studded affair. Its compelling storyline and stellar performances captured audiences. Held at the Livesport Event Center, the event drew A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and eager fans, all eager to witness the cinematic spectacle unfold.
One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the irresistible allure of the TECNO booth, where celebrities couldn’t get enough of the state-of-the-art devices on display. From snapping selfies with the latest TECNO smartphones to exploring the myriad features and functionalities, it was clear that TECNO had struck a chord with its audience.
But it wasn’t just the TECNO booth that had everyone buzzing – the movie itself was the talk of the town. ‘Water and Garri,’ inspired by the real-life journey of singer/actress Tiwa Savage, resonated deeply with audiences, offering a poignant portrayal of love, loss, and redemption. As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, guests were not just spectators but participants in Tiwa’s world, swept away by the raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling.
Celebrities couldn’t get enough of the film throughout the evening, lauding its authenticity and powerful performances. From the lead actors to the supporting cast, each portrayal was met with applause and admiration, underscoring the talent and dedication of all involved. As the credits rolled and the cheering subsided, guests lingered, eager to share their thoughts and reflections on the film’s profound impact.
As the night ended, it was clear that “Water and Garri” had left an indelible mark on all who attended. From its captivating storyline to its unforgettable performances, the movie has captivated hearts and minds, earning its rightful place among the year’s most anticipated releases. With the support of innovative partners like TECNO, the film’s reach and impact are sure to extend far beyond the premiere, inspiring audiences for years to come.
Telecom
Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date
The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.
Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.
Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.
This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.
“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.
NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.
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