Telecom
NCC Alerts Nigerians on TangleBot, New SMS-based Android Malware Unleashed by Cybercriminals
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has warned the general public against a new high-risk, critical short message service–based malware, TangleBot, infecting Android mobile devices.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, stated this in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
Mr. Adinde noted that TangleBot employs roughly similar tactics to the recently announced notorious FlutBot SMS Android malware that targets mobile devices.
He said that TangleBot also gains control of the device, but in a much more invasive way than the FlutBot malware.
Malware also called malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network, or server.
He said the disclosure about TangleBot was made in a recent security advisory made available to the commission’s Department of Information Security and New Media by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team, ngCERT.
“TangleBot Android malware is installed when an unsuspecting user clicks on a malicious link disguised as information related to a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
“This could be in an SMS message or information about fake local power outages that are about to happen.
“The goal behind both or any of the messages about COVID-19 or impending power outages is to encourage potential victims to follow a link that purports to offer detailed information.
“Once on the page, users are prompted to update applications such as Adobe Flash Player to view the page content.
“Going through nine nine dialogs to accept different permissions that will allow malware operators to start the malware setup process.
He said the immediate consequence of this is that TangleBot would gain access to several different permissions when installed on a device, allowing it to listen in on user communications.
He explained that the malware then steals sensitive data stored on the device and monitors almost all user activities, including camera use, audio conversations, and location, among other things.
However, the DPA said that the malware takes complete control of the target device, including access to banking details, and can reach the deepest corners of the Android operating system.
He urged millions of telecom consumers in Nigeria to beware of such schemes by cybercriminals, whose intent would defraud unsuspecting Internet users.
To guarantee maximum protection to internet users in the country, Adinde said that the ngCERT has offered a series of preventive measures to be taken by consumers.
He reported that the measures include a warning to telecommunications consumers and other Internet users to refrain from opening Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) from unknown sources while using their mobile devices.
“Telecom consumers should never answer or send reply messages or call back a phone number that is associated with text they do not know.
“If any telecommunications consumer is curious and wants to determine the authenticity of any call or message and wants to investigate the incident, they can perform a web search on both the number and the content of the message.
“The NCC hereby reiterates that mobile device users have an obligation to practice safe messaging practices and avoid clicking on any links in texts, even if they appear to come from a legitimate contact.
“It’s important to be judicious when downloading apps by carefully reading the installation prompts, looking for information about the rights and privileges the app may request,” he said.
He said that other risk mitigation measures recommended by ngCERT are that users be careful when purchasing any software outside of a certified app store.
“It is safer to call the company directly rather than using the phone number in the received message, especially if the message is a fake from a company.
“Telecommunications consumers and other Internet users should report any system compromise incidents to ngCERT via [email protected] for the necessary support and technical assistance.
“The Commission expresses its commitment to continually inform and educate mobile phone subscribers and Internet users in Nigeria about cyber risks, regardless of how they manifest.
“This is to insulate them from the dangers and losses that arise from cybercrime of any kind,” he said.
In the true spirit of the festive season, Globacom has introduced “Glo Take a Guess,” a new value-added service designed to entertain, engage, and reward subscribers across Nigeria.
The interactive trivia game lets customers test their knowledge of everyday topics and lifestyle trends for a chance to win airtime, data, and exciting cash prizes.
According to Globacom, subscribers can join the fun by dialing 209992# and choosing from daily, weekly, or monthly plans. Once subscribed, they’ll receive an SMS confirmation with a link to play.
“Participants stand a chance to win fantastic rewards, including airtime, data, and cash prizes, when they answer trivia questions correctly,” the company explained. “It’s a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.”
Subscription costs ₦100 per day, ₦300 per week, or ₦500 per month — with corresponding rewards of ₦10,000 daily, ₦100,000 weekly, and up to ₦1 million monthly. The more subscribers play, the greater their chances of winning.
Globacom added that “Glo Take a Guess” is more than just a game — it’s a lighthearted way to stay entertained and earn rewards while easing the pressures of rising living costs.
It was a display of brilliance and composure as young Nigerians, aged 9 to 15, showcased their spelling prowess in the Enugu regional final of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee on Saturday, November 1, 2025, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. After an electrifying one-hour showdown among 20 contestants, seven young spellers earned the right to compete in the grand finale in Lagos.
These excited champions, Nelson Ede Chidubem, Praise Ihionu, Emeka Nwaokocha Samuel, Treasure Oyibosu, Michelle Atanu Ufedo, Munachimso Onyemaechi, and Oyingba Douglas-Naingba, have been presented with their tags for the grand finale and will advance to Lagos, where they will join other regional winners to contend for the national title.
As part of the event, gift vouchers were presented to children and parents through questions and answers, adding a festive touch to the competition.
In his remarks, Honourable Emeka Nelson Nwagbo, Senior Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Enugu West, said, “This initiative has not only encouraged academic excellence but also inspired our young leaders to pursue knowledge with confidence and pride. To the organisers, teachers, parents, and participants, thank you for making this event a success. Your dedication and support have truly made today memorable.
Once again, we say a big thank you to MTN Nigeria. We are happy that the brand is working in line with the vision of the Governor concerning smart schools. We look forward to more collaborations that will continue to empower our kids and youths,” he concluded.
Honourable Paul Ogbewe Okechukwu, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Enugu East, also commended MTN for fostering literacy and healthy competition among teens, and for hosting the first physical regional finals in Enugu.
Addressing the participants, Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Segment Marketing, Youth, Women, & Teen, MTN Nigeria, said, “At MTN, we believe in the power of connectivity and technology to transform lives and build a brighter future for everyone. My team and I are here to inspire, support, and guide you on your journey to success. Together, we can achieve great things and make a lasting impact.”
With the seven winners from the Enugu regional final now advancing to the grand finale in Lagos, attention shifts to the next rounds of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee regional finals, scheduled to hold in Abuja on November 8 and Ibadan on November 15, 2025.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
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