Telecom
Xenomorph Malware: NCC-CSIRT Advises Nigerians To Factory-Reset Infected Devices
A malware, Xenomorph, that installs Trojan in banking apps on the Android platform to steal login details, raid bank accounts, and read the users SMS, has been flagged by the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT). The Team suggests that owners of compromised devices take the extreme measure of doing factory resetting of infected devices.
NCC-CSIRT, citing Zscaler ThreatLabz, said, “The Todo: Day Manager hijacks your login info from banking apps, and can even read your SMS messages.
“It installs a banking trojan malware called Xenomorph that allows the app to intercept your two-factor verification codes (typically delivered over text) to raid your logins – and bank account.
“Xenomorph performs overlay attacks by exploiting accessibility permissions in Android, resulting in the overlaying of fraudulent login screens on banking apps aimed at exfiltrating credentials. The Android app makes itself intentionally difficult to delete. You need to search your phone for it immediately and uninstall it.”
“It starts with asking users to enable access permission. Once provided, it adds itself as a device admin and prevents users from disabling Device Admin, making it un-installable from the phone. If you haven’t given permission to the app, then you should be able to uninstall it safely. Otherwise, you may have to back up your files and then factory-reset your phone to clear the app completely,” it advised.
In terms of potential solutions to the malware, NCC-CSIRT advised that “Search your phone for the app and uninstall immediately or backup your files and factory reset your phone.
“Only search for an app in the Google Play Store, pay close attention to the search results, look at the apps icons, note that fake apps almost always use the icon from the app they’re faking, then look at the developer’s name and make sure it’s from the right developer.
Also, look at the app’s download count. If the app has a lot of downloads going into millions to hundreds of thousand that’s a clue that it’s the right app.
Then, finally, look at the app’s description and screenshots to ensure that it doesn’t contain multiple spelling or grammar mistakes or otherwise broken English.
“Make use of Google Play Protect, which regularly scans your apps for malware and will alert you to uninstall rogue apps.”
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 Nigeria Cybersecurity 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.
MTN Uganda is seeking input from stakeholders on a plan to structurally separate its mobile money service, MoMo, from its core telecoms business.
According to the company, the proposed change will be discussed at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting on July 2.
If approved, the telco’s fintech business will be run by a new company controlled by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B.V. and a trust benefiting minority shareholders following a merger.
Additionally, the restructuring also aligns with MTN Group’s ambition 2025 strategy which aims to unlock value, attract new investors, and strengthen regulatory compliance by creating standalone fintech entities in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The company’s fintech division has over 13 million customers, with an 18.4% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2025, driven by 19.0% growth in mobile money services, 19.8% growth in transaction volumes, and a 31.4% increase in transaction value.
Reports say the decision is part of the telco’s compliance with the National Payment Systems Act 2020, which mandates mobile money businesses to operate as standalone entities, and to align with MTN Group’s regional fintech strategy.
MTN Uganda, which is led by CEO Sylvia Mulinge, highlighted that the implementation of the proposed transaction will be subjected to a number of conditions and regulatory procedures.
“The implementation of the proposed transaction shall be subject to a number of conditions, including the company and MTN MoMo receiving all required regulatory approvals and no-objections and complying with any regulatory conditions,” said MTN Uganda in notice.
Netflix has announced plans to invest more than €1 billion in Spanish film and television productions over the next four years, reinforcing its commitment to Spain as a key creative hub in Europe.
The announcement was made by co-chief executive Ted Sarandos at an event held at Netflix’s production studios near Madrid, celebrating the company’s 10-year presence in the country.
Sarandos emphasized that the investment would contribute significantly to Spain’s economy, create jobs, and enable the streaming platform to produce more local content. He was joined by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in unveiling the initiative.
Netflix first established its international production studios in Madrid in 2019, following the success of the Spanish-language hit series Money Heist.
Since then, its 22,000-square-meter facility has become one of Netflix’s major production centers within the European Union.
The company currently supports over 20,000 jobs in Spain, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in global entertainment.
The investment reflects Netflix’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence in European markets through original content and local talent.
Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) has raised alarms over a new wave of advanced cyberattacks targeting Android mobile phones through a malware campaign dubbed Tria Stealer.
The malicious software is designed to infiltrate Android devices, hijack messaging accounts, intercept One-Time Passwords (OTPs), to steal sensitive personal and financial data.
According to ngCERT, Tria Stealer spreads primarily through deceptive tactics, such as fake event invitations distributed via popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Unsuspecting users are enticed to download an infected (APK) file, often disguised as a harmless system application, to evade detection.
Once installed, Tria Stealer requests extensive permissions, including access to SMS, call logs, and app notifications.
It immediately commences data harvesting activities, sending stolen information to a Command and Control (C2) server operated via Telegram bots.
This trojan spreads through fake links, usually disguised as wedding or event invites, and tricks users into downloading malicious APK files
“Account takeover of messaging platforms. Impersonation of victim for fraudulent money transfer requests. Compromise of banking and financial applications. Identity theft and credential harvesting.”
In plain terms, if your phone is compromised, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Your financial apps are vulnerable, your reputation could be ruined by impersonation and even simple personal messages could be twisted into tools for scams.
Here’s what users should be doing now:
Don’t download apps outside the official Play Store.
Be suspicious of random invites or links, even from people you know.
Turn on 2FA for everything—banking, emails, social platforms.
Get a reputable antivirus and keep it updated.
If you run an organisation, you should already be taking this seriously.
ngCERT’s guidance says you should raise awareness, monitor mobile devices, and not let your team click on unverified links.
“Deploy network monitoring for suspicious outbound connections to known C2 domains,” it said, meaning, keep an eye on every digital door in and out.
This isn’t one of those cases where you wait to see if it affects you. By the time you realise it, it may already be too late.
Aliko Dangote Signs out @ Dangote Sugar Refinery as Chairman
Court Declines Access Bank’s Request to Freeze MTNN Account over N180Bn Claims
FG Mulls Fibre Optic Layout to Bridge Internet Gaps
Report Reveals New Malware Posing as an AI Assistant Steals User Data
MTN Mulls Establishment of Fintech Firm in Nigeria, Others
News3 days agoCDCFIB Warns against Recruitment Racketeers
Telecom3 days agoMeta, FMCIDE Unveil AI Accelerator to Drive Innovation in Nigeria
News3 days agoFG May Forfeits $4m from World Bank Loan over Audit Flop
Telecom3 days agoNigeria Leads the Charge in Green Innovation @MTN’s Africa PachiPanda Challenge
Broadcasting3 days agoAfia TV and Radio Stamps Footprints in Lagos
E-Financial3 days agoNDIC Begins Final Settlements to Creditors of Liquidated Premier Bank
Telecom2 days agongCERT Issues High Alert to Nigerians Using Android Phones
E-Business2 days agoAfrican Startups Raised $345m in Funding in May