Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, disclosed this development in Abuja on Friday, urging the public to exercise heightened caution when downloading mobile applications.
According to NITDA, the fake website has been designed to closely resemble the official Google Play Store, luring unsuspecting users into downloading harmful apps. The malware is being spread through multiple social engineering techniques, including phishing emails, malicious advertisements, and deceptive SMS messages.
Severe Risks from the Play Praetor Trojan
Umar explained that once the malicious app is installed on a device, the Play Praetor Trojan grants cybercriminals unauthorized access to sensitive user data and functionalities.
“This access can result in serious consequences such as data theft, credential harvesting, financial fraud, remote device control, and further malware infections,” she warned.
Protective Measures Advised
To safeguard against such threats, NITDA strongly recommends that users adhere to the following safety measures:
- Download apps only from the official Google Play Store or verified, trusted platforms.
- Verify app developers and inspect app reviews before installation.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links received via email, SMS, or online ads.
- Keep devices and apps regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilities.
- Install reputable mobile security software capable of detecting and blocking malware.
NITDA emphasized the importance of public awareness and digital vigilance as cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics to exploit unsuspecting users.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cybersecurity and protecting Nigerians in the digital space, calling on individuals and organizations to remain alert and report any suspicious digital activity.