NCC Warns Of New Malware Gaining Control Of Smartphones

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated there is a new android malware gaining access to smartphones and taking control of infected phones.

This was contained in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Adinde on Tuesday.

The NCC stated that the malware is called AbstractEmu and can gain access to smartphones, take complete control of infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection.

According to the NCC, this discovery was made by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team.

The commission claimed that the malware is distributed through Google Play Store and other third-party stores.

The commission said, “AbstractEmu is distributed via Google Play Store and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.

“The advisory stated that a total of 19 Android applications that posed as utility apps and system tools like password managers, money managers, app launchers, and data saving apps have been reported to contain the rooting functionality of the malware.

“The apps are said to have been prominently distributed via the third-party stores and the apps include All Passwords, Anti-ads Browser, Data Saver, Lite Launcher, My Phone, Night Light and Phone Plus, among others.”