NITDA Alerts on AI Malware Threatening Nigerian Institutions

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a security alert concerning a new artificial intelligence-powered malware known as "DeepLoad." This malware is designed to target various Nigerian institutions, including government agencies, financial institutions, and individuals. NITDA's advisory states that DeepLoad uses advanced techniques to steal sensitive information while avoiding detection by traditional antivirus systems.

It spreads through social engineering tactics, particularly via fake websites that trick users into executing malicious commands. Once installed, DeepLoad quietly extracts stored credentials and sensitive data from major web browsers, leveraging AI techniques to evade detection.

The agency warns that the malware has persistent mechanisms that make it difficult to remove and can reactivate itself days after apparent deletion. NITDA emphasizes the seriousness of this threat, urging immediate protective measures to prevent access to bank accounts, mobile money services, and sensitive personal documents.

Users are advised against executing commands from unknown websites and to implement security measures such as two-factor authentication.