New China-Linked Spyware Targets Android Users 

A new report has revealed the discovery of a malicious Signal and Telegram Android apps distributed via Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store designed to deliver a China-linked “BadBazaar” spyware. According to cybersecurity researchers at ESET, persons behind the malicious tool are the China-aligned Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group known as GREF, who used fake versions of popular messaging apps Signal and Telegram called ‘Signal Plus Messenger’ and “FlyGram’ to infect users’ devices.

NITDA Raises Alarm Over Attempt By Hackers To Attack Digital Infrastructure

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team, said it has detected activities of a hacktivist group targeting our vital digital infrastructure. NITDA said the hacktivist group, known for its politically and religiously motivated cyber campaigns, poses a significant risk to the country’s critical information infrastructure.

CBN Sets N50,000 Transaction Limit For Contactless Payments

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set N50,000 daily cumulative limit on contactless payments either through bank accounts or digital wallets, also N15,000 per transaction daily. Contactless payments are a secure and convenient method of making transactions without physical contact between a payment device, such as pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, key fobs, mobile electronic devices, and wearable devices.
In a circular on Tuesday, signed by Mr. Musa Jimoh, the Director of the CBN Payments System Management Department, the lender said due to the risks associated with contactless payments, “verification and authorization would be required for transactions above the limits”.

Meter Upgrade: Your Already Purchased Units is Intact – NEMSA assured Electricity Consumers

Following the directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directing all electricity customers nationwide to update their metering devices before the year runs out or faces challenges with recharging by next year 2024. The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, has assured electricity consumers that they have nothing to fear as their already purchased unit will not be affected in any way while their meters are upgraded.

Microsoft, Google, OpenAI Agree To Ensure A.I. Tools Are Secure

Seven top artificial intelligence companies, including Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, will convene at the White House on Friday, pledging to create ways for consumers to identify AI-generated materials and test their tools for security before public release. Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Microsoft, Meta and OpenAI joined US President Joe Biden to make the announcement. It follows a number of warnings about the capabilities of the technology.

FG Backs Google Restriction On Customers Data For Loan Apps

The Federal Government has welcomed Google’s restriction on Loan applications on Play Store from gaining access to users' contacts or photos from 31st May 2023. The new policy follows Google’s recent announcement of updates to its Developer Programme Policy. This update mandates digital money lenders in Nigeria, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kenya to conform to regulatory rules or face removal from the Play Store by January 31. Digital money lenders in Nigeria must adhere to and complete the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022, and obtain a verifiable approval letter from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to be allowed on the Play Store in Nigeria.