The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has recently issued an advisory regarding the proliferation of malicious Facebook Messenger accounts that are impersonating the official ChatGPT page and using it to spread various types of malware.
According to NITDA, these illegitimate accounts post links that direct users to counterfeit ChatGPT websites which will likely install malware such as keyloggers, password stealers and ransomware that can steal confidential data such as contact details, call logs, SMS texts and media files.
In order to mitigate the effects of this attack, the NITDA encourages the public to practice safe online behavior such as be wary when clicking on untrusted links, avoid downloading from untrustworthy websites, and keep devices and software up to date as much as possible.
It is also recommended that users download and install applications only from approved stores such as Google Play Store, IOS App Store, or other trusted sources and, if possible, have an active anti-malware product installed
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a federal government agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria responsible for the planning, research, development and regulation of information technology in Nigeria. It was established in 2001 by the NITDA Act and is governed by the NITDA Board.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, appointed in 2018 by the President Mohammadu Buhari. Under Dr. Mohammed, the agency has a mandate to support most innovative local businesses and develop systems and methods to protect Nigerian businesses and citizens from cyber threats.
