E-Business
XLoader Prevalent Malware in Nigeria, Impacting 14% of Organizations – CPR
Check Point Research (CPR), the Threat Intelligence arm of Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd., a provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, has published its latest Global Threat Index for September 2022.
CPR reports that In Nigeria, XLoader is the most prevalent malware impacting 14.06% of organizations in the country, followed by Ramnit 10.94% and Phorpiex 9.38%. While Formbook is still the most prevalent malware, impacting 3% of organizations worldwide, Vidar is now in eighth position, up seven places from August.
Vidar is an infostealer designed to give threat actors backdoor access, enabling them to steal sensitive banking information, login credentials, IP addresses, browser history and crypto wallets from infected devices.
The increase in its prevalence follows a malicious campaign whereby fake Zoom websites, such as zoomus website and zoom-download, were used to lure innocent users into downloading the malware. Formbook, an infostealer targeting Windows OS, remains in first place.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, CPR has continued to monitor the impact on cyberattacks in both countries.
While the conflict intensifies, CPR’s Global Threat Index for September noted a significant change in the ‘threat rank’ of many Eastern European countries. The threat rank represents how much an organization is being attacked in a specific country compared to the rest of the world.
During September, Ukraine had jumped 26 places, Poland and Russia moved up 18 places each, and both Lithuania and Romania moved up 17 places, among others. All these countries are now among the top 25, with the biggest degradation in their ranking occurring in the past month.
“As the war on the ground continues, so too does the war in cyberspace. It’s likely no coincidence that the threat ranks of many Eastern European countries have increased this last month. All organizations are at risk and must shift to a prevent-first cybersecurity strategy before it’s too late,” commented Maya Horowitz, VP Research at Check Point.
“In terms of the most prevalent malwares in September, it’s interesting to see Vidar leap into the top ten after a long absence. Users of Zoom need to stay alert to fraudulent links as this is how the Vidar malware has been distributed lately. Always keep an eye out for inconsistencies or misspelled words in URLs. If it looks suspicious, it probably is.”
CPR also revealed that “Web Server Exposed Git Repository Information Disclosure” is the most commonly exploited vulnerability, impacting 43% of organizations worldwide, closely followed by “Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution” which dropped from first place to second, with an impact of 42%. September also saw Education/Research remain in first place as the most attacked industry globally.
Top Malware Families
*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.
This month, Formbook is still the most prevalent malware impacting 3% of organizations worldwide, followed by XMRig and AgentTesla which both impact 2% of organizations globally.
In Nigeria, XLoader is the most prevalent malware impacting 14.06% of organizations in the country, followed by Ramnit 10.94% and Phorpiex 9.38%.
- XLoader – XLoader is an Android Spyware and Banking Trojan developed by the Yanbian Gang, a Chinese hacker group. This malware uses DNS spoofing to distribute infected Android apps to collect personal and financial information.
- Ramnit – Ramnit is a modular banking Trojan first discovered in 2010. Ramnit steals web session information, giving its operators the ability to steal account credentials for all services used by the victim, including bank accounts, and corporate and social networks accounts. The Trojan uses both hardcoded domains as well as domains generated by a DGA (Domain Generation Algorithm) to contact the C&C server and download additional modules.
- Phorpiex – Phorpiex is a botnet (aka Trik) that has been active since 2010 and at its peak controlled more than a million infected hosts. It is known for distributing other malware families via spam campaigns as well as fueling large-scale spam and sextortion campaigns.
Top Attacked Industries
In Africa, this month the ISP/MSP sector remains in first place as the most attacked industry globally, followed by Government/Military and Communications
- ISP/MSP
- Government/Military
- Communications
Top Exploited Vulnerabilities
This month, “Web Server Exposed Git Repository Information Disclosure” is the most commonly exploited vulnerability, impacting 43% of organizations globally. It is followed by “Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution” which dropped from first place to second and impacts 42% of organizations. “Command Injection Over HTTP Linux System Files Information Disclosure” jumps into third place, with a global impact of 40%.
- ↑ Web Server Exposed Git Repository Information Disclosure – An information disclosure vulnerability has been reported in Git Repository. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow unintentional disclosure of account information.
- ↓ Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution (CVE-2021-44228) – A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Apache Log4j. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
- ↑ Command Injection Over HTTP (CVE-2021-43936,CVE-2022-24086) – A command Injection over HTTP vulnerability has been reported. A remote attacker can exploit this issue by sending a specially crafted request to the victim. Successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target machine.
Top Mobile Malwares
This month, Anubis jumped into first place as the most widespread Mobile malware, followed by Hydra and Joker.
- Anubis – Anubis is a banking Trojan malware designed for Android mobile phones. Since it was initially detected, it has gained additional functions including Remote Access Trojan (RAT) functionality, keylogger and audio recording capabilities as well as various ransomware features. It has been detected on hundreds of different applications available in the Google Store.
- Hydra – Hydra is a banking Trojan designed to steal finance credentials by requesting victims to enable dangerous permissions.
- Joker – An Android Spyware in Google Play, designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists and device information. Furthermore, the malware can also sign the victim up for paid premium services without their consent or knowledge.
Check Point’s Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map is powered by Check Point’s ThreatCloud intelligence. ThreatCloud provides real-time threat intelligence derived from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide, over networks, endpoints and mobiles. The intelligence is enriched with AI-based engines and exclusive research data from Check Point Research, The Intelligence & Research Arm of Check Point Software Technologies.
Microsoft has announced a $1 million initiative to train one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) over the next two years.
Ola Williams, country manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, announced on Wednesday during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos.
“I am so delighted to announce that as Microsoft in Nigeria, we will be investing one million dollars in the next two years to empower one million Nigerians with AI tools,” Williams said.
She said the initiative aims to equip Nigerians with AI skills to help them build solutions, establish businesses, and compete globally.
“This is a significant investment in our drive to ensure that everyone has access to the right skills required not just to use AI but to build solutions on AI, build businesses on AI that will be a sustainable means of livelihood for Nigerians and give Nigerian youths the opportunity to compete globally with their counterparts,” she added.
The announcement comes on the heels of a partnership between the federal government and Google to advance AI and digital innovation in the country.
The presidency described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and expressed commitment to ensuring technological transformation translates into real benefits for businesses and citizens.
Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has announced the launch of RegConnect Version 2, set to go live on February 28, 2025.
This, according to a statement from the firm, is a cutting-edge upgrade to its flagship web-based application designed to enhance operational efficiency and user experience for Registrars in the Nigerian capital market.
RegConnect Version 1 was launched in 2019, and it provided an easy-to-use platform that improved the user experience of Registrars when exchanging information.
By enabling immediate validation of submitted data, it ensured accuracy and reduced processing times.
Now, RegConnect Version 2 takes this innovation further, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and functionality.
RegConnect Version 2 introduces several advanced features that redefine user experience and operational efficiency.
The platform now includes omni-channel capability, allowing users to submit transactions through multiple channels such as file uploads, on-screen interfaces, and APIs.
The upgraded version also offers seamless API integration, enabling the retrieval of investor portfolio balances, processing of transactions, and spooling of daily advice files.
A monitoring dashboard has been added to provide an end-to-end view of data exchange processes, ensuring real-time tracking and improved operational efficiency.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO of CSCS Plc, emphasized the company’s commitment to driving innovation in the capital market.
“The launch of RegConnect Version 2 represents our unwavering dedication to transforming the Nigerian capital market through technology-driven solutions. This new iteration of RegConnect aligns with global best practices and is a testament to our continuous investment in efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.”
Designed after an extensive review of CSCS’s operations and interactions with Registrars, RegConnect Version 2 addresses critical industry challenges.
Prior to RegConnect, Registrars relied on a Data Exchange application with limited processing capabilities.
The new platform not only bridges that gap but also introduces state-of-the-art features to ensure seamless and efficient data exchange.
Jalo-Waziri added “At CSCS, we understand the importance of operational excellence and innovation in fostering a vibrant capital market. RegConnect Version 2 is not just a product upgrade; it is a tool to enhance accuracy, reduce operational bottlenecks, and empower our stakeholders with better control and visibility over their processes.”
To enhance global efforts aimed at making the digital world safe and secure, Kaspersky has joined the ranks of organisations endorsing the vision of the United Nations’ Global Digital Compact.
This framework sets out objectives and principles that participating parties will use to foster a more inclusive, open and sustainable digital future. As a Compact supporter, Kaspersky will continue to deliver on its mission of building a safer digital world where people are free to use the power of digital technologies to improve their lives.
The Global Digital Compact is a comprehensive framework for global governance of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Laying out a roadmap for cooperation to activate the potential of digital technology, the document promotes a global and inclusive effort and encourages organisations and associations to endorse its vision and principles.
The Compact is structured around five major objectives, namely:
- Ensuring that digitalisation is accelerating progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals;
- Expanding inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy;
- Fostering a digital space that respects and protects human rights;
- Advancing responsible data governance approaches;
- Enhancing international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of all.
By joining the Compact, Kaspersky reaffirms its commitment to make our world more sustainable by minimising cyber risks and leading society toward immunity against digital threats.
With digital literacy improvement being one of the key action areas to this end, Kaspersky will continue raising cybersecurity awareness among the general public by releasing cybersecurity research and developing its educational initiatives, including those run by Kaspersky Academy.
To provide a more profound knowledge on security evaluation, Kaspersky will continue advancing its Expert Training programs so that they correspond to the needs of businesses, government and academic institutions.
Fostering an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space requires a multi-faceted approach, taking into account numerous aspects ranging from Internet governance to digital trust and security.
As an early digital trust pioneer, Kaspersky continues to lead in this area by expanding its Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) to demonstrate the trustworthiness of the company’s products, internal processes and business operations.
Allowing trusted partners and customers as well as regulators to check the source code of its products, software updates and threat detection rules, Kaspersky contributes to the formation of a reliable and secure digital space.
Kaspersky has also been a frequent contributor to the process of drafting legislation, policies and other documents that aim to bring cybersecurity considerations to the development of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Just recently, as part of the 2024 UN Internet Governance Forum, Kaspersky presented “Guidelines for Secure Development and Deployment of AI Systems,” prior to which it set out “Principles of ethical use of AI systems in cybersecurity” to ensure that innovation is led to the benefit of all.
“Kaspersky has been a great supporter of global initiatives encouraging cooperation of diverse stakeholders, including governments, the private sector and civil society,” comments Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice President of Public Affairs at Kaspersky.
“The Global Digital Compact outlines a vision where the digital technologies act as enablers of a more sustainable world, which is inherent in our company’s mission to foster a safer online space by creating secure-by-design technologies. Kaspersky was proud to partake in the Compact elaboration and is pleased to endorse it to make the digital future a future for all.”
Kaspersky was an active participant to the informal consultations and stakeholder sessions preceding the Compact adoption at the Summit of the Future in New York in September 2024.
The company has, in particular, stressed the importance of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity and its further development toward secure by design or Cyber Immune technologies, including in the context of AI system development and deployment.
Another focus Kaspersky called to consider is the need to label AI-produced content and enhance cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure the AI-driven innovation brings a change for the better.
Creating a safer digital world has been Kaspersky’s mission and one of its key sustainable development strategies.
More information about how Kaspersky is making the digital world more resilient and ensures that people can use technology to improve life on the planet can be found in the company’s Sustainability report.
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