FG Alerts Nigerians To Dangerous Computer Coronavirus
The Federal Government on Tuesday raised the alarm over the existence of an Android -based malicious and fraudulent coronavirus Ransomware application , which claims to provide updates on COVID -19 and infections near the user .
The Minister of Information and Culture , Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement by his Special Assistant , Mr Segun Adeyemi, said the Ransomware blocks access to users’ personal data and accounts and threatens deletion , unless users pay $ 100 in Bitcoin within 48 hours .
He said the Ransomware App , detected on the website www . coronavirusapp .site , “ prompts users to download an Android App purportedly for coronavirus map tracking and heat map visuals . ”
Mohammed said the development confirmed warnings against cybercriminals seeking to exploit the growing spread of the virus for nefarious gains.
The minister , therefore , called on the general public not to download the Ransomware App and to seek updates on the pandemic only from the appropriate authorities .
Copyright PUNCH .