The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday, 24th of March, 2020 raised an alarm over the presence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent coronavirus app.
According to the government, the Ransomware application claims to render updates on coronavirus and infections near the user.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, by his Special Assistant, Mr Segun Adeyemi.
The Punch reported that Lai said the Ransomware blocks access to users’ personal data and accounts and threatens deletion unless users pay $100 in Bitcoin in 48 hours.
According to him, 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.”
The minister said the development affirmed warnings against cybercriminals trying to misuse the increasing spread of the virus for treacherous gains.
The minister, hence, called on the general public to desist from downloading the Ransomware App and to inquire for updates on the novel coronavirus from the relevant authorities only.