In response to the discovery of a new attack that compromises victims’ VPN (virtual private network) accounts and messaging app, Telegram, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has advised users to adopt two-factor authentication to protect their Telegram accounts and to not download unknown, Advanced IP Scanner software.
A statement by NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, said Ukrainian cyber experts discovered the attack which uses Vidar Malware (Vidar Stealer) to steal Telegram session data. In the absence of configured two-factor authentication and a passcode, this allows unauthorised access to the victim’s Telegram account and corporate account or network.
The malware, which exploits unauthorized access to users’ Telegram accounts and corporate accounts to steal data, targets platforms across iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows Operating Systems.
“The Ukrainian CERT alleged that a Somnia Ransomware was created to be used on Telegram that tricks users to download an installer that mimics ‘Advanced IP Scanner’ software, which contains Vidar Malware. The installer infects the system with the Vidar Stealer, which steals the victim’s Telegram session data to take control of their account.
“The threat actors abuse the victim’s Telegram account in some unspecified manner to steal VPN connection data (authentication and certificates). If the VPN account is not protected by two-factor authentication passcode, the hackers use it to gain unauthorised access to the victim’s employer’s corporate network,” the alert and advisory stated.
“Once inside, the intruders conduct reconnaissance work using tools like Netscan, Rclone, Anydesk and Ngrok to perform various surveillance and remote access activities and, then, deploy a Cobalt Strike beacon, exfiltrating data using the Rclone programme,” the report stated.
The CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens. The CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks and problems or related events.
