NCC warns Nigerians of TikTok challenge responsible for malware infestation

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Computer Security Incident Response Team has cautioned Nigerians about the risks of participating in the viral TikTok challenge, “Invisible Challenge,” which can expose devices to information-stealing malware.

Reuben Muoka, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, issued the warning in an advisory yesterday.

He claimed that threat actors had used the Invisible Challenge, a popular TikTok challenge, to spread the WASP (or W4SP stealer) malware, which steals information.

“The Invisible Challenge involves wrapping a somewhat transparent body contouring filter around a presumed naked individual. Attackers are uploading videos to TikTok with a link to software that they claim can reverse the filter’s effects.’

“Those who click on the link and attempt to download the software, known as “unfilter,” are infected with the WASP stealer. Suspended accounts had amassed over a million views after initially posting the videos with a link. Following, the link leads to the “Space Unfilter” Discord server, which had 32,000 members at its peak; but has since been removed by its creators.

“Successful installation will allow the malware to harvest keystrokes, screenshots, network activity, and other information from devices where it is installed. It may also covertly monitor user behaviour and harvest Personally Identifiable Information; including names and passwords, keystrokes from emails, chat programs, websites visited, and financial activity. This malware may be capable of covertly collecting screenshots, video recordings; or the ability to activate any connected camera or microphone.”

CSIRT is the cybersecurity incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector or as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

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It also works collaboratively with Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team; established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting; securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.