The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a public advisory warning about a newly discovered malware called “CovertCatch.”
The agency alerted the public that the malware, spread by cyber threat actors through LinkedIn, poses significant risks to individuals and organizations across various sectors, including defense, media, technology, and academia.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, NITDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, highlighted the deceptive tactics used by attackers, stating, “By posing as recruiters or job opportunity providers, these cyber threat actors trick users into downloading malicious files or clicking harmful links.”
She warned that CovertCatch has been designed to infiltrate networks by leveraging LinkedIn as a medium for luring users into believing they are engaging with legitimate job offers.
Mrs. Umar elaborated on the malware’s dangerous capabilities, explaining, “CovertCatch can steal data, record keystrokes, and capture screen activity without being detected.” She added that the malware, once installed, can lead to devastating consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and severe data breaches for affected parties.
