News
NCC uncovers Cyber Threats to Windows Platforms, Routers
Nasiru Yusuf
The Computer Security Incidents Response Team (CSIRT) set up by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the telecoms sector, has discovered two new separate cyber threats targeting Windows Platforms and a particular kind of routers respectively.
KANO FOCUS reports that the discoveries were made known in two separate advisories released by the cyber-space protection team earlier this week.
The first cyber threat is a ransomeware known as ‘Lokilocker’, which is capable of wiping data from all version of Windows systems or platforms. It causes data loss, and denial of service (DoS), which reduces user’s productivity.
“Lokilocker”, is a relatively new ransomware that has been discovered by security researchers and belonging to the ransomware family. Lokilocker operates by encrypting user files and renders the compromised system useless if the victim does not pay the demanded ransom in time.
To hide the malicious activity, the ransomware displays a fake window update screen, cancel specific processes and services, and completely disables the task manager, windows error reporting, machine firewall and windows defender of the compromised system.
Sadly, it also has in-built processes that prevent data recovery as it deletes backup files, shadow copies, and removes system restore points. It also overwrites the user login note and modifies original equipment manufacturer (OEM) information in the registry of the compromised system.
Thus, the NCC CSIRT states: “To protect against infections by LokiLocker and similar ransomware, the best rule is to always have a backup copy of your data, which should be stored offline,” the advisory stated.
Additionally, according to CSIRT, “all downloads and email attachments should be opened with caution, even if they are from trusted sites or senders. Users should also ensure they attachments are scanned with an up-to-date antimalware solution, before opening.”
The second cyber threat discovered by the NCC CSIRT is a Botnet that targets the Microtik version of Routers. As CSIRT revealed, thousands of routers from Microtik which have been found to be vulnerable are being used to constitute what has been named one of the largest botnets in history
This botnet exploits an already-known vulnerability, which allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files and authenticated remote attackers to write arbitrary files, due to a directory traversal vulnerability in the WinBox interface. The vulnerability which was previously fixed allowed the perpetrators to enslave all the routers and then rent them out as a service.
In accordance with new research published by Avast, a cryptocurrency mining campaign taking advantage of the newly disrupted Glupteba botnet as well as the famed Trickbot malicious software were found to have been disseminated by the very same command-and-control (C2) server. The C2 server functions as botnet-as-a-service, which controls nearly 230,000 vulnerable MicroTik routers. The Botnet, however, has been linked to what is now called the Meris Botnet.
The threat types emanating from the botnet include bypass authentication, data loss, denial of service, remote code execution, sniff password and unauthorized access. These situations result in dangers to victims of this cyber threat including malware distribution, mining cryptocurrency, thereby increasing the use system resources, remote code execution and data theft.
To be protected against this botnet, NCC CISRT asdvised users to update or apply the latest patches to their routers early, set strong router passwords, disable the administration interface of the routers from the public, stay away from illegitimate or cracked software versions of legitimate applications, and use decent antivirus software with in-built web-filtering, and apply the latest patches as soon as they arrive.
SIGNED
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde
Director, Public Affairs
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has flagged off this year’s Ramadan feeding programme with a target to supply 91 thousand plates of food per day across all the designated areas in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gwarzo, who is the Chairman of the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, expressed satisfaction with the smooth takeoff of the initiative.
The ceremony took place at Dandali Centre, Fagge Local Government Area, where the deputy governor urged the catering companies involved to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers to achieve the programme’s objective.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shelkh Tijjani Auwal, and other top Government officials.
A statement by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, said, since the assumption of office by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led government in Kano State, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state government has institutionalized the initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing them with daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This annual programme is a humanitarian effort aimed at easing the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims.
“The state government has approved the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with 91 designated feeding centers across the state. The initiative will cater to 91,000 people daily for 27 days.
“To ensure the effective implementation of this year’s programme, catering service providers have been engaged to prepare and deliver 91,000 plates of food per day across all designated centers,” Waiya said.
Salary Fraud: Governor
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended with immediate effect the Acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that Salisu Mustapha has also been directed to step aside as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service, to allow for an unhindered investigation.
To ensure administrative continuity, the governor has approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary, REPA, as the new Acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found guilty will face severe consequences.
The Abdulkadir Abdussalam-led investigative committee, inaugurated today, has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings.
Salisu Mustapha was appointed Acting Head of Service earlier this month following the medical leave granted to the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is currently receiving treatment in India.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Stakeholders have commenced two day engagement with Kano State House of Assembly to validate the revised 2025 Kano Education Law.
Speaking at the occasion, the Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly Jibril Ismai Falgore pledged to ensure speedy passage of the bill into law, as soon as as the legislative chamber receive the Bill from the executive arm of government.
The Speaker represented by his deputy Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu said Kano Assembly remains steadfast In its commitment to effective synergy with all relevant institutions to the strengthening of the education law and practices in Kano state.
He Commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for prioritising education sector evident is the allocation of the sector in 2025 appropriation, as well as his support in institutionalising best practices in governance.
In his remarks the commissioner of education Dr Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda recalled that the draft bill has undergone several processes and scrutiny at different levels of legal drafting.
He charged participants to approach the document with an eagle eye while scrutining it’s content, sorting out grey areas that require amendments.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Alhaji Bashir Baffa said the meeting was to assess the proposed draft bill, with a view to ensure that its relevance and effectiveness aligns with current educational needs and best practices.
Other objectives according to the Permanent Secretary include mapping strategies to ensure speedy passage of the amended Kano Education Law 2024, through executives and legislature engagement, as well as recommendations on next step.
In their goodwill messages Kano State Permanent Secretary ministry of Justice Barrister Mustapha, state team leader PLANE project Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Lawan, Chairman House Committee on Education Alhaji Sulaiman Mukhtar Madobi, and Co-Chairperson of Kano State Accountability Forum on Education K-SAFE Dr Auwalu Halilu described the review as timely.
It would be recalled that the Kano State Government had in June, 2024 commences the review of “Education Law 1964” as part of effort to overhaul education sector in the state.
Gwarzo flags off Ramadan feeding programme in Kano
Salary Fraud: Governor Yusuf Suspends Acting Head of Service with Immediate Effect
Stakeholders commence validation of revised 2025 Kano Education Law
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