Business
NITDA Warns of Latest Grandoreiro Malware Threats
Once installed, the malware circumvents security measures, allowing attackers unauthorized access to users’ devices.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians about a banking malware that is targeting users worldwide through sophisticated phishing campaigns.
The alert was issued by NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team on Monday.
NITDA highlighted that the latest version of the Grandoreiro malware poses a serious threat, employing advanced techniques like screen overlay attacks and remote device control to steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and personal data.
The agency explained that the malware is primarily spread through phishing emails and fraudulent websites, tricking users into downloading harmful software disguised as legitimate updates or documents.
Once installed, the malware circumvents security measures, allowing attackers unauthorized access to users’ devices.
NITDA cautioned that the malware could result in financial losses and identity theft.
The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt recommended security practices to reduce the risks.
“Cyber threats like Grandoreiro are evolving, and users need to stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect their information,” the agency advised.
NITDA recommended avoiding links and attachments from unknown emails, downloading software only from trusted sources, and enabling multifactor authentication to secure online banking and financial accounts.
The agency also emphasised the importance of keeping antivirus software updated, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, and regularly monitoring bank accounts for unauthorised activities.
Business
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Business
WEF could appoint Lagarde as its next chair, sources say
The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
•European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde
The World Economic Forum could appoint Christine Lagarde as its next chair as soon as next month, four people close to the organisation told Reuters, meaning she would step down early as European Central Bank chief and trigger a wider reshuffle at the top of the ECB.Lagarde’s ECB term is scheduled to end in October 2027.
Leaving early would give European Union leaders a chance to pick a new ECB President before France’s spring presidential election, which opinion polls suggest the far-right could win, and could pave the way for a deal involving two other senior ECB roles.
The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
No final decision has been taken yet, they said.
A spokesperson for the WEF said the forum could not confirm when the next full Board of Trustees meeting would take place, but that the aim was to hold one before the end of the year.
Business
Germany plans tax on sugary drinks
The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.
The German cabinet has approved draft legislation to tax sugary drinks in Europe’s biggest economy.
If passed by the German Bundestag, the tax will take effect on 1 July 2027.
The coalition aims to raise revenue for the federal budget while encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content and offer healthier products.
The levy is intended to ease pressure on the healthcare system, which faces costs of more than €2 billion every year linked to the high consumption of sugary drinks, which contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
According to the federal government, Berlin is using the tax to implement “what associations from the fields of health, science, child protection, and consumer protection have long been demanding.”
The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.
