The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned the general public to be wary of several phishing websites being promoted through Facebook Messenger accounts to spread various types of malware.
In an advisory issued by the Agency on Tuesday, the NITDA said the illegitimate Facebook accounts pose as an official ChatGPT page and publish links that lead users to phishing websites that look like ChatGPT websites, adding that these websites trick users into downloading malicious files or software onto their machines.
NITDA noted that when an unsuspecting user clicks on a link on the Facebook page, it directs the user to a phishing website that features a number of malware that are masquerading as ChatGPT and its variants, warning that if a user downloads any of the proposed software that contains potentially harmful executable files, the user’s device is susceptible to theft of sensitive data like call logs, contacts list, SMS, media files, and others.
The NITDA, therefore, advises the public to take proactive preventive measures by being careful when clicking on links not sure of, avoiding downloading files or Apps from unknown websites, and ensuring devices, applications, and operating systems are updated regularly.
Other preventive measures include downloading and installing apps only from Google Play Store, IOS App Store, or other trusted sources and ensuring that active Anti-malware is installed to protect the devices against malware.
