ALERT: This is not coronavirus tracker but a ransomware

While you seek to stay updated on the coronavirus, you should beware of a ransomware that masks itself as providing real-time information on the disease.

A ransomware is a type of malware that threatens to publish the victim’s data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.

This particular software, which is in the form of an Android app, is called “COVID19 Tracker”, and claims to provide the latest information on the virus around the user’s location.

Researchers say it grants access to their phone settings and can “lock the user out of their phone unless they pay $100 in bitcoin to the hackers within 48 hours.”

The federal government alerted Nigerians on the ransomware in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the existence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent Coronavirus Ransomware Application, which claims to provide updates on the virus and infections near the user,” Segun Adeyemi, spokesman of Lai Mohammed, minister of information, said in the statement.

“The Ransomware blocks access to users’ personal data and accounts and threatens deletion, unless users pay One Hundred US Dollars ($100) in Bitcoin within 48 hours.

“The Ransomware App, detected on the website: www.coronavirusapp.site, prompts users to download an Android App purportedly for coronavirus map tracking and heat map visuals.

“Alhaji Mohammed said the development confirms warnings against cyber criminals seeking to exploit the growing spread of the virus for nefarious gains. He therefore called on the general public not to download the

“Ransomware App and to seek updates on the pandemic only from the appropriate authorities.”