The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has issued a cybersecurity alert over a new artificial intelligence-powered malware known as DeepLoad, warning that it is actively targeting organisations and individuals across Nigeria.
The warning was released by the agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team through its official X account on Wednesday.
According to NITDA, the malware is designed to steal sensitive information while evading traditional antivirus systems. It reportedly spreads through fake website error prompts that trick users into executing malicious commands.
“The malware is distributed through a social engineering technique involving a fake website error,” NITDA stated in its advisory.
The agency explained that once activated, DeepLoad quietly installs itself, steals credentials and browser data, and uses AI-driven techniques to avoid detection.
“Once executed, DeepLoad silently installs itself, harvests stored credentials and sensitive data from major browsers, and leverages artificial intelligence to evade antivirus detection,” the agency said.
NITDA also warned that the malware has a hidden persistence feature capable of reactivating the infection days after removal.
“Critically, the malware incorporates a hidden WMI-based persistence mechanism capable of reactivating the infection up to three days after apparent removal,” the advisory stated.
The agency described the threat as severe and urged immediate precautions, warning that successful attacks could expose bank details, passwords, payment cards, and sensitive personal information.
To reduce risks, NITDA advised users to avoid executing commands from unknown websites, scan external devices before use, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor systems for suspicious activity.
