By Bisola David
The Computer Security Incident Response Team of the Nigerian Communications Commission has issued a warning to those looking to purchase illegally obtained software and materials, warning them that they run the risk of falling prey to cybercriminal gangs that use AI-generated YouTube videos to disseminate malware.
In its advisory, the commission also cautioned that becoming a victim might have serious repercussions for both persons and organizations, leading to major harm like data theft, financial loss, identity theft, system damage, and reputational harm.
The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, made this announcement in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja. He said that unwitting victims who watch these AI-generated tutorial films will be tricked into clicking on one of the links in the video description.
Such links have been used in 300% more YouTube videos and unaware viewers of these generated tutorial films will be tricked into clicking on one of the links in the video description, according to Muoka.
Typically, it causes spyware that steals data to be downloaded.
Since November 2022, “the number of YouTube videos containing such connections had climbed by 200-300 percent month-on-month.”
The NCC spokesperson continued, “Video instructions on how to pirate popular programs like AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and other similar paid-for programs are developed to pique the attention of potential victims. These movies were produced using artificial intelligence and show people with credible facial features, according to studies.
These videos frequently contain fake instructions that direct viewers to links in the description that lead to malware that steals information, such as Raccoon, Vidar, and RedLine.
According to Mouka, these films could seem innocent or even enjoyable, but they might actually include harmful malware that, when downloaded or played, might infect a viewer’s device.
Muoka emphasized that online criminals can potentially fool users into installing malware by using AI-generated movies.
“They can produce a video that presents itself as coming from a reliable business or organization and asks viewers to click on a link and submit their login information or other personal data. When a viewer clicks on the link, a bogus website that takes their information is opened in their browser.
Moreover, malevolent actors may disseminate viruses via films produced by AI. They can produce a video that seems innocent, but when the viewer clicks on a link or downloads a file from the video, their device contracts a virus, which encrypts their files and demands payment to unlock. “Telecom consumers should avoid downloading pirated software because they are typically dangerous and illegal,” he continued.
By deploying a comprehensive endpoint detection and response solution and exercising caution while browsing links, Mouka recommended the public stay current.