The President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Ghana, Abubakar Issaka, has warned that Ghanaian WhatsApp users, particularly those using WhatsApp Web on Windows computers, are at heightened risk from a sophisticated malware campaign designed to steal sensitive financial and personal data.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (29 January), Issaka said the malware, is a highly dangerous banking trojan capable of harvesting confidential information, including banking credentials, saved passwords and other sensitive data stored on infected devices.
“This malware is developed to collect classified and confidential information from devices,” he said, adding that it can access data not only on laptops but also on phones, tablets and other linked platforms.
According to Issaka, the threat is particularly severe in Ghana because of the widespread use of WhatsApp as a primary communication platform. He explained that cybercriminals are exploiting WhatsApp Web to distribute malicious files disguised as legitimate documents, often sent as zip files.
“If this malware is being distributed through WhatsApp, then every single citizen who uses WhatsApp is at risk,” he said.
Issaka noted that Windows operating systems are more vulnerable to the malware due to security gaps that allow the trojan to install itself in the background once a malicious file is clicked. Users of Apple’s macOS, he said, face comparatively lower risk due to built-in security safeguards.
He explained that cybercriminals rely heavily on social engineering tactics to trick victims into opening infected files, often using emotional or urgent messages to prompt quick action.
“Once you click on it, the malware installs itself quietly in the background and begins collecting information,” Issaka said.
The cybersecurity expert confirmed that Ghanaian users have already been affected, citing reports received by the Cyber Security Authority and the national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), which operates a 24-hour incident response centre.
“When authorities come out with such alerts, it means attacks have already occurred,” he said, adding that intelligence-sharing platforms had flagged Astaroth as an emerging threat targeting Ghanaians.
Issaka downplayed fears that the malware poses an immediate threat to national security, saying the impact is largely limited to individuals unless infected devices contain sensitive institutional or state information.
He urged WhatsApp’s parent company to strengthen its file-filtering systems to block malicious content, similar to protections deployed by major email service providers.
Issaka also advised users to install reputable endpoint protection software, avoid opening files from unknown or unverified contacts, and regularly update their operating systems.
He further recommended that users log out of WhatsApp Web when not in use and routinely check linked devices to prevent unauthorised access.
While acknowledging progress in Ghana’s fight against cybercrime, Issaka said greater investment in public awareness and capacity building was needed.
“We are on course, but we still need to do more,” he said. “Education and capacity building remain critical in reducing cybercrime in Ghana.”
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: atlanticafricanews.com/, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
