January 29, 2026 – Page 2 – Eastern FM 105.1

‘Astaroth’ Attack: How a simple WhatsApp file could empty your bank account

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 admin

A sophisticated new malware campaign is exploiting the trusted platform of WhatsApp Web to distribute a potent banking Trojan to Windows users, cybersecurity authorities have warned.

The attack, which uses a malicious file shared through the messaging service, can silently hijack a victim’s WhatsApp account to spread itself and steal sensitive financial data.

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) issued a detailed public alert concerning the activity, stating that “cybersecurity experts have discovered a new malware attack that uses WhatsApp Web on Windows computers to spread a dangerous banking malware called Astaroth.”

Future of Finance Dialogues discusses how Ghana can build faster without building fragile

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 admin

On January 23, 2026, in Accra, the Future of Finance Dialogues (FOF) convened a cross-section of Ghana’s financial services leadership for a private dinner under Chatham House Rule.

The gathering was convened by Ethel Cofie and centered on how Ghana can scale modern financial services through Open Banking partnerships, stronger payments infrastructure, and clearer trust and accountability as the market evolves.

Ethel Cofie is the CEO and Founder of EDEL Technology Consulting and the founder of Women in Tech Africa, a pan African network focused on entrepreneurship and growing women’s participation in technology. Her work has long sat at the intersection of digital transformation, market building, and the practical realities of implementation, the exact mix that a multi stakeholder conversation like FOF requires.

Fire destroys dormitory block at NOBISCO, about 900 students displaced

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 admin

A Wednesday afternoon fire at a dormitory block at the Northern School of Business Senior High School (NOBISCO) has displaced many students, estimated at about 900.

The fire, which around 2pm has caused extensive damage to the building and destroyed students’ mattresses, trunks, uniforms, books, and other essential learning materials.

Some students reportedly collapsed from shock during the incident and were rushed to nearby health facilities for care.

Microfinance Banking shake-up: Bank of Ghana mandates GH¢100m capital floor for new entrants

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 admin

In a move to overhaul Ghana’s microfinance landscape, the Bank of Ghana has mandated a new minimum capital of GH¢100 million for any institution seeking to operate as a newly licensed Microfinance Bank (MFB), with a transitional capital requirement of GH¢50 million set for existing firms.

The directive, detailed in a comprehensive new guideline issued on January 27, 2026, is the centrepiece of a sector-wide reform designed to force consolidation, enhance stability, and protect depositors.

The new framework establishes MFBs as “licensed deposit-taking institutions under Act 930,” which will “primarily serve Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), formal and informal groups, and individual clients as their core market segments.” The steep capital requirement is intended to “address weaknesses with capital, governance, and operational efficiency which have undermined the viability of most institutions and threaten depositors’ funds,” the central bank stated.