- Google has removed 17 apps infected with Joker malware
- Applications have a total of 120,000 downloads
- Malware is designed to steal your money, SMS, contact lists, and device information
Google has removed 17 apps that are capable of stealing users’ money and private information, including SMS and contact lists.
The company has removed malicious applications from the Google Play Store, such as Scalar, a California-based IT security company that is no longer available for download through the Google Play Store. The company monitored 17 apps and found that they were infected with Joker malware, which found its way into the Google Play Store by making changes to its code. Apps are said to have a total of 120,000 downloads, so if you have downloaded them, you must uninstall them right away.
Infected applications include PDF scanners, messengers, translators, app lock, and collage makers. In a statement, the ScScaler security researcher said, “Joker is one of the leading malware families that continuously targets Android devices. Despite its awareness of this particular malware, it is its code, execution methods, or payload-retrieval strategies in Google’s official app market. Premium Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) This spyware is designed to silently sign a victim for services and steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information.
Here is a list of 17 infected apps that were removed from the Google Play Store:
- All good pdf scanner
- Mint Leaf Message — Your Private Message
- Unique Keyboard – Fancy fonts and free emoticons
- Tangram App Lock
- Direct Messenger
- Private SMS
- A syntax translator – a multifunctional translator
- Style photo collage
- Meticulous Scanner
- Translate desire
- Talent Photo Editor – Faint focus
- Message of care
- Part Message
- Paper Dock Scanner
- The blue scanner
- Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF
- All good pdf scanner
Cybersecurity researchers recommend users to pay more attention to the whitelist in the apps you install on your Android device. Always read comments or reviews on the app page and look for risk permissions for SMS, call logs, contacts, and more to avoid being hacked.
