- Joker Malware can attack your phone at any time
- Delete these 15 apps from your Android phone quickly
- Google had to intervene to protect users
Tatyana Shishkova, an analyst at cyber security firm Kaspersky, took to Twitter to alert Android phone users to the return of the powerful Joker malware on the Google Play Store. Shishkova found that the Joker malware is infecting at least 14 Android apps.
The Joker malware caused quite a scare last year after it infected several apps. To protect the users, Google had to intervene and remove those apps. But it looks like the malware is back on the Google Play Store again.
Some of the apps that have been infected with the Joker malware are quite popular with over 50,000 installs, while Shishkova's list has other little-known apps as well.
What is Joker Malware and What does it do ?
Joker malware infects popular apps on the Google Play store and enters users' phones when the apps are downloaded. The Joker malware is able to make its way to the Google Play store through small changes to its code and bypass the Play Store's security and scrutiny.
It is quite stubborn and often reappears. It was first detected in 2017 and Google has been working hard to protect users from this malware over the years.
As far as its payload is concerned, Joker malware steals money from users by secretly subscribing to online services in the background without their knowledge.
It is capable of automatically clicking on online ads and can even access OTPs from SMS to accept payments secretly. Users will also not be aware that they have subscribed to any service online without checking bank details.
Delete These 15 Apps From Your Android Phone Immediately
- Easy PDF Scanner
- Now QRCode Scan
- Super-Click VPN
- Volume Booster Louder Sound Equalizer
- Battery Charging Animation Bubble Effects
- Smart TV Remote
- Volume Boosting Hearing Aid
- Flashlight Flash Alert on Call
- Halloween Coloring
- Classic Emoji Keyboard
- Super Hero-Effect
- Dazzling Keyboard
- EmojiOne Keyboard
- Battery Charging Animation Wallpaper
- Blender Photo Editor-Easy Photo Background Editor