Malware has always been a part of Android operating system and is always a threat to millions of apps which are available on Play Store even though these apps go through multiple security checks before getting published.
One such malware is the ‘Joker’ malware. Google has removed more than 1700 apps from Play Store since 2017 but it keeps making its way back to the Play Store by making changes in its code or changing its execution method.
Read More: Delete these 6 Apps as Soon as Possible : Joker Virus
The research team at Zscaler ThreatLabZ has now again identified 16 apps on the Play Store that were infected with the Joker malware which have now been removed from the play store. All of these apps were uploaded to Google Play Store in September 2020 and the list includes:
All Good PDF Scanner
Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message
Unique Keyboard – Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons
Tangram App Lock
Direct Messenger
Private SMS
One Sentence Translator – Multifunctional Translator
Style Photo Collage
Meticulous Scanner
Desire Translate
Talent Photo Editor – Blur focus
Care Message
Part Message
Paper Doc Scanner
Blue Scanner
Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF
These apps have been removed from the store and it is informed that if you currently have any of these in your phones, you should uninstall them right away.
The Joker spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and other device information along with silently signing up the victim for premium wireless application protocol services like the in-app subscriptions, without the user’s consent.