Joker malware: Google removes 6 more apps from Store

Cyber Security researchers have discovered six applications in the Google Play Store that have been compromised with the notorious Joker malware.

These apps have more than 2 lakh downloads.

Cyber security firm Pradeo reports that the infected apps are – Safety AppLock, Convenient Scanner 2, Emoji Wallpaper, Push Message – Texting & SMS, Fingertip GameBox and Separate Doc Scanner.

Pradeo warns that though the infected applications are now deleted from Google Play, they are still installed on the devices of their users.

Joker

The Joker is a ‘Trojan’ malware whose primary function is to imitate clicks and intercept SMS to subscribe to unauthorized premium paid services unknown to the users.

By using as little code as possible and covering it completely, Joker creates a only subtle footprint that can be difficult to detect.

The virus affects the device’s security by gaining access to information and rendering the device useless.

Cyber experts advise the users to delete the application which contains this malware from their gadgets to keep away from fraudulent actions.

Since 2017, Google has removed 1,700 applications containing Joker malware from Play Store while it was discovered in more than 100 applications in the Google Play Store last year alone.

In July, researchers at cyber security firm Checkpoint found a new variant of the Joker Dropper and Premium Dialer spyware on Google Play.

Cyber experts say that Joker is one of the most notorious malware that exists among the android devices which can crack into Google play store and get past its security measures by making small changes to its code, thus breaking all barriers.