Google deletes 50 apps infected with Joker malware. Recommends users to delete the apps if installed

According to cyber security analytics firm Zscaler Threatlabz, Google has removed 50 more apps from its Play Store as it said that they were infected by the Joker malware. It is suggested that users must uninstall these suspected apps if they are still on their smartphones.

It is also recommended that the users must check mobile antivirus programmes to clean their phones. As per Zscaler ThreatLabz’s research team, the Joker, Facestealer and Coper malware have been recently found to be spreading through apps.

The reports stated that the majority of these apps were infected with Joker malware, which is one of the most well-known malware that exploits Android devices.

It is claimed that it manages to take advantage of Google’s official app store with the help of its trail signatures. The process includes updating the virus’s code, execution process and payload-retrieval techniques.

Reports have claimed that once active, Joker can install premium diallers and covert spyware on devices. It entices unsuspecting customers to sign up for costly monthly subscription plans.

The report explained, “This malware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information, and to sign the victims up for premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services.”

Reports mentioned that Google was instantly notified about these apps and they were immediately removed.

But the problem is that those apps have already been downloaded by hundreds and thousands of Android users.

Here’s the full list of banned apps:

1. Universal PDF Scanner
2. Private Message
3. Premium SMS
4. Smart Messages
5. Text Emoji SMS
6. Blood Pressure Checker
7. Funny Keyboard
8. Memory Silent Camera
9. Custom-Themed Keyboard
10. Light Messages
11. Themes Photo Keyboard
12. Send SMS
13. Themes Chat Messenger
14. Instant Messenger
15. Cool Keyboard
16. Font Emoji Keyboard
17. Mini PDF Scanner
18. Smart SMS Messages
19. Creative Emoji Keyboard
20. Fancy SMS
21. Fonts Emoji Keyboard
22. Personal Message
23. Funny Emoji Message
24. Magic Photo Editor
25. Professional Messages
26. All Photo Translators
27. Chat SMS
28. Smile Emoji
29. Wow Translator
30. All Language Translator
31. Cool Messages
32. Blood Pressure Diary
33. Chat Text SMS
34. Hi Text SMS
35. Emoji Theme Keyboard
36. iMessager
37. Text SMS
38. Camera Translator
39. Come Messages
40. Painting Photo Editor
41. Rich Theme Message
42. Quick Talk Message
43. Advanced SMS
44. Professional Messenger
45. Classic Game Messenger
46. Style Message
47. Private Game Messages
48. Timestamp Camera
49. Social Message
50. Simple Note Scanner

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