Android from Google is probably the most flexible operating system for mobile, popular, and also very capable. But it does have issues in terms of security.
While Google does improve the Android ecosystem, the Google Play Store is still found to be the comfortable home for many malicious apps. Among the malware that haunts Android users, is the Joker malware. And this time, eight more Android apps with the malware are found.
As reported in a blog post by Quick Heal Security Labs, the apps could collect and steal data from Android users and create all sorts of other problems.
The infected apps are:
- Auxiliary Message.
- Fast Magic SMS.
- Free CamScanner.
- Super Message.
- Element Scanner.
- Go Messages.
- Travel Wallpapers.
- Super SMS.
Quick Heal Security Labs has reported these apps to Google, which has brought their existence to the tech giant's attention.
Fortunately, Google responded quickly and has removed all the said apps.
While Google has removed the apps from its Google Play Store, meaning that they're no longer available for download from the official app store from Google, the apps themselves still pose a threat as they remain available in the wild.
People can still download the apps from some third-party app store, and can still sideload them by downloading their respective APK files.
For Android users, it's highly advised that they check whether their phone have any of the apps installed, and remove them as soon as possible.
They can also perform a virus scan using a reputable antimalware tool.
And again, as a rule of thumb, Android users should always stay away from unknown apps that lack any sort of reputation.
They are also required to read pop-up messages they may get from the Android system before accepting/allowing any new permissions.
Malware can cause a lot of trouble, and malicious actors know that too well that malware-related threats never cease.
And this Android Joker malware is relatively old malware family known since the fall of 2019.
Google Play Store boasts protections that come from Google itself, powered by one of the most powerful AIs and search capabilities unmatched by others. But that doesn't mean the app store is free from malware and apps with malicious intentions. In the past, Google has struggled to police its Play Store with various malware issues.
And this time, things are just repeating again and again.
The Joker is a spyware, capable of stealing data from victim’s device, like SMS messages, contact list, and device info.
It can also silently interacts with advertisement websites and subscribes its victims to premium services without their knowledge.
According to Quick Heal Security Labs, malware authors tend to spread the Joker through apps like scanner apps, wallpaper applications, and messaging apps. This is why Android users should try to avoid such applications and use such kinds of applications only from trusted developers.
Read: Google Purged 'The Joker', A Malware Residing On Popular Apps In Play Store