Google has removed 17 applications capable of stealing money and private information from a user, including SMS and contact lists. The company has removed malicious apps from the Google Play Store, which means that they will no longer be available for download through the Google Play Store, following an investigation by California-based IT security company called Zscaler. The firm monitored all 17 apps and found that they were infected with the Joker malware that continues to find its way to the Google Play Store by employing changes to its code. The apps are said to have a total of 120,000 downloads, so in case you have downloaded them, you need to uninstall them immediately.
Infected apps include PDF scanners, messengers, translators, app lock, and collage maker. In a statement, the Zscaler security researcher stated: “Joker is one of the largest malware families continually targeting Android devices. Despite the knowledge of this particular malware, it continues to find its way into the official Google application market by employing changes to its code, execution methods, or payload recovery techniques. This spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists and device information, as well as silently registering the victim for premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services. “
Here is a list of 17 infected apps removed from Google Play Store:
- Every good PDF scanner
- Mint Leaf Message – Your Private Message
- Unique keyboard – free stylish fonts and emoticons
- Tangram app crash
- Direct messenger
- Private SMS
- One Sentence Translator – Multifunctional Translator
- Style Photo Collage
- Meticulous scanner
- Desire Translate
- Talent Photo Editor – Defocused focus
- Care message
- Part Message
- Paper document scanner
- Blue scanner
- Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF
- Every good PDF scanner
Cybersecurity researchers advise users to pay close attention to the list of permissions in the applications that you install on your Android device. Always read the comments or reviews on the app page and watch out for risky permissions related to SMS, call logs, contacts and more to avoid falling victim to hackers.
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