Google removes 34 apps from the app store for being infected by Joker malware that has been infecting apps across the Play Store over the last few months.
Google removes 34 apps from the app store for being infected by Joker malware that has been infecting apps across the Play Store over the last few months.
Zscaler, a California based IT security company, discovered that the 17 apps were infected with Joker malware. These 17 apps are said to have around 120,000 downloads in total.
Initially, in July, Joker infected 11 apps on the play store, followed by six more apps in the first half of September. Currently, 17 more apps have been infected and are pulled off from the app store.
The Joker malware uses a technique called `Dropper’ that allows these apps and malicious software to penetrate inside the Play Store despite Google's tight security scan. The user remains unaware of the malware cracking into their device ad that their details might be at risk.
Even though the apps have been removed from the Play Store, Google has urged the users to manually uninstall the app to remove them permanently from the device.
Here is the list of the apps that Google has removed:
- 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
- All Good PDF Scanner
- com.imagecompress.android
- com.relax.relaxation.androidsms
- com.file.recovefiles
- com.training.memorygame
- Push Message- Texting & SMS
- Fingertip GameBox
- com.contact.withme.texts
- com.cheery.message.sendsms (two different instances)
- com.LPlocker.lockapps
- Safety AppLock
- Emoji Wallpaper
- com.hmvoice.friendsms
- com.peason.lovinglovemessage
- com.remindme.alram
- Convenient Scanner 2
- Separate Doc Scanner
Joker malware
The joker malware was first discovered in 2017 that has been categorised as fleeceware. The main task is to stimulate interaction with clicks and intercept SMS messages, including OTP to subscribe to unwanted paid premium services without the user's knowledge.
“Many of these samples appear to be designed specifically to attempt to slip into the Play Store undetected and see not seen elsewhere, ” wrote Google.
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