Joker malware warning! Delete these 50 apps NOW, warns Google

Google continues to fight with dangerous malware apps that could pose a severe threat to android phone users. Mobile security firm Zscaler has recently alerted Android users about as many as 50 Google Play store apps that are infected with infamous Joker malware. This malware can put your device at a major security risk. Earlier also, it has affected several popular apps, however, after Google intervention, those apps were removed and the malware was restricted. But it has returned again by making small changes to its code to bypass Google’s security.

Once downloaded these apps can install hidden spyware and premium dialers onto devices, which can subscribe users to expensive monthly subscription plans. “In the past, some victims have found themselves paying in excess of £240 a year for these fraudulent subscriptions,” reported Zscaler. This malware was first discovered in 2017 and was a major challenge for Google to tackle it back.

Here’s all you need to know about Joker malware, how it affects and list of apps that you should delete immediately from your phone.

What is Joker malware and how it affects your phone?

The Joker malware is a “Fleeceware” that infects popular apps and enters the user’s phone when the apps are downloaded. This malware simply subscribes users to paid services online without taking their permission. It can also click on online ads automatically. The most dangerous thing about this malware is it can even read OTPs from your SMS to secretly approve payments and users can’t even find that unless they check their bank statement. It was first detected in 2017 and since then Google has been fighting hard to secure users from this malware.

Here are the fifty apps that are found to be infected by Joker malware:

Some apps that are infected by Joker malware are quite popular with over 50,000 installs while some are little-known apps. Check the list below

Simple Note Scanner – com.wuwan.pdfscan

Universal PDF Scanner – com.unpdf.scan.read.docscanuniver

Private Messenger – com.recollect.linkus

Premium SMS – com.premium.put.trustsms

Smart Messages – com.toukyoursms.timemessages

Text Emoji SMS – messenger.itext.emoji.mesenger

Blood Pressure Checker – com.bloodpressurechecker.tangjiang

Funny Keyboard – com.soundly.galaxykeyboard

Memory Silent Camera – com.silentmenory.timcamera

Custom Themed Keyboard – com.custom.keyboardthemes.galaxiy

Light Messages – com.lilysmspro.lighting

Themes Photo Keyboard – com.themes.bgphotokeyboard

Send SMS – exazth.message.send.text.sms

Themes Chat Messenger – com.relish.messengers

Instant Messenger – com.sbdlsms.crazymessager.mmsrec

Cool Keyboard – com.colate.gthemekeyboard

Fonts Emoji Keyboard – com.zemoji.fontskeyboard

Fonts Emoji Keyboard – com.zemoji.fontskeyboard

Smart SMS Messages – com.sms.mms.message.ffei.free

Creative Emoji Keyboard – com.whiteemojis.creativekeyboard.ledsloard

You can find the detailed list of infected apps here https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/joker-facestealer-and-coper-banking-malwares-google-play-store