Security researchers from Kaspersky brought the bad news, they found the Joker malware back in action. A total of 15 applications were reported to be infected with malware that could steal personal data and make a pocket break
According to Kaspersky Security Analyst, Tatyana Shishkova, the 15 applications are quite popular. Some of them have been installed up to 50 thousand times.
The Joker malware is said to be able to enter the Play Store through minor changes to its code and bypass security checks and Google checks. The danger is that the malware secretly steals money from users by subscribing to online services in the background.
The Joker is able to click on online ads automatically and can even access the OTP from SMS to approve payments secretly. Horrifyingly, the user doesn't even know that he or she has subscribed to some online service without checking the bank statement.
This finding has been reported to Google. The internet search giant has removed apps infected with the Joker malware from the Play Store. However, if you have installed it on an Android phone, it is highly recommended to delete it immediately.
15 Dangerous Joker Malware Infected Applications
Easy PDF Scanner
Now QRCode Scan
Super-Click VPN
Volume Booster Louder Sound Equalizer
Battery Charging Animation Bubble Effects
Smart TV Remote
Volume Boost Hearing Aid
Flashlight Flash Alert on Call
Halloween Coloring
Classic Emoji Keyboard
Super Hero-Effect
Dazzling Keyboard
EmojiOne Keyboard
Battery Charging Animation Wallpaper
Blender Photo Editor-Easy Photo Background Editor
To note, the Joker malware suddenly became famous in 2017 for infecting and robbing its victims by hiding as an application on the Play Store. Google is working hard to scan and remove them.
At that time around 1,700 applications infected with the Joker malware were successfully removed from the Play Store. But that doesn't mean the Joker's action stops, every year there are always applications that are infiltrated by the malware.
In September 2020, for example, the Joker malware was found in 24 Android apps with more than 500 thousand downloads before being removed. At that time the virus was estimated to have affected 30 countries including the US, Brazil and Spain.