With the increase and advancement in technology and daily internet usage, incidents of dangerous malware affecting mobile phones are increasing at a rapid rate. Android owners and tablet users are once again cautioned against harmful and destructive apps sneaking into the Google Play Store. These dangerous Android apps were brought to the fore by Tatyana Shishkova, Android Malware Analyst at Kaspersky. She said the apps were used to harass the infamous Joker malware. Also Read – Is Your Phone Infected With Malware? Here’s how to find out
#Joker Android Trojans on Google Play:https://t.co/SR94u4iVXI November 4, 10+ installationshttps://t.co/YIcWA6BKVB November 5, 1+ installations pic.twitter.com/nrbdSi0Vyh Also Read – Over 10 Million Android Users Affected By GriftHorse Malware: Remove These Apps Now
– Tatyana Shishkova (@ sh1shk0va) November 11, 2021 Also Read – Joker Malware is Back on Google Play Store, Immediately Remove These Apps From Your Phone
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of malicious Android apps affecting our smartphones. Malware like Joker is available with capabilities to affect smartphones and steal personal data. Additionally, the malware is capable enough to steal your financial information, such as debit and credit card information.
Shishkova named some of the apps that will soon be removed from smartphones. These are-
- Now QR Code Scan-Over over 10,000 installations
- EmojiOne Keyboard – Over 50,000 Installs
- Battery Charging Animation Battery Wallpaper – Over 1000 Installs
- Dazzling keyboard setup-10 or higher
- Installation of the loudest sound equalizer Volume Booster-100 or higher
- Superhero-Effects-Over 5,000 installations
- Classic Emoji Keyboard – Over 5,000 installations
Joker is one of the most persistent malware that constantly targets Android devices. It was first detected in 2017. According to researchers at Quick Heal, the Joker virus steals user data through these apps. Earlier this year, cybersecurity researchers discovered a total of 11 Android apps on the Play Store that included Joker malware and carried out financial frauds. Some of these apps include Translate Free, PDF Converter Scanner, Free Affluent Message, Delux Keyboard, among others.
Things to keep in mind
- Be careful when granting app permissions
- Knowledge of the application background
- Keep your software up to date
- Always use a password manager for all your accounts
- Check the developer’s name in the about section before downloading the app
- Check user reviews and ratings
- Download the Security Toolkit which quickly scans and removes unwanted malware from a device
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