Google has now eliminated 17 infected android apps from its google play store. These apps contained the "Joker" malware, according to the findings by experts Zscaler. Joker is among the most effective malware that attacks Android applications. The malware is infamous in the cybersecurity industry, but it always finds a new way to access Google's play store applications. Joker uses new codes, execution techniques, and retrieving methods to trespass the play store. The malware is used for stealing personal chats, contact information, call logs, and device data. Joker also secretly subscribes to users for premium WAP (wireless application protocol) services.
The 17 apps found with Joker malware are:
- All Good PDF Scanner
- Hummingbird PDF Converter - Photo to PDF
- Blue Scanner
- Paper Doc Scanner
- Part Message
- Desire Translate
- Talent Photo Editor - Blur focus
- Care Message
- Meticulous Scanner
- Style Photo Collage
- One Sentence Translator - Multifunctional Translator
- Private SMS
- Direct Messenger
- Tangram App Lock
- Unique Keyboard - Fancy Fonts and Free Emoticons
- Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message
- All Good PDF Scanner
Although the play store has disabled the apps, the users who might have downloaded the apps need to uninstall them manually. The malware uses the 'dropping' technique to avoid getting caught and sneak into google play store. "We recommend paying close attention to the permission list in the apps that you install on your Android device. Always watch out for the risky permissions related to SMS, call logs, contacts, and more. Reading the comment or reviews on the app page also helps identify compromised apps," says researchers from Zscaler.
Read more https://www.ehackingnews.com/2020/10/wap-fraud-google-play-store-removes.html
