These Three Android Apps With 'Joker' Malware Have Been Draining People's Money
Google is now urging users to delete certain apps that were slyly installing a malware called "Joker" on the devices of users. This time, Google has found three apps that are Joker-capable on its Play Store.
Apps with Joker malware essentially steal money from Android users by signing them up for pricey subscription services without consent. The apps in question were discovered by cybersecurity company Kaspersky.
Wondering what these three apps are? The three apps that secretly run the Jocker malware on Google Play Store are: Style Message, Blood Pressure App, and Camera PDF Scanner.
Google has taken down these apps from Play Store, but inApps with Joker malware essentially steal money from Android users by signing them up for pricey subscription services without consent. In case you downloaded these apps before their maliciousness was brought to light, we urge you to delete these apps immediately.?
How Jokes spreads and ways to stay safe
It's not uncommon for Google to get rid of malicious apps that keep propping up on the Play Store.
These aren't the first apps attempting to drain victim's bank accounts. Such networks have become more common over the last couple of years. If you want to ensure that nobody is draining your account or stealing personal data, always prefer to download apps straight from the Google Play Store and always check for developer notes. If it looks fishy, it most likely is.
Also read:?Joker Virus Is Attacking Android Phones Again, Delete These Infected Apps
Always go for apps that have more user reviews and better ratings in addition to Google's security badge. And never install apps from random websites on your phone directly. In addition, whenever you install an app, make sure you only accept minimal permissions.
According to Kaspersky's researcher Igor Golovin, malware like Joker are "usually spread on Google Play, where scammers download legitimate apps from the store, add malicious code to them and re-upload them to the store under a different name."
Also read:?Do You Still Need Antivirus Software On Your Devices? Not Really, Experts Say
These apps bypass Google's vetting process by keeping its malicious code dormant until the app goes live on Play Store. Then, they seek permission for access to text messages and notifications, eventually subscribing users to expensive services they never asked for.
Have you been using any of these apps on your Android? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.?
References
Golovin, I. (2022, May 5). Mobile subscription Trojans and their little tricks. Kaspersky.?
