The 'Joker' Android malware is now back. This specific malware attack acts to the Android phone's vulnerability to steal money from users into subscribing to paid subscriptions without their knowledge or consent. Here's how its different, though. The said dangerous malware is active on 11 apps that are probably already hidden on your Android phone.
Top 11 'Joker' apps you should delete now!
One of the most familiar Android malware is 'Joker.' It was first identified three years ago and had been responsible for many complaints of fraud and spyware.
Before, this specific malware was active via SMS messaging. Now, however, the 'Joker' seemed to be testing its waters on hidden apps that may probably be running already on anyone's Android phone today.
According to a BGR article, analysts from Check Point Research recently found several apps on Google Play Store that said to have "undeletable and malicious files" inside them.
Luckily, Google already deleted the said apps on the store since the day it was reported. An exact number of 11 apps were found. Still, expert thinks that 'Joker' will still have other ways to trick users into sending money to them.
"Joker adapted," said Aviran Hazum, manager of Mobile Research with Check Point Research, in a Thursday analysis. "The Joker malware is tricky to detect, despite Google's investment in adding Play Store protections. Although Google removed the malicious apps from the Play Store, we can fully expect Joker to adapt again. Everyone should take the time to understand what Joker is and how it hurts everyday people."
These are the 'Joker' apps that you must delete now on your phone:
- com.imagecompress.android
- com.contact.withme.texts
- com.hmvoice.friendsms
- com.relax.relaxation.androidsms
- com.cheery.message.sendsms
- com.cheery.message.sendsms
- com.peason.lovinglovemessage
- com.file.recovefiles
- com.LPlocker.lockapps
- com.remindme.alram
- com.training.memorygame
Remember, even though you don't recall any of these apps being downloaded on your phone. It is still a great move to check the storage of your phone. Some of these apps were well-hidden from the users in order to make sure that their victims won't know what they're doing.
Here's how the 'Joker' works
Phone malware is no longer new in the system. When your phone has been compromised, it will only take minutes or hours before all your sensitive data are stolen.
Here's how the 'Joker' works. For example, once you've installed any of the apps said above, the malware will act as the owner of your phone. It will subscribe to paid subscriptions without your knowledge, and will soon reflect your payments.
Experts said that Google Play Store can just delete the apps in the store. It still depends on you to check if your phone has been infected with the 'Joker.'
