Beware yourself for there are few apps that can pose danger to your phone. There are few malicious apps that have made way to Google Play store which has forced the tech giant to take them offline. Although, in nature, these applications seemed to be legitimate what posed a greater risk was their ability to sneak files into the user’s device by downloading malware. After this, the malware subscribed to the user to premium service which was done without their consent.
The malware was discovered by Check Point researchers. The new variant of Joker Dropper and Premium Dialer spyware were discovered and then the researchers were able to spot 11 such apps with these suspicious packages. Although, the tech giant has removed these apps from the Playstore; the users who had previously installed it will have to do so manually. Following is the list of packages that contain the Joker malware: –
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
The researchers have advised the users to immediately uninstall the above apps in order to avoid any kind of damage. The users should also check their credit card bills and see for any unintended subscription. In case of any discrepancies found, they can unsubscribe to stay safe from future deductions. It has also been suggested by the researchers to install a security solution to provide any future issues.
The tech giant has taken few applications offline because of the danger it posed. Although legitimate in nature, the applications had the ability to sneak files into the user’s device by downloading malware
Since the malware is very tricky to spot, it is likely to make a comeback in some applications. Users should keep checking their credit card statements so as to avoid being a victim of any of these apps.
It is worth noting that Google had removed around 1700 applications which were found to have a similar Joker malware earlier this year.
