Joker malware was being distributed by 16 apps present on Google Play store

Google has found 16 new apps distributing Joker malware and has removed them from Play store.

Joker has proven to be a persistent android malware that finds its way into various Google Play store apps. In September, Google removed 6 apps that were distributing the malware. These apps had a total of 200,000 downloads and the Joker malware was once again witnessed on Play Store.

In a recent research report, researchers have claimed that Google has removed 16 more apps for the same reason. These apps were uploaded to the Play Store in September and had 120,000 downloads.

Joker is a spyware that can be used to steal contact lists, SMS messages, and device information from the phone, apart from discreetly subscribing for “premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services.” Joker is very evasive and a hard to detect malware as it uses a very minimal amount of code.

The apps that can deploy Joker malware contact the CnC server and download the main payload in the targeted devices. In some apps there is an encrypted payload attached which is decrypted and used as the main payload for malware attack.

The list below has names of all the apps that include the Joker malware :

  1. Private SMS
  2. Care Message
  3. Part Message
  4. Blue Scanner
  5. Desire Translate
  6. Direct Messenger
  7. Paper Doc Scanner
  8. Tangram App Lock
  9. Style Photo Collage
  10. Meticulous Scanner
  11. All Good PDF Scanner
  12. Talent Photo Editor - Blur focus
  13. Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message
  14. Hummingbird PDF Converter - Photo to PDF
  15. Unique Keyboard - Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons
  16. One Sentence Translator - Multifunctional Translator

NPAV recommends users to immediately stop using these apps and uninstall them from your devices. Joker is a dangerous malware that can steal information and harm your device is severe ways. Install NPAV android app to keep your device protected from all kinds of malware attacks.

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