People download and install thousands of apps from the Google Play store for various purposes. There are, however, some Android apps in the Play Store that can be harmful to your device. If you’re not careful, these apps can steal your bank information and possibly lead to financial fraud.
There are a total of 11 apps that consumers should be aware about, according to cyber security specialists at Zscaler’s ThreatLabz. These apps include Joker malware, which tampers with your smartphone. Joker was created with the intent of spying on people, stealing information, and monitoring SMS. This spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information, as well as sign the victim up for premium WAP services.
This spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information, as well as sign the victim up for premium WAP services.
When it gains access to your device via apps, it can engage in a variety of unusual behaviours, including financial fraud.
Over 50 Joker payloads have been found in Android apps in the last two and a half months, according to Zscaler researchers, with some apps being targeted more than others. The malware has primarily targeted apps in the categories of health and fitness, photography, tools, personalization, and communication. According to researchers, the malware’s developers are continually modifying their tactics to get around security features and Google Play’s investigation procedures.
If you haven’t already, here’s a list of apps you should uninstall from your smartphone.
- Free Affluent Message
- PDF Photo Scanner
- Delux Keyboard
- Comply QR Scanner
- PDF Converter Scanner
- Font Style Keyboard
- Translate Free
- Saying Message
- Private Message
- Read Scanner
- Print Scanner
Joker spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information, and to sign the victim up for premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services. Always check app ratings and app reviews before you download them. If you see a lot of complaints in the reviews, steer away from the app. Also, if you see reviews glorifying the app excessively despite the ratings being very low, those reviews are fake, you should stay away from these apps too.