Google removes 17 apps infected with 'Joker' malware from Play Store: What is it and how does it infect apps?

Google claims that it has removed 17 apps that were infected with the Joker malware from the Play Store.

First spotted by Zscaler, these apps were infected with Joker malware app and were reportedly stealing details like contact details, SMSes and device information from user’s phones.

The malware infected apps are

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Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message

Unique Keyboard – Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons

Tangram App Lock

Direct Messenger

Private SMS

One Sentence Translator – Multifunctional Translator

Style Photo Collage

Meticulous Scanner

Desire Translate

Talent Photo Editor – Blur focus

Care Message

Part Message

Paper Doc Scanner

Blue Scanner

Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF

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While Google has disabled these on infected devices, users will still need to manually uninstall these apps from their mobiles.

Joker Malware

Joker malware is a type of malware for Android that has several time invaded Google’s official application market It is said that the malware keeps finding its way into Google’s official application market as a result of small changes to its code, which enables it to get past the Play store’s security and vetting barriers

As reported by Zdnet, The Joker malware steals money from users by subscribing them to paid subscriptions without their consent. It first simulates interaction with ads without users’ knowledge and then steals the victim’s SMS messages including OTP to authenticate payments.

It is said that the activity occurs without any input required from the user and they often won’t find out that they’ve been scammed until they receive a phone bill full of additional charges.