Alert | Google Bans 16 Malicious Apps; Uninstall If You Have Any Of These | September 20

Google bans 16 malicious apps; uninstall if you have any of these

14 Sep 2020, 2:03 pm

Google Play Store has just removed a set of 16 malware-infected apps. Out of these 16 apps, the first lot of 11 apps are infected with a malware called Joker.

Security researchers from CheckPoint have discovered these malicious apps on Play Store. The company had banned 11 apps in July this year after they were discovered being infected by Joker. According to cybersecurity firm Pradeo, six more apps were found infected by the malware.

These six apps have almost 2 lakh downloads before they were pulled off the App Store. Google has been tracking these apps since 2017. These applications seem legitimate but the malware in them has an ability to sneak files into user's device.

In the month of July, the cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new variant of Joker malware. The cybersecurity researchers were able to spot 11 such apps with this suspicious package.

Here is the list of packages that were found containing the Joker malware:

1.- com.imagecompress.android
2.- com.relax.relaxation.androidsms
3.- com.file.recovefiles
4.- com.training.memorygame
5.- Push Message- Texting & SMS
6.- Fingertip GameBox
7.- com.contact.withme.texts
8.- com.cheery.message.sendsms (two different instances)
9.- com.LPlocker.lockapps
10.- Safety AppLock
11.- Emoji Wallpaper
12.- com.hmvoice.friendsms
13.- com.peason.lovinglovemessage
14.- com.remindme.alram
15.- Convenient Scanner 2
16.- Separate Doc Scanner

The cybersecurity researchers suggest users check their devices and uninstall these apps if they have them. If you have had these apps on your device, go through credit card bills and check for any unintended subscription. The malware is very tricky to spot, so it is expected to make a comeback in a fresh set of applications in near-future