Warning for BILLIONS of Android users – full list of 50 ‘Joker’ apps to avoid on Google Play Store

ANDROID users are being warned about several apps from the Google Play Store that could infect their device with malicious software. Google is said to have taken steps to remove the apps but if you’ve already downloaded any your phone could be at risk. According to researchers at Zscaler ThreatLabz, some of the bad apps […]

ANDROID users are being warned about several apps from the Google Play Store that could infect their device with malicious software.

Google is said to have taken steps to remove the apps but if you’ve already downloaded any your phone could be at risk.

Getty

Joker malware can cost you money[/caption]

According to researchers at Zscaler ThreatLabz, some of the bad apps use malicious ‘Joker’ software.

They explained: “Recently, the Zscaler ThreatLabz team discovered apps involving multiple instances of the Joker, Facestealer, and Coper malware families spreading in the virtual marketplace.

“The ThreatLabz team immediately notified the Google Android Security team of these newly identified threats, and they promptly removed the malicious apps from the Google Play Store.”

A full list of the Joker apps in question can be found below.

Although Google is said to have removed them, the security researchers think the apps have been downloaded over 300,000 times.

They fall into the categories of communication, health, personalization, photography and tools.

If you’re partial to downloading apps like this on your Android device you may want to check your phone.

Joker malware can steal one-time login codes from your messages or subscribe you to costly services without your consent.

You may not notice you’re losing money until you spot the transactions in your bank account.

The security experts added: “Most commonly, threat actors disguise the Joker malware in messaging applications that require users to grant escalated access permissions by allowing them to serve as the default SMS app on the user’s phone.

“The malware uses these advanced permissions to carry out its operations.”

To avoid apps like this you should always read the reviews on app stores, research the app and make sure you’re downloading from an official source.