There’s a fresh Android warning that’s just been announced and this is one you definitely don’t want to ignore. Police in Belgium have confirmed that Google recently deleted eight apps from its Play Store with users now advised to remove them from their devices without delay. These applications are all thought to contain the dangerous Joker malware which is capable of wreaking havoc on any phone it infects.
Once installed, Joker has the ability to install hidden spyware and premium dialers onto devices, which can then sign-up unsuspecting users to expensive monthly subscription plans.
In the past, some victims have found themselves paying in excess of £240 a year for these fraudulent subscriptions.
In a post on its website, Belgium police said, “Warning! The Joker virus is back in the Android environment. This malware has been spotted in 8 apps from the Play Store which have meanwhile been withdrawn by Google, but if you have already installed one, remove it as soon as possible.
According to researchers at cybersecurity company Quick Heal Security Lab, this latest Joker virus can gain access to text messages, contacts and a lot of other personal information on smartphones.
Like previous variants, it can also then subscribe users up to websites offering paid services which mean users risk a big surprise at the end of the month when their bank account or credit card statement arrives through the letter box.
If you are concerned by this threat then here is the list of affected applications:
• Auxiliary Message
• Element Scanner
• Fast Magic SMS
• Free CamScanner
• Go Messages
• Super Message
• Great SMS
• Travel Wallpapers
Joker was first spotted back in 2019 but it’s recently made a dramatic and hugely unwelcome comeback.
In fact, security researchers have revealed that they’ve witnessed a “large uptick” in apps that come packed with the nasty Joker malware.