Smartphones have been a blessing in disguise for us all. As technologically advanced these handheld gadgets are, they equally are prone to different forms of cyber/phishing attacks. Despite numerous efforts made by tech giants, there is no respite from malware attacks on smartphone users. One of the most notorious malware targeting Android users is the Joker.
Google has been on a constant lookout for this malware and has removed multiple apps laced with this fleeceware from the Play Store. But it seems that the struggle to get rid of the Joker app is long term as the malware has once again been spotted at the Play Store inside a popular app that had over 500,000 downloads. Which is the latest app laced with Joker malware that you need to get rid of? Let’s find out below:
Joker Malware Spotted Inside This App On Google Play Store?
Back in September this year, Google had removed around eight new apps laced with the Joker malware from Play Store. This time only a single app is said to have been affected by the fleeceware. Called Color Message, the app has been available on the Play Store for a long and was downloaded over 500,000 times until now.
Thankfully, Google was able to identify the Joker malware disguised as the Color Message app on Play Store. The search giant has also removed the app from its platform making it secure for the users. The malware was identified by the researchers at Pradeo Security. The security researchers have also warned the users to immediately remove the app from their respective Android smartphones.
Google has already taken down this app from the Play Store. What’s concerning is that the Color Message app which was affected by Joker malware has been quite popular amongst consumers. The app was designed to deliver a fun typing experience with new emojis and fonts. The app was removed as soon as the researchers were sure it is laced with Joker.
This is not the first time a messaging app is reportedly taken down citing Joker malware infections. A few months back, apps like Auxiliary Messages, Fast Magic SMS, Super Messages, and Go Messages were pulled down from the Google Play Store due to the same reason.
For the unaware, the Joker Malware tricks the users by simulating clicks and intercepting messages. By doing so, the attackers can get the users to subscribe to premium subscriptions that are priced on the hefty side.
