Android devices have once again been attacked by a new malware, affecting 17 of the apps on Google's Play Store. The new malware is known as the Joker malware and it is able to access messages, contact lists, device information, and most dangerously, it is able to have users automatically sign up to premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services.
The malware is able to hack devices by using a combination of code tweaks, execution method variation, and changing how it downloads the payload, which results in it being able to access important device information and manipulate sign-ups to WAP services.
Google took action against the threat by taking down the ''infected'' apps from Play Store and also disabled them on devices where they are already installed.
The 17 apps are: All Good PDF Scanner, 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, and All Good PDF Scanner.
Since the manual removal of the installed apps can only be done by the user himself, users are encouraged to uninstall the app(s) and cleanse their devices of any potential harm as soon as possible.
