Google recently removed 17 apps from the Google Play store. As per reports, these apps were infected by the Joker malware and were stealing details like contact details, text messages, and device information from the phone.
Here’s the list of 17 applications that have been removed from Google Play store:
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
All Good PDF Scanne
According to a report, these applications were added to Google Play Store just one month ago. Google has already disabled these on infected devices but users who have already installed any of these apps mentioned above need to uninstall these apps from their mobiles for data safety purposes.
This is the third time Google has taken this step for the safety of mobile phone users. Earlier this month, 6 apps were removed from the Play store and in July another bunch of such apps were deleted. Such malicious apps are uploaded on the Google Play store using a technique called the droppers were in a clone app with functionalities of legitimate apps is developed.
All these apps requests access to dangerous permissions, however, nothing happens when the app is used for the first time. According to the report, “Because the malicious actions are usually delayed by hours or days, Google’s security scans don’t pick up the malicious code, and Google usually allows the app to be listed on the Play Store.”
Also read:Free Google Meet version to limit meetings to 60 mins from Sep 30
Also read: Google slams arbitration system in Australia’s new media code
