Google has recently disabled several Android applications that are infected with “Joker malware.” However, only users have the ability to remove these apps from their smartphones altogether.
“Joker malware” is nothing new to Android operating systems. As one of the most persistent pieces of malware, the Joker malware circumvented the Google Play app through a combination of code tweaks, execution method variation, and changed to how it downloads the payload allowing the malware to function, steal information, and trigger WAP service sign-ups.
Although Google Play has removed the 16 inflected apps from its Play Store, it’s up to Android users themselves to completely remove the applications that are estimated to have plagued over 120,000 devices.
The list of apps infected by the Joker Malware bug include:
- All Good PDF Scanner
- Blue Scanner
- Care Message
- Desire Translate
- Direct Messenger
- Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF
- Meticulous Scanner
- Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message
- One Sentence Translator – Multifunctional Translator
- Paper Doc Scanner
- Part Message
- Private SMS
- Style Photo Collage
- Talent Photo Editor – Blur focus
- Tangram App Lock
- Unique Keyboard – Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons
As explained above, the one thing Google can’t do is completely remove the (now disabled) applications from Android devices. That means it is up to you! If you have ANY of these 16 apps installed, simply open Settings on your device, open Apps, find the app on the list, select it, and tap uninstall. When Android reloads your list of apps, you’ll know the uninstallation is complete. If you have multiple apps on this list, you’ll have to repeat this process until all 16 of these apps are no longer on your device.
Congratulations, your device is now secure.
This is unlikely to be the last time we hear about downloaded infected apps from the Google Play Store. If you’re ever unsure about installing a new application, it’s smart to do some research first. A quick Google Search for the app you’re considering could reveal whether it is safe or unsafe for your device.
Furthermore, if you’re worried about keeping your smartphone or other Android devices safe and secure, make sure you install a top-rated Android Antivirus app.
Protect your business
While you may have procedures and protocols in place while your staff is at their workstation, those same environments are certainly not the same while employees are transitioning to work from home life. For many, this is new and uncharted territory. Your organization should be vigilant in ensuring work from home staff are aware of threats and how to report such issues.
Computer Service Now is happy to provide on-site services to businesses in the Southwest Ohio region. Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from vulnerabilities.
With our high level of customer service and satisfaction, Computer Service Now works hard to be the premier IT firm in the Cincinnati and Dayton region. We offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs today!
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