Google removes 17 malicious apps from the Play Store

Google regularly removes malicious apps from the Play Store. It has now removed 17 apps that were infected with the Joker malware.

The latest Joker malware apps were discovered by Zscaler ThreatLabZ researchers. These apps although regularly monitored always find a way to land up on the Google Play Store. These apps can be used to steal SMSs, contacts, device information, and even sign up users for premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services, Zscaler security researcher Viral Gandhi said in a blog.

The 17 apps discovered had around 120,000 downloads, and most of them were scanner apps. There were some messaging apps and photo editors as well. Once Google was notified about these apps, the company removed them from the Play Store. You can no longer download these apps but if you have them on your phone, you must uninstall them right away.

Here’s the full list of the 17 malware-infected apps.

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 Scanner

Google has been working on filtering out these malicious apps which fall into a unique category called ‘Bread’. Despite Google’s efforts, a new variant of the Joker malware is developed which manages to bypass the Play Store’s security. Earlier this year, Google notified about the malware and said that it has so far removed 1,700 apps infected by it. More apps with the Joker malware were discovered and removed this year.