Beware! Google bans this Google Play Store app; delete HIDDEN Joker Malware from your phone

Google bans hidden Google Play Store app that had Joker malware in it. Google has instructed users to delete it from their phones.

Google bans app that had hidden Joker malware in it from Google Play Store. (Max Pixel)

Google has issued another ‘Joker malware warning' for Android phone users. One of the most-persistent malware found has been detected in an app. Worryingly, this app has already been downloaded 500,000-plus times from Google Play Store. The Research company Pradeo has shared the information in a blog post. Acting on the information, Google banned the Google Play Store app on which the Joker malware was hidden. The app with Joker malware in it is called Color Message and was available on Google Play Store.

Though the Color Message app was deleted from the Google Play Store, it has already been installed by more than half a million users. Since the app has been removed from Google Play Store, it will no longer be able to trap new users. However, the users who already have installed the app need to remove it on their own from their phones. Know what is Color Message app and how Joker malware can affect your device

What is Color Message app with hidden Joker malware that has been banned from Google Play Store

The Color Message app offers features to jazz up the users' messages by providing a range of customisation options. The app makes texting easy, fun and beautiful by providing customized themes. The unique technology of this app allows users to personalize default SMS messenger. In what is even more shocking, the app had 1,800+ reviews with an average rating of four stars.

What does Joker malware do and how it affects users' phones

Joker is one of the most dangerous Android malware. Categorized as a Fleecewear app, it steals SMS messages, contact lists and device information. It signs up users for premium service subscriptions without their knowledge. Additionally, it simulates clicks and intercept SMSes, including users banking messages.

Google detected the Joker malware in the year 2017 for the first time. Apart from Color Message app, there are several other Google Play Store apps like Safety AppLock, Convenient Scanner 2, Emoji Wallpaper, Separate Doc Scanner, Fingertip GameBox, Easy PDF Scanner, Super-Click VPN, Volume Booster Louder Sound Equalizer, Flashlight Flash Alert on Call and some other apps have also been detected with Joker Malware.