The employees of a security company, Pradeo, reported in a recently released report that thousands of users of the Android operating system downloaded an application on Google Play Store infected by the Joker virus. Find out now what was the application that infected more than 500,000 Android devices!
The app – Color Message
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The application in which the malware was found was Color Message. This App basically serves to customize SMS messages, leaving them colorful. After installation, the virus infected thousands of devices, as the professionals reported in the report.
The Virus – Joker
Once on the device, this virus is capable of stealing text messages, the contact list and other information contained on the device. From there, the user can subscribe to premium services from advertising sites to generate profit for the owners.
Furthermore, stolen information can end up in the hands of criminals, increasing the risk of fraud and scams. The recommendation contained in the report is that everyone who has downloaded the application uninstall it as soon as possible.
Google has already removed the application from its store after a series of complaints from users, who began to perceive the application as problematic.
However, Color Message is difficult to uninstall because after installation it is able to hide its icon. Furthermore, the virus is difficult to detect as it does not use many lines as code.
The Joker, a name that refers to the Joker, villain of the superhero Batman, is one of the most present viruses in the Android application store. Although Google has already pursued measures to eliminate this malware, Joker managed to pass security checks by modifying its codes.
Always pay attention to strange behavior on your device after installing apps, even if they have been coming from the Play Store, because as you've just seen, it's not because it's in the Google store that an app is 100% safe. Beware of malicious programs, always protect your information.
