Joker Virus Returns, Android Users Should Be More Alert

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Recently the name Joker virus has become popular again in cyberspace. How not, this virus can infiltrate eight applications on the Google Play Store. Worse, the Joker virus can rob the victim's data and money.

Therefore, the Belgian Police issued a warning to Android users about the reappearance of the malicious virus, "This malicious program has been detected in eight applications on the Play Store that have been suppressed by Google," said the Belgian Police.

Joker virus is a virus that steals money from by registering users to subscribe to paid services without their consent, so that victims' money is drained without realizing it.

"You'd be surprised to see a charge on your bank account or credit card at the end of the month," Belgian Police said.

No need to wait long, Google then removed this application from its online store service after receiving reports that eight of these applications contained malware. However, the Joker virus threat still exists if the application is still installed on the user's smartphone, and they are advised to delete it.

The Origin of the Joker Virus

Known since 2017, the Joker virus infects and robs its victims by hiding in different apps. Since then, the defense system of the Google Play Store has immediately removed about 1,700 applications containing the Joker virus before being successfully downloaded by users.

Furthermore, in September 2020, the Joker virus was found in 24 Android applications which recorded more than 500 thousand downloads before being removed. At that time, the virus had affected more than 30 countries including the United States (US), Brazil, and Spain.

Hackers can steal up to 7 US dollars per week, chances are this nominal has increased much greater in recent months. The Joker virus is known to refer to a family of malware known as Bread, which aims to hack bills on mobile phones without the user's consent.

Researchers from Cybersecurity firm Quick Heal Security Lab, also explained that this virus can enter text messages, contacts, and other information on infected smartphones.

The factor that makes this malware even more dangerous is its ability to auto-subscribe affected Android users to a paid service, usually the Premium or most expensive version.

At first, apps infected with the Joker virus or other malware from this family commit fraud via SMS, but then start attacking online payments. This technique takes advantage of the integration of telephone operators with vendors, which makes it easy to pay for services including cellular bills.

List of Applications Containing Joker Virus

1. Auxiliary Message

2. Element Scanner

3. Fast Magic SMS

4. Free CamScanner

5. Go Messages

6. Super Message

7. Super SMS

8. Travel Wallpapers