Warning: 12 Android Apps Found Infected with Joker & Haken Malware
Researchers urge users to uninstall these applications immediately to protect their data and device performance.
The Google Play Store is once again dealing with an infiltration of Android malware. Researchers at Check Point have discovered traces of two malicious programs on the official store: **Joker**, a dangerous spyware, and **Haken**, an aggressive adware. Experts report that 12 Android apps have been infected and advise users to urgently uninstall them.
“Check Point researchers recently discovered a new malware family and new samples of the Joker malware family on the Play Store,” Check Point stated in a report. This isn't the first time Joker has threatened Android users; it has appeared multiple times, secretly subscribing victims to paid services without their knowledge.
Alongside Joker, Check Point also identified a new adware named **Haken**. This malware is designed to generate fraudulent ad revenue by clicking on pop-up ads in the background, which degrades the phone's performance and battery life.
Urgent: Uninstall These 12 Applications
The following applications have been identified as being contaminated by either Joker or Haken. If you have any of them installed, remove them from your device immediately:
- Kids colouring
- Compass
- qrcode
- Fruits colouring book
- Soccer colouring book
- Fruit jump tower
- Ball number shooter
- Inongdan
- Reyflow Phote
- Mely Wpaper
- Landscape Camera Plus
- Vail SMS Plus
How to Stay Safe
While Google works to remove these apps, users should remain vigilant. Always read recent reviews and check comments before installing a new application, as this can often reveal suspicious behavior. For an added layer of security, consider using a reputable antivirus application on your Android device.
