We must be very careful when browsing our mobile phone, as cybercriminals’ ways of gaining access to our data are increasingly camouflaged. One of the most dangerous viruses of the moment is the Joker malware.
This is a real threat , as it can literally empty your bank account before you know it. The Joker virus was detected for the first time in 2017. Since then it has operated periodically and always with the same methodology.
Hidden in apps
Malignant programs not only hide on web pages stalking any Internet user who accidentally takes the bait, but they are also integrated into applications that you can download perfectly and without any problem from the Play Store .
This causes many users to fall into the trap without realizing the danger. The list of apps in which this virus hides is broader than when it appeared last year:
- Easy PDF Scanner
- Now QR Code Scan
- Super-Click VPN
- Volume Booster Louder Sound Equalizer
- Battery Charging Animation Bubble Effects
- Smart TV Remote
- Volume Boosting Hearing Aid
- Flashlight Flash Alert on Call
- Halloween Coloring
- Classic Emoji Keyboard
- Super Hero-Effect
- Dazzling Keyboard
- EmojiOne Keyboard
- Battery Charging Animation Wallpaper
- Blender Photo Editor-Easy Photo Background Editor
If we look at their names, they go completely unnoticed as if they were common applications, even sometimes for Google’s own antivirus. This is the main problem with this malware, because by looking for any software we could put our smartphone and bank account at risk.
How this virus works
As we mentioned at the beginning, Joker can empty your bank account balance without you noticing the malicious activity . Many wonder how this is possible, but it really is truly simple.
This virus subscribes the phone user to various payment services without prior authorization. In this way, you gradually extract money. These situations do not require verification of the activity by the person, but by the mobile. What hackers do with this malware is automate payments without the verification notification appearing.
Once the application is installed on the terminal, Joker can begin to do his job without anything intercepting him. What you should do quickly is erase it from your device, in addition to checking your account to see if you have suffered any theft on their part. These are generally small charges to avoid the verification process, thus preventing the user from noticing certain suspicious activity.
