What is Joker Malware? How to Avoid It

Joker malware is an additional risk to your privacy and sensitive data. Recent global malware attacks on Android mobile devices led to the removal of some apps from the Google Play Store.

This malware is absolutely no joke. If you want to maintain the security of your device, you need understand what joker virus is and how it operates.

Joker Malware

The malware is named "Joker" for a reason; it hides behind a seemingly legitimate application and preys on unsuspecting victims. You might as well encounter a malicious Joker named Bread, as both are identical.

Google found this vulnerability for the first time in 2017, and it is an ongoing issue. Hackers behind joker threats of malware are continually discovering new ways to exploit Google Play Store security holes, allowing masked spyware to remain undetected.

Authors of malicious software have multiple strategies for circumventing Play Store security procedures with their infected applications. In actuality, they produce a virus-free version of the program, publish it to the Google Play Store, and then install malware on your device under the guise of a "app update."

When you install an app infected with the Joker malware, it automatically subscribes you to a premium service. Adding insult to injury, the spyware may also access your contacts, SMS messages, and device information. It's difficult to get your money back if you fall victim to this fraud, so it's crucial to prevent infection before it occurs.

How Does the Joker Malware Operate?

Infected apps with the Joker malware do not explicitly request your personal information. This malware is significantly more sophisticated, making it more difficult to recognize when you've been infected.

The initial type of Joker malware is SMS-based. By sending SMS messages to premium numbers from your phone, this spyware will register you without your knowledge to subscribe or make payments. Due to the fact that these premium services and subscription plans frequently collaborate with mobile operators, these unwanted charges will typically appear on your cell phone bill.

Google strengthened limits on apps that request access to your Call Log or SMS at the start of 2019. Many joker-infected apps are captured and then removed from the Play Store as a result of this policy adjustment. Implementing Google Play Protect furthers the security of your Android smartphone.

Despite Google's attempts, Joker virus continues to exist. Check Point research has uncovered a new version of Joker malware that is just as devious as its predecessor. Instead of engaging in SMS fraud, you should now employ older techniques typically found in Windows malware.

The Joker malware downloads executable DEX files from the command-and-control server once it has infected your device. This code is used to enroll you in a premium subscription without your knowledge. It then prevents subscription confirmation notifications from being displayed on your device.

In order to accomplish this, the Joker virus employs Notification Listener, an Android feature that grants the app access to the device's notifications. Notification Listener is compromised by malware, allowing it to tamper with your push notifications.

The most recent variant of the joker malware was able to circumvent Google's security utilizing such ingenious methods. According to Check Point, "the new version conceals malicious DEX files as Base64-encoded strings within the application, ready to be decoded and loaded."

This indicates that when the program is uploaded to the Play Store, no virus will be present. However, once the user downloads the software, the malware will operate automatically.

Due to the fact that joker-infected apps appear authentic from the outside, you must take additional care when downloading the program. The image above depicts an app infected with Joker virus; it appears rather convincing, doesn't it? Therefore, you must be cautious when downloading an app.

You should also keep in mind that many Joker-infected apps contain phony user evaluations on the Play Store. These favorable evaluations inspire confidence and encourage you to download the app.

Once you know what to look for, it's not difficult to identify phony reviews. If you find repeated reviews under the app, it is likely that they are fraudulent. The same applies to broad reviews that do not specify specific applications.

In addition to understanding how to recognize harmful apps in the Play Store, you may protect your smartphone by installing a trustworthy security app. You may not believe you need an antivirus program on your Android, but it may be really important for protecting against Joker malware and other forms of malware.

In the Future, Joker Malware Will Proliferate

Although Google was able to remove numerous malware-infected joker apps, this does not imply we are completely protected. Joker malware is still prevalent and will likely remain so for some time. It continues to adapt to toy store security standards, indicating that it will continue to develop over time.

Does this imply that some Play Store apps presently conceal Joker malware? Sadly, some programs may have successfully past security protocols. Therefore, you must be cautious when downloading apps.