Android users urged to delete 16 dangerous apps that can steal texts and contacts

By Mirror | 3yrs ago | 2 min read

**Researchers from ZScaler have warned about 16 dangerous Android apps that can steal your SMS messages, contact lists and device information. Photo: LightRocket via Getty Images.**

Android smartphones are some of the most popular handheld devices around the world. But if you use an Android device, you may want to reassess which apps you have installed. Researchers from ZScaler have warned about 16 dangerous apps that can steal your SMS messages, contact lists and device information. The apps were found to contain a type of malware called Joker. In a blog about the findings, ZScaler researcher Viral Gandhi explained: “Joker is one of the most prominent malware families that continually targets Android devices. Despite awareness of this particular malware, it keeps finding its way into Google’s official application market by employing changes in its code, execution methods, or payload-retrieving techniques.”

Thankfully, Google has now removed the 16 apps from the Google Play Store, although they had already been downloaded 120,000 times. Based on the findings, the researchers are urging Android users to be careful about which apps they install on their smartphone. Mr Gandhi added: “We recommend paying close attention to the permission list in the apps that you install on your Android device. Always watch out for the risky permissions related to SMS, call logs, contacts, and more. Reading the comment or reviews on the app page also helps identify compromised apps.”

The 16 dangerous apps are:

Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message.

Unique Keyboard - Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons.

Tangram App Lock.

Direct Messenger.

Private SMS.

One Sentence Translator - Multifunctional Translator.

Style Photo Collage.

Meticulous Scanner.

Desire Translate.

Talent Photo Editor - Blur focus.

Care Message.