From Samsung to Huawei, 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 17 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.”
The apps include translation programmes, PDF scanner and messaging apps (scroll down for the full list).
Thankfully, Google has now removed the 17 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 aslo helps identify compromised apps.”
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The 17 dangerous apps
All Good PDF Scanner
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
Part Message
Paper Doc Scanner
Blue Scanner
Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF
All Good PDF Scanner
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