Scots have been urged to check their smartphones after a string of popular apps were found to contain dangerous forms of malware.
Seemingly harmless Android apps, such as ones for text messaging and wallpapers, are believed to be hiding Joker malware.
It can steal data from phones and can even sign unsuspecting users up to expensive subscription services.
A number of victims are said to have been hammered with costs of up to £240 when they have been registered to the fraudulent subscriptions.
Police in Belgium have even weighed in to warn people of the potential dangers that this software can pose.
In a statement, the Belgian Police said: “Warning, the Joker virus is back in the Android environment.
“This malware has been spotted in eight apps from the Play Store which have meanwhile been withdrawn by Google.
“But if you have already installed one, remove it as soon as possible.”
Cybersecurity company Quick Heal Security Lab warned that the Joker software can gain access to text messages, contacts and other vital details stored on devices.
In some cases, it can give users a nasty surprise on their monthly bills.
Affected applications include:
- Auxiliary Message
- Element Scanner
- Fast Magic SMS
- Free CamScanner
- Go Messages
- Super Message
- Great SMS
- Travel Wallpapers
Security specialists Zimperium reports it is aware of more than 1,000 new variants of Joker since 2020. And the company is warning that cyber thieves have routinely found new and unique ways to get this malware into both official and unofficial app stores.
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