Researchers from ZScaler have warned Android smartphone users about 16 apps that can steal SMS messages, contact lists and device information.

The research showed that the apps 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.”

Based on the findings, the researchers are urging Android users to be careful about which apps they install on their smartphones. 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 apps have also been removed from Google Play Store but already garnered 120,000 downloads before they were taken down.

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

Thankfully, Google has now removed the 16 apps from the Google Play Store, although they had already been downloaded 120,000 times.

The 16 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, Part Message, Paper Doc Scanner, Blue Scanner, Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF, All Good PDF Scanner.

In July, we reported that Google banned over 50 apps due to concerns that they are causing Android users to be flooded with adverts.

The tech giant company further banned 24 apps from its Play Store for the same problem, with worries that the apps were clogging phones up with annoying hardware.

According to Daily Express, the latest attack targets Facebook users with stolen personal information and credentials that hackers stole from social accounts.

The ban came after French cyber-security firm Evina reported its findings to Google in May.

Evina discovered that the apps could infiltrate devices by offering genuine functionality.

Religion they say is the opium of the masses and Nigeria is a classical representation of the saying. Nigeria is well known for its religious activities and its ability to produce mass preachers and religious leaders. Among the preachers, most are known for their activities of performing miracles and wonders. These pastors become famous and amass all the wealth one could think of, and then suddenly their fame ended in tears as a result of devilish things.

Here is a list of 4 Nigerian pastors who were popular but have gone down now.

Chukwuemeka Ezeugo aka Reverend King was a pastor who shepherded the Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) located in Lagos.

According to reports, he burnt some members of his church which he accused of fornication One of the victims, Ann Uzoh died in the hospital.

Reverend King was arraigned on a six-count charge of attempted murder and murder and was sentenced to death by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on January 11, 2007.

Pastor Michael Oluronbi was a Nigerian Cherubim and Seraphim pastor based in the UK.He repeatedly raped children after “spiritual bathing to cleanse them of evil spirits.”

His wife, Juliana was his accomplice and would arrange for an abortion for any of the girls her husband Impregnated. He was arrested and sentenced to 34 years Imprisonment.

Pastor Olurnobi was jailed for 34 years for offences of multiple rapes of members of his congregation.His wife was jailed for 11 years for three counts of aiding and abetting rape.

Pastor Olurnobi was 60 years old when he was imprisoned. He will regain freedom when he clocks 94 years old.

Pastor Samuel Babatunde , also known as Alfa Babatunde is the founder of of Sotitobire Praising Chapel located at Oshinle Quarters in Akure.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment over the disappearance of a one - year -old boy , Gold Kolawole .

The boy was reportedly abducted by an unknown person during the church ’s service at the children section of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, in November last year. The whereabouts of the boy is still a mystery.

Prophet Eddy Nwagu was the man of the moment back then in the late 90’s. He performed numerous signs and wonders to the much expectations of his followers who had come to either obtain miracles, healings and financial breakthrough.

Eddy reigned, performed many miracles, signs and wonders. He was later confessed to kidnapping, aiding criminals, partaking in rituals involving use of human body parts.

His fame ended in tears as he was later beheaded and had other parts of his body cut in little pieces by the Bakassi Boys after which all the parts were gathered together and was set ablaze at the Ochanja Market.

Miracles do happen but beware of fake pastors. Please drop a comment and share with others.