Urgent Warning: Remove the Barcode Scanner App by Lavabird Immediately

If you’re using a smartphone and have downloaded the app “Barcode Scanner” developed by Lavabird from the Google Play Store, it’s crucial to uninstall it right away. Here’s why.

This notification may not be new for everyone, but it’s vital for those who remain unaware of the app’s troubling nature. Recently, cybersecurity experts from MalwareBytes discovered that the “Barcode Scanner” app has turned into a hazardous malware threat.

Initially designed as a tool for scanning QR codes and barcodes using your device’s camera, the app has undergone a recent update that transformed it into a source of unwanted advertisements and links that could potentially lead users to harmful websites—without their consent.

MalwareBytes researchers have identified unusual malicious code introduced in the latest update, which they hadn’t encountered before. Alarmingly, these malicious elements are specifically engineered to evade detection by Google Play Protect, heightening concerns about the app’s security.

Despite this serious situation, there has been no official communication from the Google Play Store to alert users. As a result, many individuals may still have this app installed, unaware of the potential risks.

If you suspect that your smartphone is exhibiting strange behavior after installing this app, take immediate action. Navigate to your Android’s App Settings, search for the app’s package named “com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner,” and uninstall it without delay.

For a more in-depth explanation, you can refer to the blog post by MalwareBytes here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. This is my first contribution to the community, so I appreciate your understanding if my expression isn’t perfect.

Edit: I apologize if the title seems somewhat attention-grabbing, but I wanted to clarify the app involved right from the start so that anyone searching for it could find this post easily without needing to click through.