Warning: Uninstall the “Barcode Scanner” App by Lavabird Immediately!

If you have the “Barcode Scanner” app by Lavabird installed on your smartphone, it’s time to uninstall it without delay. Here’s why you need to take this action right now.

Recently, MalwareBytes—a well-respected cybersecurity firm—discovered that this particular app, which is readily available on the Google Play Store, has transformed into a harmful piece of malware. Not only has this app been designed for scanning QR codes and barcodes, but following a recent update, it has begun to deliver an overwhelming amount of unsolicited advertisements and links, often redirecting users to suspicious websites without their permission.

The research team at MalwareBytes uncovered previously unseen malicious codes introduced with the latest update. Alarmingly, these codes are crafted to evade detection by Google Play Protect, placing users at greater risk.

Currently, Google has not issued any warnings about this issue, leaving many users unaware that they might be using a compromised app. If you notice your phone behaving unusually and suspect it may be due to this app, take immediate action:

1. Navigate to your device’s Android Settings.
2. Select “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
3. Look for any package related to the “Barcode Scanner” app. Specifically, check for the package named “com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner.”
4. Uninstall it right away to protect your device.

For further details on the findings from MalwareBytes, check out their comprehensive blog post here.

Thank you for reading, and I appreciate your understanding as I share this important information. Please feel free to leave any feedback, especially as this is my first blog entry!