Urgent Alert: Remove the “Barcode Scanner” App from Your Device

If you have the “Barcode Scanner” app developed by Lavabird on your smartphone, it’s crucial to delete it immediately. Here’s why.

Recently, the cybersecurity firm MalwareBytes uncovered alarming information about this app, which is available on the Google Play Store. For those who might not be aware, this post serves as an urgent warning to highlight the potential dangers associated with this application.

The “Barcode Scanner” app, originally designed to assist users in scanning QR codes and barcodes using their smartphone cameras, has come under fire due to its recent update. This update has reportedly introduced disruptive malware that bombards users with unwanted advertisements and links, potentially leading them to malicious websites without their consent.

MalwareBytes’ researchers identified unfamiliar malicious code introduced in the latest version of the app, which was crafted to evade detection by Google Play Protect—a significant concern for user security. Despite the severity of this issue, there has been no formal announcement from Google Play Store regarding the app’s safety, which means many users may remain unaware of the risks they are facing.

If you have installed this app, and you notice that your device is behaving unusually, take immediate action. Navigate to your device’s App Settings, locate the package associated with the app, and uninstall it promptly. Look for a package labeled “com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner” to ensure you’ve removed it completely.

For further details on this alarming discovery, you can read the full report by MalwareBytes here.

This is my first blog post, so I appreciate your understanding as I share this important information. Please ensure you remain vigilant about the apps you download and their permissions!

Thank you for reading, and let’s spread the word to keep our devices safe!