Urgent Warning: Remove the “Barcode Scanner” App from Your Smartphone Now

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

Recently, MalwareBytes, a reputable cybersecurity website, raised an alarm over this app, which, while available on the Google Play Store, has been behaving maliciously. It is specifically designed to enable users to scan QR codes and barcodes via their smartphone cameras. However, following a recent update, the app has started sending unsolicited advertisements and links that can potentially direct users to harmful websites without their consent.

The researchers at MalwareBytes discovered that this update introduced malicious code that is unprecedented in their experience. Alarmingly, the code appears to evade detection by Google Play Protect, which raises significant concerns about the app’s safety.

As of now, there has been no notification from the Google Play Store regarding this serious issue, which means many users may still be unaware of the risks they are exposing themselves to by using this app.

If you have downloaded and installed the “Barcode Scanner” app, and have noticed any unusual behavior from your smartphone, follow these steps to uninstall it. Navigate to your Android device’s App Settings, locate the app, and check for a package named “com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner.” If you find it, uninstall the application without delay.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the MalwareBytes blog post.

Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your understanding as this is my first blog post. Please bear with me if my language isn’t perfect.

Stay safe and vigilant!