Malware Spreads Android Bar Code Scanner

Researchers at Malwarebytes have recently revealed that an app available in the Google Play Store called 'Barcode Scanner' is a malicious malware.

Developed by Lavabird, the app is designed to scan barcodes and QR codes using its Android phone camera and is currently downloaded and used by over 10 million users through the Play Store.

The latest version of this app is designed to automatically send large numbers of ads without realizing it and redirect the user to unsafe websites once installed on the smartphone.

Malwarebytes researchers report that an updated version of the app released last December contains malicious codes never seen before. Researchers say the code is obscure, making it impossible for Google's Play Protect protection to detect.

Google has not yet issued a statement in this regard.

If you already have a Barcode Scanner installed on your phone and you feel that your phone is doing abnormally, go to the App Settings on Android and check the package name for that application. If it says 'com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner', uninstall the application immediately.