Barcodes are one of the best ways to share data on a physical surface. All an interested person has to do is scan the code straight on their smartphone to access a website or app.
But similar to other methods of data location sharing, you should be wondering: are barcode scanners safe?
What Is a Barcode Scanner App?
QR codes and barcodes are a collection of lines or pixels that can hold data and information into a small, easy-to-replicate and share rectangle. You can find them everywhere, from products on store shelves to posters and paper ads.
But unlike shortened and full-length links, barcodes are impossible to read with the naked eye. You need a specialized scanner that can translate the pixelated information. Nowadays, most smartphones have built-in QR and barcode readers—all you have to do is take a clear picture of the code.
In the case of iPhones, anything running iOS 11 and above comes with a built-in barcode scanner. But if your phone doesn’t have that, you may have to install a third-party app from the Google Play Store or AppStore.
Aren’t In-Store Apps Safe?
The most basic advice to keeping your Android device safe is to avoid installing unofficial apps and APK from third-party websites and stick to apps officially on the Google Play Store. And that still stands. You shouldn’t install unofficial apps unless you’re certain the source is trustworthy.
But every now and then, an app on the Google Play Store makes headlines for housing malware or spyware behind Google’s back and infecting millions of users. That doesn’t only apply to barcode scanner apps.
You should always keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your phone that could be a sign of malware.
Malware in Barcode Scanner Android Apps
In early 2021, one of the most prominent cases of a barcode scanner app containing malware occurred. The popular barcode scanner app, conveniently called Barcode Scanner, infected 10 million Android users after downloading a malicious update.
Barcode Scanner started displaying ads that would open the user’s default browser even if they didn’t interact with them. These ads could push fake app and browser updates, and offer free services or invite you to download an app—usually branded as antivirus or antimalware.
Depending on the malicious party’s intent, falling for one of those ads could result in your data being stolen, encrypted and held for ransom, or deleted altogether.
Google took quick action and removed the app from the Google Play store to prevent more unsuspecting victims from installing the malicious barcode scanner. But they didn’t remove the app from the affected users’ devices, leaving anyone who didn’t get the news of the malware to fend for themselves.
In some cases, in-app malware can lay dormant, waiting for millions of users to install and trust the app before striking. But that likely wasn’t the case with the Barcode Scanner malware as users started noticing strange behavior on their phones minutes after installing the update.
Other signs for malware on your Android device include:
- Your device overheating.
- Unaccounted-for battery use.
- Unexplained pop-up ads.
- Your device is running slow.
- Your device crashes frequently.
- Some apps won’t open.
So the Problem Was the App, Not the Barcode?
The possibility of a barcode scanner app carrying Android malware is the same as any other popular app on the Google Play Store. But that’s not to say barcode scanners don’t pose other risks even if the app itself is benign.
Remember, QR codes and barcodes carry information that usually leads you to the App Store or a website in your browser.
But since anyone can create a barcode, print it, and distribute it publicly, scanning and following suspicious-looking barcodes could be on par with clicking on a random link you received from an unknown number or an email with a generic address and name.
Stick to scanning barcodes and QR codes that are printed directly on products or offered by businesses you visit, where the staff can verify that they put the barcode there.
Do All Barcode Scanner Android App Contain Malware?
It’s safe to say that the majority of barcode and QR code scanners on the Google Play Store are clean and safe to use. Google still monitors the apps on their stores and the chances of a malware-infected app are the same for anything on the store, not just barcode scanners.
But being worried is understandable. The average smartphone carries tons of sensitive data: from personal information to passwords and financial data.
To stay in the clear, here’s a handful of safe Android barcode scanners that you can install and enjoy worry-free.
Google Lens
Google Lens is an app with image recognition technology created by Google. While it has many uses, it’s also a great QR code and barcode scanner.
The app is as streamlined and as easy to use as all other Google apps. You can also expect the same level of privacy and security that you can find in other Google apps.
Download: Google Lens for Android
QR & Barcode Scanner
QR & Barcode Scanner is an Android app that’s entirely dedicated to scanning codes on a variety of surfaces using your device’s camera. It also allows you to act on the information the code provides. It’s able to scan text, location data, contact information, links, and product information.
You can share a link or save contact and location information straight to your phone. Additionally, there’s a History tab that keeps track of previous scans.
Download: QR & Barcode Scanner for Android
QRbot: QR & Barcode Reader
QRbot is another safe, straightforward, and easy-to-use barcode scanning app. It scans multiple types of data from codes and keeps them in a history tab for later use.
It also allows you to create your own QR codes and customize your scanning experience. For instance, you can set the app to automatically open links upon scan.
Download: QRbot: QR and Barcode Reader for Android
Stay Vigilant With Android Barcode Scanners
Avoiding suspicious links and apps is a great way to keep your Android device safe and clean of all malware. But hackers are resourceful and will almost always find a way in. It’s important to stay vigilant and pay attention to news about malware being detected in apps you use or your device acting up.