QR Scanner (PFA)

SECUSO - Security Usability Society | Multimedia

7 Downloads 14 Views v4.6 6.97 MB 4.1+

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(6.97 MB)

Editor's Overview

QR Scanner (PFA) is a multimedia application developed by SECUSO - Security Usability Society, packaged as a single Android APK of version 4.6 weighing in at 6.97 MB. The package targets Android 4.1+ and above. Below you'll find the publisher's own description, a quick spec sheet, and a short buyer-beware checklist so you know exactly what you're installing before tapping download.

Install Checklist

Only download through the button on this page — never from third-party mirrors or shortened links, which are the most common way malware spreads.
File size is a light 6.97 MB, so it installs quickly even on modest connections.
This build is signed by "SECUSO - Security Usability Society" — always verify the developer name matches what's listed on the app's official store page before installing an update.
After install, Android may prompt you to allow "Install from unknown sources" — approve only this one install, then revoke the permission in Settings > Apps > Special access.
We link directly to the APK file or the publisher's repository; we do not modify the binary. Always run a virus scan after any sideloaded install.

About this app

QR Codes become more and more important. In some areas they have even replaced the traditional barcode. A QR Code is able to store up to seven thousand characters and therefore is qualified for more complex content, e.g. vCards. Hence nowadays QR Codes can nowadays be found on nearly every advertisement poster and animate the user to scan it with his smartphone. Thus, it is no longer necessary take a hand written note, it is enough to scan the QR Code. Correspondingly, there are already many QR Code scanner apps available in the Google Play Store. It belongs to the Privacy Friendly Apps group developed by the research group SECUSO at Technische Universität Darmstadt. More information can be found an secuso.org/pfa

Our Privacy Friendly QR Scanner App differs with respect to two aspects:

1. The Privacy Friendly QR Scanner App only requires the minimum amount of permissions, namely:
Most of the QR Code scanner apps available in the Google Play Store need several permissions on top of the ones needed: e.g. reading contacts or your call log and retrieving data from the Internet. Most of these requirements are not necessary for the functionality they actually are supposed to provide.

2. The Privacy Friendly QR Scanner App supports its users in detecting malicious links: QR Codes provide new possibilities for an attacker, as QR Codes can contain malicious links, i.e. links to phishing webpages or webpages from which malware would automatically be downloaded. Therefore it is important to carefully check the link before accessing the corresponding webpage. Since it is difficult for the user to spot malicious links, the Privacy friendly QR Scanner App supports the user by highlighting the domain (e.g. in that case for https://www.secuso.org, secuso.org would be highlighted). To avoid not checking the link and in particular the highlighted domain carefully, the app provides information about possible fraud and its users need to confirm that they checked the link and it is trustworthy. Note, the information shown after scanning an URL based QR Code is not customized for every URL. Hence, it should be considered as an advice for the user how to behave in general.

The Privacy Friendly QR Scanner App supports most of the usual qr code types. Bar codes and other widely used codes are also supported.

The app belongs to the group of privacy friendly apps, that are developed by the SECUSO research group. More information can be found at https://secuso.org/pfa

You can reach us via
BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/secusoresearch.bsky.social
Mastodon - @SECUSO_Research@bawü.social https://xn--baw-joa.social/@SECUSO_Research/
Job opening - https://secuso.aifb.kit.edu/english/Job_Offers.php

Details

Version	v4.6
Size	6.97 MB
Developer	SECUSO - Security Usability Society
Category	Multimedia
Package	com.secuso.privacyFriendlyCodeScanner
Android	4.1+
Last Updated	Oct 28, 2026
Downloads	7

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QR Scanner (PFA) free to download?
Yes. The APK file linked from this page is free. The developer may offer in-app purchases once installed, but obtaining the installer itself costs nothing.

What Android version does QR Scanner (PFA) require?
Android 4.1+ or newer. Installing on older devices may cause crashes or refuse to install.

Is QR Scanner (PFA) safe to install?
We link to the exact APK published by SECUSO - Security Usability Society. We do not modify the file. Still, as with any sideloaded app, scan it with a reputable antivirus before opening it, and only grant permissions the app genuinely needs.

How do I update QR Scanner (PFA)?
Install the newer version on top of the old one — Android will keep your data. If the signature differs, uninstall first (you may lose local progress).

Why is the app not installing?
Common causes: not enough storage, an older Android version than 4.1+, or a conflicting build already installed. Free up space, check your OS version, and uninstall any previous copy before retrying.

How to Download & Install QR Scanner (PFA)

Tap the Download APK button above and save the file to your device.
Open your device Settings → Security (or Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps) and allow your file manager or browser to install unknown apps for this one file only.
Open the downloaded com.secuso.privacyFriendlyCodeScanner.apk file from your Downloads folder.
Tap Install and wait for Android to finish.
Open «QR Scanner (PFA)» by SECUSO - Security Usability Society and grant only the permissions it actually needs.
Revoke the "unknown sources" permission once you are done installing.

Note: this page hosts or links to the installer only. The application name, icon and description are provided for identification. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.