The Importance and Safety of QR Codes: Understanding Their Purpose and Best Practices

Introduction:

QR codes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to provide quick access to online resources. However, it’s essential to understand their purpose and the potential risks associated with their usage. This article explores the purpose of QR codes, potential fraud techniques, their safety measures, and best practices for users.

1. The Purpose of QR Codes:

QR codes serve as machine-readable representations of data, typically website addresses, enabling digital devices like smartphones to access online content easily. Originally intended for providing extensive information, QR codes are now widely used as a faster alternative for accessing web links, handy for cashless transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, QR codes gained popularity to facilitate cashless transactions. A study on QR codes revealed that scan-to-pay transactions have become so popular that the number of transactions in China increased by 26% in the last two years.  

Even though they were initially intended to provide much more information when scanned, the QR codes you’ll see as a consumer are just a quick way to convey a problematic web link. Because shooting the code with your smartphone is a much faster way to get to your desired website than typing in a long string of characters, they have grown in popularity.

2. QR Code Fraud Techniques:

While scanning QR codes itself is not dangerous, the risks lie in the actions taken after scanning. Con artists can utilize malicious software embedded within QR codes to steal information or display intrusive advertisements. They may also create deceptive websites to trick users into divulging sensitive data. It’s crucial to be cautious of suspicious websites and verify the authenticity of URLs before providing any personal information.

Scanning a QR code may lead you to what appears to be a trustworthy website, but when you try to log in, nothing happens. The “site” is a forgery because its sole purpose is to steal your login credentials. If it promises to take you to a website where you already have an account, such as Amazon or your bank, you should go there manually rather than using a QR code, or at the very least, make sure the URL doesn’t look suspicious.

3.The Reality of QR Code Safety

QR codes can pose security risks as hackers can embed malicious URLs or direct users to phishing websites. Due to their ability to trigger unexpected actions on a user’s device, QR code security flaws can be particularly troublesome. Users should be aware that attackers can invisibly change QR code links. 

Because humans cannot read QR codes, attackers can easily change their links invisibly. While many people know that QR codes can be used to access a URL, they may be unaware of the additional actions they can trigger on a user’s device. In addition to visiting websites, this may entail creating new email accounts or adding contacts. Because of their unexpected nature, security flaws in QR codes can be especially troublesome.

A common tactic is to spread malicious QR codes that look legitimate. Users who scan the code may be directed to a website containing phishing or exploit kits, which compromise their devices, or to a fake login page, which steals their credentials. Simply visiting a website that uses drive-by downloads can result in the download of malicious software.

Mobile devices, in general, are less secure than stationary computers, further increasing the risks associated with QR code usage.

4. The Popularity of QR Codes:

Some have questioned whether QR codes are still required now that things are back to normal. Some businesses have hesitated to implement consumer engagement strategies because they believe consumers are no longer interested in scanning QR codes.  

However, the data shows that this assumption is incorrect. The number of people scanning QR codes is expected to increase from 83.4 million in 2022 to 99.5 million in 2025. 

QR codes experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing secure and convenient solutions for various purposes like reading product descriptions, accessing menus, and obtaining coupons. Contrary to assumptions that QR codes may decline in relevance, data suggests a steady increase in their usage. Customers appreciate the flexibility of QR codes, allowing them to scan products at their convenience, even outside of store hours.

Companies have only recently begun to recognize the value of QR codes in improving customer service and encouraging greater participation. Customers prefer personalized brand recommendations and offers, and 91% are willing to exchange personal information for them. A 2019 survey on attitudes towards personalized marketing in the United States discovered that 90% of participants find business messages that are not personally relevant annoying. 

5. Scams Using QR Codes:

Cybercriminals are using QR codes as a new angle for email phishing scams. Scanning fake QR codes will not compromise your phone or result in the download of malicious software. However, it will direct you to fraudulent websites where your financial and other personal information will be stolen. 

Knowing how frequently QR codes are used maliciously is impossible, like any other phishing scheme. Even though experts generally agree that QR code scams account for a small percentage of all phishing attempts, the number of complaints has skyrocketed in recent months and years.

The FBI recently advised consumers to exercise caution when scanning unidentified QR codes quickly. Users can connect to the Internet by scanning QR codes in real life. An email security company’s cyber threat intelligence analyst explained how their use of spam mail and scam stickers makes sense. People who were not previously online are now.

Cybercriminals have exploited the rise in QR code usage, creating malicious QR codes to deceive users into disclosing sensitive financial information. Although the prevalence of QR code scams remains relatively low compared to other phishing techniques, reports to authorities have increased. Users must exercise caution when scanning unidentified QR codes, especially those received through unsolicited emails or texts.

6. Best Practices for Safe QR Code Usage:

When scanning QR codes, be cautious because they may contain malware, phishing links, or other types of cybercrime. Check the website or URL that the QR code points to before proceeding. A verified SSL certificate, properly formatted content, and a recognizable domain name are all indicators of trustworthiness.

Con artists can create a QR code that appears legitimate but actually directs users to malicious content by manipulating the URL. Verifying the URL a second time ensures that it points to the correct location. If a QR code is embedded on a website, the destination URL can be viewed without clicking the code in some cases.

To ensure safety and privacy while scanning QR codes, it is important to follow these guidelines:

– Verify the source: Only scan QR codes from reliable and reputable sources, avoiding unknown or suspicious sources.

– Use reputable QR code reader apps: Choose QR code reader apps developed by trusted developers and available from legitimate app stores.

– Check URLs before proceeding: Verify the website or URL the QR code points to, ensuring it is trustworthy and properly formatted.

– Be cautious in public places: Avoid scanning QR codes in unattended public spaces where hackers could overlay fake codes on top of real ones.

– Keep software up to date: Update your device’s operating system and QR code scanning application to benefit from enhanced security features.

– Consider apps with security features: Some QR code scanning apps offer additional security features like website reputation checks or warnings for dangerous links.

– Protect personal information: Avoid providing personal information unless the validity and security of the request are confirmed.

– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): When using QR codes for authentication, consider enabling 2FA for an extra layer of security.

– Trust your instincts: If something feels too good to be true or suspicious, refrain from scanning the QR code and trust your instincts.

Conclusion:

QR codes offer convenience and quick access to online resources, but users must be aware of potential risks. By understanding the purpose of QR codes, being cautious of fraud techniques, and following best practices for safe usage, individuals can enjoy the benefits of QR codes while safeguarding their security and privacy.