QR codes have become common to the point of ubiquity. You can’t browse a store, online or physically, without running into one of those squiggly squares. While, for the most part, they have become so routine that no one really pays much heed, they might still leave you with that lingering question. What are they, and are they even safe?
If those foreign-looking square things leave you with the same feeling of unsettling mystery as they do us, you’re in luck. That’s precisely what we plan to delve into in this article.
WHAT’S A QR CODE?
A QR (Quick Response) code is basically a barcode in two dimensions. At its very core, it’s just a means of storing data. How much data? Well, that depends on the size, but at most, it can hold about 3 kilobytes or 4,269 characters worth.
As they are, at their very core, a barcode, this means they can be printed out or displayed, and anyone can scan the information they contain with a device that is equipped to read them, i.e., most modern smartphones.
THE REASON BEHIND THE HYPE
Now that you understand what a QR code is, the next question is, why are they so popular? Other than the obviously larger amount of information you can put on them, QR codes have a few other advantages that make them a more useful option as compared to barcodes.
- They can be scanned in any direction.
- They have built-in error correction, so it could still be readable if a part of the code is missing.
- They are customizable which allows for easier branding. You can add logos, change the colors, etc.
- They are trackable (at least dynamic QR codes are)
- They are easy to scan from any distance.
This makes QR codes extremely useful for sharing quick data like detailed contact information or directing the scanners to a URL and even making payments. All this can be leveraged to bridge the gap between the digital and physical world and is what makes these square-shaped matrices so useful for businesses, especially in the post-pandemic world where we have embraced digital payments and online interactions wholeheartedly.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE CODE
As astronaut Chris Hadfield puts it, everything worth doing comes with risks, whether it’s starting a business or flying to space. So, it follows that QR codes, as a technology, also come with a few risks. While they can be infrequent, the impact of these security issues is significant. Knowing them just might save you a lot of money and heartache.
THE MALWARE MENACE
A QR code, often, contains links. Usually, it directs you to a business’s website for a specific action like payments or advertising. This, however, means that a bad actor could simply put a link in the QR code to direct your device to a malicious page.
One scan and you’ve got a malware-infected device. This malware could start spreading to your friends, steal your sensitive information, or be used in any way to undermine your privacy or security. They could see your location and even use your mic or webcam. So just because the QR seems harmless doesn’t mean it is.
ATTACK OF THE PHISHERS
If you’re on the internet, you can be phished, and since QR codes are just like links on a webpage, they can be used to lure you into a scam and steal your information too. A phisher could just send you a QR code in a legitimate-looking email, and you’ll scan it thinking it’s safe, only to be faced with a scam.
Another way that Q Phishers can attack is to just print out their malicious QR code on adhesive paper and paste it over a legit QR code. You’ll scan the code thinking it’s from an honest company and get directed to their fake page instead. The worst part is they make it hard to tell the difference.
REVENGE OF THE BUGS
Sometimes you can just end up in a situation where you scan a code and end up in a bad situation without anyone deliberately trying to harm you. For example, the company might have forgotten to renew the domain on an old link they put on their QR code for a particular campaign. The link might have been taken over by anyone else. It could even direct you to something inappropriate or dangerous.
A bug might catch you off-guard and cause trouble if your QR code scanner app has some hidden bug or exploit. A hacker can abuse this to change where the app directs you. You could be scanning a real code and still get directed somewhere else.
IT ISN’T ALL BAD, THOUGH
There are a few ways in which you can take action to secure yourself against the threats we mentioned and still enjoy using the splendid technology that is QR codes.
- Don’t Trust It? Don’t Scan It. Make sure you only scan a code that you trust entirely. Check if there’s any evidence of tampering. If something seems off, don’t scan.
- Seeing Is Believing. Make very sure you have a QR code scanner that shows you the URL before it takes you there. If anything seems even the slightest bit awry about the link it’s showing, run like the wind!
- Keep Your Eyes Peeled. Make sure your device’s security is constantly up to date. Scrutinize everything you see when you open the link, especially if financial transactions are involved.
WRAPPING IT UP
QR codes are mostly safe. If they weren’t, why would they be this popular? But like anything on the internet, they can be misused by cybercriminals to do any amount of harm to you or your device.
The most surefire way to ensure your safety is to be vigilant and proactive. We really hope the tips shared in this article helped you understand how to be safe. Happy scanning!
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