QR Codes: Risky or Not?
Quick response, or QR code, has become popular after COVID. Now almost every restaurant has a QR code menu, QR code payment, and QR code Wi-Fi access.
So, how secure is the QR code, and what level of access can they potentially possess?
First, we need to understand how QR codes work.
QR codes work by encoding information in a visually scannable matrix, and we use our cameras to decode and interpret this information. The simplicity, speed, and versatility of QR codes have contributed to their widespread adoption in a variety of industries.
In the era of contactless convenience, scanning QR codes became a live threat. In some unfortunate instances, cybercriminals may exploit the trust placed in QR codes by manipulating them into malicious tools for financial fraud. A seemingly harmless QR code in a restaurant setting could, when scanned, redirect unsuspecting users to fraudulent payment pages or initiate unauthorized transactions. To safeguard your financial information, it's essential to verify the legitimacy of QR codes before scanning, ensuring they originate from the official restaurant or payment service.
I will tell you another interesting story: The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) SOC has reported a massive increase in emails with QR codes over the past months.
Upon checking, they found that these emails were under the Microsoft name, and by scanning the QR code, they directed the users to a fake login website with the Microsoft logo. Lots of people fell victim to these phishing emails and entered their Microsoft credentials and now thousands of accounts have been compromised.
So,
1. Treat any QR code like any other link, or even with more caution, whether you received it in emails or Facebook ads.
2. When scanning a QR code, pay close attention to the site displayed and check if it’s a legitimate one.
3. Stick to your phone's built-in QR code scanner. Avoid downloading extra scanners from the app store since there are fake QR code scanners and others with unnecessary add-ons.
In closing, be cautious, verify the source, and avoid scanning suspicious QR codes. Stay secure with CYB3R, your cybersecurity partner.