Understanding the Risks and How to Avoid Them
QR codes have lots of benefits to using them. Namely, their ease of use, customizability, and versatility make them perfect for receiving and distributing all sorts of information. However, as with everything involving technology and the online world, there are some risks and dangers involved in using QR codes.
While QR codes themselves aren't harmful, the danger comes from what nefarious individuals can do with them. It should be noted that most of the risk in using QR codes falls on the person scanning them, rather than the user who makes them. Below are some of the dangers that can be associated with scanning QR codes, as well as actions to avoid any cyber attacks and tips on how to better protect your information.
More information on the different ways scammers and fraudsters can use QR codes and how to avoid them can be found here:
Cloning
Cloning occurs when a threat actor copies an existing QR code and makes it redirect to a malicious site. This can result in malware, spyware, and viruses being downloaded onto your device. The malware may also take personal information to be sold on the dark web.
Phishing
Phishing is when a threat actor pretends to be a legitimate organization, only to steal your identity, information, or finances, either to use on their own or to sell on the dark web. Oftentimes, actors will use fake QR codes that seem legit but actually redirect to a malicious page or install malware. This practice goes hand in hand with cloning.
Malware Attacks
The term malware refers to a specific piece of software that exists only to cause harm to a person’s data, personal information, and finances. Malware can also disrupt the operating systems of devices, causing them to run slow, crash frequently, or stop working entirely. Malware can be installed on your device via a QR code through the practices above, those being cloning and phishing.
Actions to Avoid and Prevention Measures
Navigating the connected world with your data and information unscathed can be a difficult task, especially with technology impacting our lives. While QR codes are relatively safe, there still are some dangers to look out for when conducting business with them. Luckily, there are a few easy actions to remember not to do when interacting with QR codes. Remembering these can help keep you and your data safe.
First of all, remember to use your own common sense. Typically, if something feels too good to be true, then likely it is. Additionally, if a code looks sketchy, then it’s best to not run the risk of scanning it. For example, if you see a QR code on a poster and it looks like it was pasted on over an existing QR code, then it’s likely either not legit or links to a malicious site. Also, if you see a code offering free money or services, don’t interact with those either. Treat every QR code with the same level of caution as you would a URL address online. Essentially, QR codes are hyperlinks for the real world.
You may come across apps on your device’s virtual store that allow you to scan and access QR codes. While there are a few that are worth checking out, apps like these, in most cases, are unnecessary and are often made to steal your info and sell it to data brokers, and this is the best case scenario. Some apps like this can even install malware on your device. Even if you think your device just doesn’t have a QR scanner, if it was made in the last decade, then it most likely does, either through a pre-installed app or through the existing camera app.
In addition to using your own judgment and common sense, you also may want to invest in an antivirus software or a VPN. This is good advice even if you don’t interact with QR codes regularly. You can also sign up for an identity monitoring service, of which many include antivirus and VPN, so that if your information is stolen, you know right away.
Conclusion
While there are some dangers involved in using QR codes, they are relatively safe for the average person. As stated before, QR codes are like URL links for the real world. Most that you interact with will be benign, though there are some that you want to avoid. Using your own judgment is the best way to prevent any cyber attacks, though some extra protection wouldn’t hurt if you think you need it.
