Since its first appearance in 1994, QR Codes have earned enormous popularity over the last ten years.
Initially, these QR Codes were used to keep track of automotive parts. Their simplicity of use and universality made the tool beneficial for both businesses and consumers.
From restaurant menus to product packaging, these handy QRs can pack an easy and quick way to access information with just a simple scan by smartphones.
Yet, just as much as the QR Code technology is simple, its use might bring security risks if one needs to be more careful.
This blog article covers the potential QR Code security issues and tips on being safe while scanning.
A. Understanding the vulnerability of QR Codes
Before we consider the QR Code security issues at hand, let’s understand how QR Codes work.
These are 2D barcodes that store a variety of information such as weblinks, contact details, pictures, videos, documents, etc.
When scanned, these QR Codes the stored information and allow access to it.
They are a quick and an easy way to get more information. QR Codes themselves are not inherently malicious.
Rather, they only store data such as website addresses or contact details. The security threat could be where this data will take you.
They differ from traditional website links because QR Codes don’t tell you where you’re going until you scan them. This sometimes creates an opening for attackers.
Did you know?
Quishing or QR phishing is a cybersecurity threat where attackers use QR Codes to redirect victims to malicious websites or cause them to download harmful content.
Let’s now look at some of the most common QR Code security issues people face today.
B. Most common QR Code security issues
1. Phishing attacks
The biggest QR Code security issue is that of phishing. Hackers develop malicious QR Codes and make them look like legitimate QRs.
Once a user scans them, they get directed to fake websites for extracting information, such as login details or financial information.
As QR Codes are normally clicked without much consideration, users may be put in a position where they unknowingly expose themselves to a phishing attack.
2. Malware distribution
Another QR Code security issue is that QR Codes could be used to spread malware. Scanning malware-infected QR Codes redirects them to websites hosting malware or triggers automatic downloads of infected files.
After infiltrating a device, such malware will grant access to sensitive information, monitor the user’s activities, or even control the device.
3. Data leaks
Sometimes, the attacker may hijack the communication between the QR Code and its intended destination.
This creates a void that can be used to change the information in the middle of its transfer. The MITM (Man in the Middle) attack could grant access to unauthorized information or even financial transactions.
Most of the QR Code security issue-associated data leaks happen because of these types of man-in-the-middle attacks.
4. QR Code tampering
QR Codes may be susceptible to tampering; for instance, a malicious QR Code sticker being pasted over the original QR Code is enough.
If this code gets scanned by a user without idea about this type of threat, they could end up on a malicious website or download bad content from there.
An attack like this could be dangerous in public places where QRs are used for payments or information sharing.
Imagine you scan a QR Code for payment that was tampered with. This means your money will not go to the intended recipient. Instead, it will go to the destination encoded in the malicious code.
5. Data privacy concerns
QR Codes often collect and may transfer user data, creating space for privacy issues. For example, while scanning the QR Code for contact tracing purposes or event registration, it may collect personal data such as a person’s name, phone number, and email address.
If not properly secured, the information can be accessed and used for unauthorized purposes by some fraudsters.
Hence, if you want to create QRs, opting for a trusted QR Code generator is always recommended.
6. Social engineering attacks
Social engineering attackers use QR Codes against human psychology. For example, upon receiving a QR Code with the offer of a free gift or discount, many of us are tempted to scan it, overlooking the risk involved.
Scanning this code could route us to a harmful webpage or ask for personal information. Avoid giving your personal information in such cases.
Did you know?
According to the Times of India, the number of complaints related to UPI fraud has gone up from 15,000 cases in 2022 to over 30,000 in the year 2023. Of these, nearly half of those complaints pertain to QR Code scams.
Now that you know the QR Code security risks associated with this phygital technology, let’s take a look at some real-world examples of these situations where QR Codes were used for scamming and phishing attacks.
Keep reading!
C. Real-world examples of QR Code security issues
Perhaps the most frequent use of a QR Code is to provide a shortcut for information access. However, this ease comes with hidden considerations regarding QR Code security issues.
In one case, in Texas, the Police Department of Austin discovered 29 fake QRs posted on the city’s parking meters.
For unsuspecting victims, these codes linked their devices directly to a genuine payment page.
People provided their card details to pay the parking ticket, which scammers received.
With any tech advancement comes its own challenges. The QR Code security issues are a global problem.
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But the real question is how can you avoid these QR Code security issues? Well, the next section talks about just that.
D. Mitigating QR Code security issues
While the security concerns are many, the risks associated with QR Codes can be avoided by businesses and individuals in these ways:
1. Awareness and education
The users must be educated on the possible dangers of scanning unknown QR Codes. People should be advised to check where a particular QR Code originated before scanning it, more so in public places and when receiving unsolicited codes.
Pro Tip: Inspect the code visually! Take a close look at the QR Code before scanning. Does it appear blurry, pixelated, or tampered with? If anything seems off, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid scanning.
2. Use trusted QR Code scanners
This can be partly achieved by using reputable apps that offer facilities for scanning QR Codes and, at the same time, security features to detect malice within such codes.
Some scanners can analyze what exactly a QR Code does before redirecting the user, thus offering extra protection.
Many scanners even show a preview of the URL, which you can see; if the link looks suspicious, it is better to avoid opening it altogether.
3. Secure generation of QR Codes
Businesses should generate QR Codes through secure tools supporting encryption and authentication facilities.
This will prevent unauthorized entities from easily tampering with or altering the QR Code.
Pro Tip: Be cautious about what information you share online! Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details on websites accessed through QR Codes.
4. Protection of data and privacy policies
Organizations should have effective policies relating to data protection and privacy regarding data collected through a QR Code to avoid future QR Code security issues.
This shall include data encryption both in transit and at rest and adhering to any protection of data law. Given the wide use cases of QR Codes in marketing, payments, and other areas, if not handled correctly, then data could be breached or misused.
Compliance with GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001:2013 means personal data is treated securely and responsibly. This ensures the development of trust between the users and protection from the associated legal liabilities.
Concerns of this nature must be addressed to ensure user trust and safeguard data from unwanted access or cyber threats.
Here’s a brief overview of these compliances:
- GDPR: It’s a European Union law by which companies take guidance for the processing of personal data. Thus, you have control over the information, which puts liability on the companies to keep it safe.
- SOC 2: Establishes trust with service providers! It’s an independent audit verifying company security practices for customer data. This proves a serious relationship with the security of data.
- ISO 27001:2013: This international standard outlines the best practice for handling information security. This certification proves a company’s commitment to protecting data.
Basically, the standards are integrated to protect the information and keep it safe.
Looking for a secure option for QR Code generation?
5. Regular monitoring and auditing
Organizations that use QR Codes need to regularly check for modifications and audit their QR Codes to ensure they are not tampered with.
This would include periodic physical checks in public places and digital checks for unauthorized changes.
6. Anti-tampering measures
Tamper evidence can be embedded into a QR Code through holograms, watermarks, or unique identifiers that make it much more difficult to tamper with.
In addition to the features here, these will allow users to identify the original codes and avoid malicious ones.
7. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA adds another layer of security in applications involving sensitive transactions, such as making payments or gaining access to secure systems.
Even though a user might accidentally scan a malicious QR Code, MFA prevents access to the application.
8. User verification
This is another effective measure to check the authenticity of the QR Code before use. For example, businesses can provide users with verification methods, such as SMS or email confirmation, to check that the QR Code they have scanned is not fake.
Pro Tip: Report suspicious codes! If you encounter a suspicious QR Code, report it to the relevant authorities or the organization the code seems to be associated with.
E. The future of QR Code Security
Security concerns must be addressed as QR Codes evolve and find a place in our daily lives. There can be much potential for their application in QR Code security with technological advances like blockchain and AI.
For instance, blockchain provides immutable recordkeeping of transactions of QR Codes, consequently providing transparent operations with reduced tampering risks.
AI-driven scanners analyze patterns and identify QR Code anomalies, giving real-time protection from malicious codes.
Now you know everything you need to know about QR Code security issues. If you still have any questions, check out the FAQs given below.
F. FAQs: QR Code Security Issues
1. Are QR Codes safe?
A QR Code in itself is not unsafe. It’s just a storage tech, like a website address or contact information. But there might be a security risk with the data it holds, leading you somewhere you’re not supposed to be.
2. How can QR Codes be used for malicious purposes?
Some of the threats QR Codes pose are:
- Malicious URL redirection: A hacker can create a QR Code that will redirect you to a phishing site aimed to collect personal information from you.
- Download of malware: One can download malware onto a device by merely scanning a QR Code.
- Social engineering: A hacker could use a QR Code together with a message that would trick users into scanning the QR Code.
3. How can I scan QR Codes safely?
- Scan codes only from trusted sources: Do not scan anything off random posters or flyers, particularly if they appear suspicious.
- Make sure there is no visible digital tampering or blurriness on the code.
- Use a QR Code scanner that has security features like previewing the destination URL before actually visiting it.
- Never give personal information: a legitimate QR Code will not ask for sensitive details like passwords.
- Keep your device updated: This keeps you safe from the latest malware threats.
4. What if I scan a suspicious QR Code?
- Shut that web page down straight away: Never give away any information; don’t click on any links.
- Scan your device for malware: Check if anything has been downloaded accidentally.
- Report the code: If you come across any suspicious QR Code, particularly in a public place, do not hesitate to report it to the concerned authorities or organizations.
5. How to keep up with new security threats to QR Codes?
Keep updating yourself on news and relevant updates from credible sources in the field of cyber security. Always turn on security updates on your smartphone and the QR Code-scanning app.
With all these risks in mind, note that the following tips will help you to safely and conveniently scan a QR Code. A bit of caution goes a long way to protect you online.
Conclusion
QR Codes are a convenient technology, but they can be misused like any tool. By understanding the security risks and following the tips outlined above, you can scan QR Codes confidently and minimize the chances of falling victim to cyberattacks.