How secure are QR codes really?

Every day technology allows us to streamline daily processes, making our lives easier. Precisely, QR codes were created to make transactions faster by simply scanning an image. In this way we shorten the processes and limit them to a single step. But the unknown is How secure are QR codes really? If you don’t know what you’re exposing yourself to, keep reading this article.

On a desktop, most cybersecurity problems are solved using ExpressVPN for PC. This tool is responsible for redirecting your connection as many times as possible to make it untraceable. On mobile phones it is just as efficient since it can be activated and deactivated every time you expose yourself to an unsecured network. So now we will find out how QR codes can put you at risk.

What are QR codes?

QR codes are two-dimensional labels that can be read by optical software. Information of any type is stored in these, specially encoded to be deciphered whenever you want.

This system works like a barcode but is much more advanced since broader and more detailed information can be stored. To read a barcode you need a device with a camera or reader with integrated software.

What are QR codes used for?

Since its creation in 1994 the uses and applications of QR They have been diversifying. Initially The objective was to speed up the scanning process and over time, the possibility of obtaining all kinds of information quickly and easily was added. In this way, we have come to use QR codes for endless applications.

• • Engage the community getting them to leave reviews, download an app or get a discount.
  • So that customers Invoice and pay for your products on your own.

• Make or receive fast payments.

• • Identify to the clients.

• Authenticate personal documents.

• Track package status or delivery information.
• Recruit staff through virtual calls.

How secure are QR codes really?

As we have mentioned before, QR codes are even used as an authentication measure to increase user security. Applications like WhatsApp either Telegram They use them to authenticate the user when moving to the web version. However, this does not mean that there are no built-in risks.

Cybercriminals keep up to date with the development of computer systems so as not to lose ground and thanks to this, they have found vulnerabilities in QR codes. Below we give you some examples.

Phishing with QR codes

It is a modality in which they use QRs to steal user information. Under deception, they invite the user to scan a malicious code and enter personal information that is stored and later used to impersonate their identity or commit fraud.

Download Malware

A very common risk that we face after scanning a QR code is that of downloading malware to our device. Hackers can distribute viruses across a network simply by sharing a malicious QR code. Therefore you should be careful and scan codes only in serious businesses and when the authenticity of the code can be verifiable.

Payment theft

In Asia the wholesale and retail businesses They use this payment method. Therefore, the strategy of changing QR codes to steal payments became very popular. In China, especially, it is very common for sellers to display talkers with the QR codes of their mobile payment to receive money. The modality is to make an identical document and replace it.

How to use QR codes safely?

The QR code is a great tool that is not without risks but can be used widely if we follow security measures suitable. Start improving your practices to intensify the protection of your data and avoid being a victim of scams.

• • Install security software on your devices such as antivirus and VPNs to alert you to any threats.

• Avoid scanning codes on sites you don’t know.

• • Do not visit web pages with unknown names or that have been shortened with bit.ly or another link shortener.

• Do not download unknown applications through QR codes.

• Never provide requested confidential information after scanning a QR code.

now that you know How secure are QR codes really? You can improve online security practices and protect your data and equipment from any threat.