What is a QR code?
QR code stands for Quick Response code.
A QR code is a type of matrix barcode invented in 1994 by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that can contain information. And while a barcode only holds information in the horizontal direction, a QR code holds information in both horizontal and vertical directions. Due to this, a QR code holds hundreds of times more information than a barcode.
This may be information about the item the label is attached to – for instance a museum exhibit, product for sale, or part in a manufacturing process. Or it may be a link to a website, such as on an advertising poster, or for making payment in a restaurant.
QR codes have grown in popularity over the last decade due to the rise of smartphones. There are plenty of QR code scanner apps that can be downloaded for free on smartphones, enabling anyone to scan and link to information wherever they are. It’s so handy! And it’s contactless, which meant that during the COVID pandemic it was ideal.
How could a QR code be a problem?
But, as with all interactive technology, there is the capability for cyber criminals to exploit it. Unfortunately, since a QR code is nothing more than a fancy-looking link, cybercriminals can use them just like they would use a link in a phishing email. See this article for more examples.
How can I stay safe?
Firstly, never scan a QR code from a source you don’t know and trust.
Secondly, get a QR code scanning app which provides a preview of the link destination, so that you can check the link before proceeding.
And finally, make sure that you DO check the link URL before proceeding. If it looks wrong, close your browser straight away.
If you have further questions about any computer security issues, call datamills on 0114 287 0510.