How to Protect QR Codes to Ensure the Safety of Your Customers

Without a doubt, QR codes are in their maximum splendor and popularity: with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the maximum reduction in physical contact, the hospitality industry makes use of this technology so that we can consult their letters and menus.

We can define the QR code (Quick Response, for its acronym in English) as the 2.0 evolution of the barcode. Through the smartphone camera or applications that allow scanning, the user accesses with just one click the web page or application that houses the code in question.

All Qr Codes Are Safe?

No. QRs are very useful, but it is very easy for cybercriminals to create malware carrier codes. Today we find QR codes anywhere, be it cinemas, restaurants, or in public transport stations, for example, but we should not scan just any. We should only pay attention to those in which a company that we know is behind.

What Are the Consequences of Opening a Malicious QR Code?

If we open a QR code that directs us to a fraudulent website, we could be exposed to multiple dangers, such as:

• Downloading malware onto our device, which could render it completely unusable. Furthermore, cybercriminals could also track our location.
• The theft of our personal data: the website to which the QR code redirects us could be a copy of a real website that, by asking us to log in, would be taking over our credentials.
• The theft of our bank details: the QR code can link to a payment website, for example, to pay for food in a restaurant. This scenario would be very dangerous since the attacker could get hold of our credit card information.

But do not worry! We can be cautious and avoid this type of situation by downloading a QR code reader app that performs some security checks (for example, Kaspersky QR Scanner) or by carefully observing the code, in such a way that if we see it deformed, altered, or as if had something above it, we will be, with total security, before a malicious code.

Likewise, we must check that the app we use to decrypt them shows the full URL to which we are going to be directed (so we can verify it) and that the code itself provides us with the option to continue or cancel the request, after clicking on it. of the.

Of course, once we have scanned and opened the web, we must verify that it is the site we wanted to access and that the URL is not cut. It is advisable to perform this check before interacting in any way with the page.

As we can see, QR codes are very useful, but, as they have become so popular, cybercriminals have seen them as a new channel to infect our devices. By applying these recommendations we will be able to face them!

But perhaps the biggest potential risk for QR code users is the use of mobile banking and payments made via smartphones. The ability of these codes to "unlock" devices and take advantage of their applications can give hackers virtual access as "pickpockets" to device payment applications. How to protect ourselves?

• Avoid scanning QR codes from dubious sources.
• Use QR code scanning apps that ask for confirmation on whether you want to take action.
• Use data encryption solutions to protect confidential information stored on your device.
• Use antivirus software and update them frequently.