What Is a QR Code? Is It Safe to Use?

February 2, 2022 Mutual Fund

The pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, particularly the way we store/access information and pay for purchases. Take the black and white square-shaped pixelated barcode–the Quick Response Code (QR code). This matrix barcode proved its ingenuity during the pandemic when social distancing became a public safety norm. Right from a showroom of an international brand to a street-hawker’s handcart, now we see QR codes everywhere enabling us to stay practically “touch-free”. But, how does a QR code work and is it cyber-safe to use? This article elucidates everything you wanted to know about it.

Basics about Quick Response Code:

A Quick Response Code, popularly known as QR code, is a scannable barcode that stores data as a series of pixels in a black and white square-shaped grid. While a vertical barcode can store a limited amount of data, the QR code can store the data vertically and horizontally, making it capable of storing a more complex combination of data higher than a regular barcode. When a user scans the QR code, they are directed to something that can be easily understood.

A Japanese company Denso Wave developed the QR code in 1994 to track the vehicles and their parts through the manufacturing process. Earlier, you required a special reader to use a QR code, but now we can scan it with smartphone applications or even with a phone camera that has a QR code scanner feature. The ease to use and post-pandemic quantum changes in social and daily living have contributed to a heightened utilization of the QR code.

A single QR code can save up to 4000 alphanumeric characters. If you have scanned a QR code for payment through apps, such as GooglePay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc. or for any other purpose, you already know how extremely responsive they are.

There are broadly two types of QR codes, static and dynamic. The static QR codes do not allow any modifications in the information once it is generated. Whereas, dynamic QR codes let you modify the information as many times as you want.

What is the QR code used for?

The QR codes are easy to generate and use. A simple Google search can take you to the millions of QR code generators that can help you create your unique QR code within a few minutes. Hence, more and more companies have started using them for a variety of purposes, including marketing and advertising. Here are some of the common uses of the QR codes:

• To track products in a supply chain

• To store the contact details (such as phone numbers and email addresses)

• To provide the link to the website/landing page

• To provide the link to the mobile apps

• To collect or make payments by storing your banking details (Scan and Pay)

• To takeout dinner menu and ordering

• To authenticate the official accounts online

• To show the detailed ingredients or recipes on food packets

• To authenticate WiFi

• To configure 2-step verification

• To provide company information on a business card

• To provide any kind of information/data

What are the dangers of the QR code?

Since creating the QR codes is quick and easy, cyber-fraudsters can easily generate the QR codes and create stickers that can be stuck on the genuine QR codes placed in public places. These fraudulent codes can instantly steal your money if you were using the code to make a payment. Apart from that, it can also steal your banking information or download a virus.

We receive several informative and marketing emails from the banks all the time and that consists of the link or QR code of the bank’s official website. There are many incidents where fraudsters send similar emails to individuals, asking them to click on the URL or scan the QR code to get benefited from certain offers. If you follow it, it will take you to a website that is designed exactly like your bank’s website, which gives you confidence that you are using the authentic website. However, when you input your log-in credentials, it records the data you have inputted. This information is further used by fraudsters to steal your money. Some mailers may ask you to scan the QR code, and while doing so, it starts downloading the tracking malware to your device/smartphone.

The same applies to downloading a mobile banking app of the bank. The fraudsters can create similar looking mobile banking apps to steal your login credentials and send you the QR code to download the app.

This practice of identity theft is called phishing, and it is one of the most common types of stealing personal information.

How to avoid QR code dangers?

It is impossible to know whether the QR code is safe or not by just looking at it. Therefore, you should be careful about scanning them. Before scanning the code, you should always check if the QR code is a part of the poster or a sticker. In case of doubt, it is advisable to avoid using the QR code.

If you have received the QR code through an email, it is advisable to scan the QR code only after ensuring it has come from a trusted source. Check the sender of an email whenever it directs you to perform an action. If you have a doubt, instead of scanning the code, it is better to type the website link by yourself. Also, do not forget to check if the URL starts with an https.

After downloading the mobile app, it is advisable to check whether it is an official app or not. Most banks provide links or scanning codes to download the app. This can be very helpful in recognizing and getting a cyber-safe, trustworthy app. Remeber to always check if it comes from an official and trusted source, before you scan any QR code.

Apart from the basic precautions, if you want to be extra secure, it is advisable to use safety scanner apps available in application stores, such as the App Store, Google Play Store, etc., instead of using your phone camera. If you are already using a security app on your phone, make sure it offers scanner security as well.

To Conclude:

Despite the dubiousness surrounding QR codes, it is one of the most convenient ways for online payments and to provide information. Like any other technology, the QR codes too should be used mindfully. Therefore, it is essential to understand the technology behind it, the possible ways of cyber fraud, and precautions you should take to avoid being duped. If you take the necessary precautions, there is no easier way to ensure you get the authentic information and make faster payments.

This article first appeared on PersonalFN here