Many businesses use quick response (QR), a marketing tool, to promote sales, facilitate payments and provide customer service. As QR codes became more common, malicious actors found ways to use the codes in phishing and malware attacks.
Businesses need to be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them. These vulnerabilities can cause significant damage to reputation and financial resources. This article offers more information about QR codes, their hazards and tips for addressing them.
What Are QR Codes?
QR codes consist of pixels arranged in a square shape to contain a string of information. They work similarly to barcodes and can be scanned by code readers or smartphones. Many QR codes contain URLS so that individuals can easily access websites without typing in specific web addresses.
Once QR codes are scanned, they provide a convenient and quick way for customers to get information about a company or leave reviews. They can also encourage users to perform specific actions such as downloading an application or making a payment.
QR codes are available for use on a variety of items, including posters, flyers and menus. QR codes can be used as images to include in digital communications, such as emails or messaging apps.
Note: If you need to create a QR code, use a QR code generator for a quick and easy solution.
The Risks of QR Codes
Cybercriminals can exploit QR codes, despite their usefulness. It can be hard for users to distinguish between safe and malicious QR codes, since they appear as random pixels in a square. QR codes can also be images that are not accompanied by any telltale signs, such as misspellings or suspicious links, which is the case in many fraudulent emails.
QR codes pose risks to businesses in two ways. If an employee scans a malicious QR code and uses QR codes as part of their business, cybercriminals can manipulate their codes, affecting their reputation and customers.
Cybercriminals have used QR codes to exploit a variety of vulnerabilities, including:
- Replace or alter QR codes: The malicious actor may alter or replace a genuine QR code with a counterfeit one.
- Placing QR codes in strategic or high-traffic locations: Cybercriminals can place QR codes near high-traffic locations or places that seem to be connected with a specific location or object (e.g. on a parking meter). The malicious code is then scanned by curious passersby or people who think the QR codes are safe (e.g. paying for parking).
- Sending fake QR codes via email or an app: To make a QR Code appear legitimate, malicious actors can include it in digital communications with accompanying language.
After scanning the fake QR code, an individual may be exposed to a variety of security risks, including:
- Quishing: It is a type of phishing in which the cybercriminal tries to steal credentials, passwords, or other personal information after the user has accessed the website via a malicious QR code. Cybercriminals may use social engineering to fool a user into believing that the website is safe and legitimate to enter sensitive information.
- QRLjacking: Cybercriminals spread malware on an individual’s device after a fake QR code leads them to a malicious URL.
- Device hacking: A malicious actor could be able, under certain circumstances, to gain access to a device’s data if they scan an unauthorised QR code. Hackers may then be able to use the compromised device to make a phone call, send text messages or make payments.
How to Mitigate the Risks of QR Codes
Businesses need to reduce the risks associated with QR codes as cybercriminals use them more. The following strategies can be used:
- Educate employees about the latest cyber-threats and dangers associated with QR codes.
- Before scanning QR codes, carefully check to make sure they have not been altered or tampered with.
- Double-check the URL of the website you are directed to when scanning QR codes.
- Install security software that filters content, inspects links and files and blocks suspicious items.
- Keep access control strict to minimise damage caused by malicious actors who obtain login credentials.
- Multifactor authentication can be used to protect business systems if employee credentials or passwords have been compromised.
- If you are unsure about the origin of QR codes, advise employees not to scan them.
- Update and patch all devices.
- Disable automatic QR code scanning on devices.
- Check the default settings for sharing sensitive information.
- Train employees on safely using their technology in a bring-your-own-device environment.
- Reduce the use of QR codes in electronic communications to discourage cybercriminals.
Businesses that wish to use QR Codes can also take measures to protect their clients. Consider the following techniques:
- Use a trusted QR code generator, and test the code before you distribute it
- The QR code can be customised to reflect the company’s brand.
- Verify that the website you are linking to is SSL-protected and strongly encrypted.
Cyber-risks: Reduce them
QR codes are useful, but can result in significant financial losses as well as reputational damage.
Companies can protect themselves, their employees, and their clients by implementing strategies to reduce cyber risks. For more information on cyber liability insurance or other risk management options, contact us today.
