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Similarly, Android users can scan QR codes via the native camera app or Google Lens that comes loaded out-of-the-box. Thankfully, most smartphones these days already come pre-loaded with QR scanning capabilities natively through the camera app however, there are plenty of options available with third-party apps. These codes are now rapid popping up in restaurants and cafes to allow customers to access menus digitally via their smartphones. The scannable matrix barcode aims to carry web links or detailed information about a product in a neat and clutter-free manner. To that end, I never scan QR codes, and neither should you.A Quick Response code, or more popularly known as QR code, has been around for years, but you might see its rapid adoption owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. A threat actor can easily paste their malicious QR code on top of a real one and create their own copies, and based on appearance, you have no idea if the contents are safe or malicious. If you are ever out and about and see a QR code on a wall, building, computer screen or even a business card, do not scan it. That alone allows a threat actor to target device and application exploits to specific assets to ensure a higher rate of success. For example, based on the device, they can be redirected to the appropriate app store or music library. Dynamic QR codes can even add simple logic such as device-based redirection to have different behaviors for Apple iOS devices versus Google or Android. They can include password protection and embedded analytics so creators can track how they are used. These codes are generated once, but the data stored on them can be edited at any later date. Your best bet is to always navigate to an application yourself and not rely on a hotlink.įinally, let's address dynamic QR codes. While this is convenient, the listing could be malicious (especially on Android devices) or could be a spoofed page using an embedded URL to trick you into loading an unsanctioned malicious application. If you consider all the threats of open Wi-Fi networks and even closed networks that use WPA2, the introduction of an unknown or insecure network to your preferred list is just a bad idea.Īpp store: Scanning links to a page directly on an app store can make an application simple to download. Wi-Fi network: This QR code stores Wi-Fi credentials for automatic network connection and authentication. Depending on the social media platform, the account being followed may have access to your personal information and be aware that you are following them. Social media profile: Scanning this type of QR code initiates a “follow” for a specific profile on sites such as Instagram or Twitter, using the scanner’s personal profile. Outside of a vulnerability in the local calendar application, the contents may be unwanted in a business or personal calendar, and deleting a recurring meeting is an annoyance if it was improperly entered. The contents could contain malware, an exploit or other undesirable content.Ĭalendar event: Scanning a QR code automatically adds an event to the device’s calendar, with the option of a reminder. Website or URL: Scanning a QR code can automatically launch and redirect you to a website.

If you are concerned about your data and location privacy, why would you ever do this? Location coordinates: Scanning a QR code automatically sends your location coordinates to a geolocation-enabled application. The threat actor knows your email address because you validated it by hitting send to an unknown destination. All that is required is to hit send, and this could be the beginning of any form of phishing or spear-phishing attack. Email: Scanning a QR code stores a complete email message with the subject line and recipient.