Security Risk of QR Code
Due to fast readability through our smartphone camera, the QR (Quick Response) code is now widely accepted. Now QR codes are everywhere—in magazines, on billboards, posters, and more. With the scan of a QR code, users can perform various tasks which would otherwise need a lot more effort. But, due to the display size limitation, most mobile device does not show the URL of the web site and most users are not even aware that QR codes can also be malicious. This is why scammers are now using malicious QR codes for tricking users.
"Mobile malware increased more than 1,000-percent in 2012 alone," said Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Researcher, BitDefender. BitDefender bases this data on analyses of mobile threats it collects via honeypots.(csoonline.com)
Just like websites, QR Codes can contain malicious content and viruses. Since QR Codes are now widely used, scammers have caught on and are using them to infect your devices.
Malware
When a QR Code is scanned, users do not get to see the URL they will be redirected to. In this way, they leave themselves open to potential viruses. Without any action from the user, malware can be installed on the smartphone which will allow a hacker to control the device, such as accessing messages, GPS, and invading privacy by turning on the camera and listening to phone conversations.
Phishing
Attackers create fake web login pages that look exactly like the real page. You enter in your login information and they now have all the information to access your account. This happens even more frequently on mobile devices because the screen size does not allow for the full URL to be shown, leading you to believe you’re on the real page.
SCAN2D - We Eliminate the Security Risk of QR Codes
The Scan2D app is specially designed to provide users with a quick and safe QR Code management platform. It has a built-in security system and reputation feature that alert users of potential risks when a QR Code is scanned. When you use Scan2D, you take the gamble out of QR Codes.