Are QR Codes Safe from Security Risks?
In my previous article, we delved into the perils of phishing emails and the risks associated with shortened links. Now, the question arises: Are QR codes a safe means of communication?
The truth is, despite their widespread integration into our daily lives, QR codes are not immune to potential security threats. In fact, the convenience they offer can sometimes be exploited by malicious actors.
QR code, short for Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that emerged in 1994. In essence, it operates similarly to a supermarket barcode, serving as a machine-readable image readily interpretable by a smartphone’s camera. Each QR code comprises an arrangement of black squares and dots, encoding specific information.
To draw a parallel, QR codes function much like shortened links, encapsulating data that is conveyed or actions initiated upon scanning. Allow me to provide an example:
Scan this QR code:
Upon scanning this QR code, you will be directed to my Phishing Analysis article. (And if you haven’t had the opportunity to peruse it yet, I encourage you to do so.) However, it’s essential to pause and carefully assess the situation.
When you encounter a suspicious link via email, SMS, social media, or from an unfamiliar source, your initial response would typically involve a meticulous analysis of the URL, character by character, to confirm its safety and legitimacy.
Shortened links, known for their inherent suspicion, often trigger red flags. But what about QR codes? Do they automatically merit your trust, or should you regard them with suspicion?
QR codes rarely arrive in isolation like the example above; they are often embedded in a broader context, typically within well-designed advertising campaigns. This is where the concept of social engineering comes into play.
Social engineering is a manipulative technique that exploits human vulnerabilities to extract private information, gain unauthorized access, or acquire valuable assets.
Malicious actors adept at social engineering will attempt to impersonate established entities or individuals to obtain the information they seek. They may craft advertisements featuring QR codes, cleverly designed to redirect you to their malicious websites while evading your notice.
Through a social engineering attack, these malicious actors create an aura of trust around their impersonation, setting the stage for various forms of cyberattacks, whether it be a mere visit to their website or unwittingly disclosing sensitive information through a login form, among other tactics.
You might be wondering, “Can a simple visit to a website or clicking on a URL truly provide them with access to sensitive data?” The unequivocal answer is yes, but searching into the specifics of how this occurs is a topic for another discussion.
How to Protect Yourself from QR Code Scams
In this section, we’ll discuss techniques to safeguard against QR code scams, building upon what was covered in our previous article.
- Copy the URL, Don’t Visit the Page
When you use your smartphone’s camera to scan a QR code, refrain from immediately visiting the linked website. Instead, copy the URL to take the following precautions:
2. Analyze the URL
Engage in a thorough URL analysis to detect any anomalies or red flags within the link. Look out for misspellings in the domain or if the QR code redirects you to an unexpected domain. For instance, if you’re dining at Chipotle and decide to scan their QR code for today’s offers, you should expect it to lead to their official website or associated domains. If it directs you to an obscure and unrelated domain like qwloi.23.com, exercise caution and avoid proceeding.
3. Exercise Caution with Unusual Situations
Be vigilant when encountering QR codes in atypical situations. Simply because a QR code promises “Free Wi-Fi” doesn’t mean it’s safe to scan. Fraudsters can easily create counterfeit advertisements and affix them to walls. Even in your local mall, someone could post a deceptive “Free Wi-Fi” QR code, which may go unnoticed by security for some time before being removed.
It’s crucial to approach QR codes with a discerning eye and a dose of skepticism to protect yourself from potential scams. Adhering to these simple steps will assist you in cultivating the necessary awareness.
