Summary
- Quick Response (QR) codes have become popular, but they can be maliciously exploited to deliver malware attacks.
- Cyber Criminals create QR codes and embed them with malware, which can infect devices, steal sensitive information and control devices secretly.
- They either lead users to a malicious website which tempts them to download virus-ridden files or apps, or they mimic legitimate sites and trick users into entering sensitive information.
- To prevent this type of attack, it is advised to only scan QR codes from reliable sources and make use of QR code scanners, which check the safety of linked URLs before opening them, and alert users if they are malicious.
- It is also important to keep devices’ software up to date to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics, so it is vital to be aware of emerging threats like QR code malware and ensure preventive measures are taken. Positively, as QR codes provide seamless integration of physical and digital spaces, they are still worth using despite the potential exploitation threats. Kaeding et al.