The Dangers of QR Codes 

The usage of QR codes in printed media presents several security risks, primarily due to the ease with which QR codes can be manipulated, reprinted, or replaced with malicious codes. Some of the inherent dangers include:

1. Lack of Transparency: QR codes are opaque to users, meaning you can’t see where a QR code will lead simply by looking at it. This makes it easy for attackers to direct users to malicious websites, phishing pages, or malware download links without their knowledge.
2. Physical Tampering: Attackers can replace legitimate QR codes on printed materials, such as posters, flyers, or ads, with their own malicious QR codes. These “overlays” often go unnoticed, as users assume the code is trustworthy because of its original context (e.g., a familiar brand’s advertisement).
3. Data Harvesting: QR codes can lead to forms that request personal or financial information, which can be harvested by attackers. When users scan a QR code, they are often led to web pages that ask for details such as email addresses, phone numbers, or even payment information, which can then be exploited.
4. Social Engineering: QR codes can be used to exploit trust. For example, if a QR code appears on a well-known brand’s flyer, users are more likely to scan it without questioning its authenticity. Scammers take advantage of this trust to launch phishing attacks by presenting fake QR codes as legitimate ones.

QR Code Jacking (aka “Quishing”)

QR Code Jacking, or “Quishing” (QR Phishing), is a specific form of attack where malicious actors use QR codes to redirect users to phishing sites. The concept works as follows:

1. Phishing Sites: Attackers replace legitimate QR codes with those that direct users to fraudulent sites designed to look like official pages. Users may be prompted to enter sensitive information, like login credentials or financial data, which the attacker then collects.
2. Malware Distribution: In more sophisticated attacks, QR codes lead users to malicious apps or files that can be downloaded onto their devices. Once installed, these can compromise a user’s device, steal data, or open backdoors for further attacks.
3. Payment Fraud: QR codes are commonly used for digital payments, especially in contactless transactions. Attackers can hijack legitimate payment QR codes to redirect funds to their own accounts, effectively stealing money from the victim.
4. Stealthy Exploits: Since users are often accustomed to quick scanning and accepting prompts, attackers exploit this behavior by redirecting users to malicious sites that perform automatic actions, like downloads or redirecting to additional phishing sites.

Mitigating QR Code Risks

To mitigate these risks, users should exercise caution when scanning QR codes, especially those found in public or uncontrolled environments. Security measures include verifying the source of the QR code, using QR scanner apps that preview URLs before opening, and avoiding QR codes that request personal information directly after scanning. For businesses, using encrypted or brand-verified QR codes can help protect users.