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Using QR Codes: Safety Rules

We are often offered to scan a QR code to receive information, make payments, or connect to Wi-Fi. Let's discuss the safety of such actions.

A QR code is a type of the well-known barcode. Its name comes from the English phrase "Quick Response," signifying its ability for rapid information retrieval. QR codes are read both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to encrypt an amount of information equivalent to approximately four pages of text.

QR codes were invented in Japan and began to be used in 1994 in the production of Toyota cars to track components and finished products. Previously, traditional barcodes were used, but they could not contain all the necessary information about the parts and their purpose. Moreover, they were slow to scan. In contrast, a QR code contains more information and is scanned faster, enabling the tracking of each part from production to installation in a car.

In the early 2000s, the first scanners and mobile applications for reading QR codes appeared, facilitating their spread worldwide.

Until 2019-2020, QR codes were used in some cafes, restaurants, museums, historical buildings, and advertising. However, their widespread use began in 2020 during the pandemic. QR codes were used for contactless payments, monitoring self-isolation regimes, tracking contacts with infected individuals, and were found on COVID-19 vaccination certificates and PCR test reports.

Today, anyone can create a QR code using online generators. The scope of application for QR codes is very diverse. For example, by scanning a QR code on packaging, a buyer can learn details about a product and its manufacturer, receive instructions for use, or visit the online store's website. In museums, QR codes provide information about exhibits or audio guides. In restaurants and cafes, QR codes lead to the menu page. On business cards, QR codes can contain information about the owner. They can be used to download applications, connect to the internet or video conferencing. Also, QR codes are used for paying bills and purchases in stores.

However, with the popularity of QR codes, the interest of cybercriminals also grows. What risks can QR codes carry? They may lead to phishing sites or contain incorrect payment information. Through QR codes, fraudsters can connect you to their Wi-Fi network and gain access to your device.

For safety, follow these rules:

  • Do not scan QR codes indiscriminately. A QR code in a restaurant menu or store is one thing, but a QR code in an unknown advertisement is another.
  • Always check the links encrypted in the QR code, and do not follow them if they look suspicious or lead to unknown sites.
  • Be wary of counterfeits. Fraudsters can replace the official QR code on a poster or billboard with their own. Make sure the QR code is printed on the poster, not pasted over it.
  • If you receive a receipt with a QR code for payment, carefully check the payment details after scanning. Ensure they correspond to the organization you intend to pay.
  • A QR code reading application is usually installed on modern mobile devices. If you don't have it, download it only from trusted sources such as the AppStore, Google Play, or RuStore.

In any case, QR codes today represent a convenient modern tool that significantly simplifies data exchange and information sharing. For this reason, electronic business cards with QR codes are increasingly seen today.