QR Codes Could Contain Malware

QR codes have been around a while, but suddenly seem to be popping up everywhere. Posters. Magazines. Yesterday I found a sticker on my banana for the new Chipmunk movie – Chipwrecked. With a QR code on it. On my banana.

So what are QR codes? QR stands for “Quick Response”. They are square black codes that put a lot of information into a teeny, tiny space – maybe for a coupon, or to advertise a new product. To access that information, you need to download a barcode reader to your smartphone. When you start the app, it also starts your camera. Snap the code and you are taken to a link where you can access all that information, and even share it with others through email or text. Quick, easy, and fun to use, and they are gaining popularity.

Of course, it didn’t take hackers much time to catch on to QR codes either…and more and more, we’re hearing about codes being tampered with and leading consumers to false sites…where all sorts of malware yuckies can exist.

This doesn’t have to spoil all the fun of QR codes however. Here are few tips to keep in mind before you click on that code:

Be aware. Just as you are careful with your computer – be careful with your smartphone as well. Just realizing the potential danger can help you be more alert and prone to see odd, tampered with links. Keep up with technology news to make sure you have the latest information on potential threats to your computer and smartphone.

Review before you click. If you are about to click on a movie poster QR code and the code looks tampered with – don’t click. Make sure your barcode reader shows you the link it is about to take you to, so you can decide if it looks suspect. As always – when in doubt, the best advice is to not click on something.

Want to learn more about QR codes? Read How to Use QR Codes.

Do you click on QR codes? Are you concerned about malware?