we continually see new attack techniques used by hackers. They can use scams of all kinds to steal passwords, sneak in malware, or take control of devices. This forces us to always take security measures into account to prevent problems. In this article we are going to talk about a technique that is very popular. They take advantage of something we do constantly, and more and more, to achieve their goal.
It’s about using QR codes malicious to sneak in malware. They can be simply Spam, to take you to a page you don’t expect, but they could even be used by cybercriminals to steal all kinds of information, passwords, and get you into a lot of trouble if you make the mistake of accessing.
QR code scams on the rise
A QR code allows you to scan it with your mobile and go to a web page. you can see it in many restaurants and bars. Surely you have used it more than once. You want to see the menu in a restaurant and you simply scan this code. But beware, this can be a problem if that QR has been maliciously modified.
In recent years, the use of this technology has increased considerably. We can see QR codes everywhere, such as tourist places for get information of a monument, information on bus or train schedules, pages to make purchases or simply to access social networks.
The vast majority of these QR codes that you are going to find are harmless. Let’s go back to the example of a restaurant or a bar: you simply scan it and see the menu. But of course, hackers know that there are more and more people who trust this technology and that makes them forge those codes to steal passwords or personal data. That is where the problem begins and therefore it is convenient to be protected.
How to avoid problems
So what can we do to prevent QR code attacks? Something essential is to always keep the common sense. Avoid making mistakes, such as entering such a code without really knowing if it is reliable. Avoid accessing through anyone you see on the street, for example, stuck to a lamppost.
you should never log in through a QR. If you are in a restaurant or bar and you see that they ask you to log in to your Google account, for example, be wary. You should not send personal data, or put passwords by these means. You don’t really know who might be behind it and how it’s going to affect you. Reduce the risk, it is in your hand.
neither should you download files through a QR, unless you know for sure that it is something reliable. It could be a PDF file or document that will compromise your security. They could be sneaking a virus into you without you realizing it and taking full control of your mobile.
As you can see, QR codes could become a major security problem. It is essential that you always maintain common sense, avoid making mistakes and do not download files that could be a fraud. You can always spot fake websites.
