QR codes are everywhere, and with their growing popularity come new security questions. Can they really be dangerous? The short answer: yes, but the risks are avoidable.
Real Risks
QRishing (QR Code Phishing)
Malicious actors create QR codes that redirect to:
- Fake login pages (bank, email, social networks)
- Forms that collect personal data
- Sites imitating well-known brands
QR Code Overlays
A simple but effective technique: sticking a malicious QR code over a legitimate one. This is common on:
- Payment terminals (parking, transport)
- Advertising posters
- Restaurant menus
Unwanted Downloads
A QR code can theoretically trigger:
- An app download
- Adding a contact or event
- Sending an SMS or email
Protecting Yourself as a User
- Preview the URL: Most devices show the address before opening it
- Check the domain: my-bank.com ≠ my-bank.secure-login.xyz
- Be wary of stickers: A QR code stuck on top of another is suspicious
- Use the native app: Your phone’s camera is enough
- Never enter sensitive information after an unsolicited scan
Creating Safe QR Codes for Your Customers
Best Practices
- HTTPS only: Never redirect to a non-secure URL
- Brand your QR codes: Recognizable logo and colors
- Provide context: Clearly indicate where the scan leads
- Physical protection: Integrate the QR code into the support (not just a sticker)
- Monitor: Use analytics to detect abnormal behavior
The Sqanity Commitment
At Sqanity, security is at the heart of our infrastructure:
- All redirects use HTTPS
- Our servers are hosted in Europe (GDPR compliant)
- 24/7 monitoring to detect abuse
- Ability to instantly deactivate a compromised QR code
Create secure QR codes with Sqanity — your users' trust is our priority.