A recent study revealed the dangers of QR codes without properly verifying them as 72% of people are at risk of being scammed with the scanning as their phones could be infected by viruses.
The study reported by Metro UK noted that only 16% of people are aware of such risks.
If a QR code is placed on a wall, it does not mean it cannot cause any damage. A cyber security expert revealed why it is a bad idea to scan the stickers on walls.
Adrianus Warmenhoven from NordVPN was quoted as saying: “People could scan a dodgy QR code and have their phone infected without even realising it.”
If the phone is infected, it would appear after months and people would not be able to trace the cause with a QR code that they carelessly scanned.
By opening websites via QR codes can also bring problems and allow cybercriminals to attack your device.
Adrianus stated: “A QR code in a restaurant is probably just going to take you to the menu, but a criminal could easily print their code on a sticker and cover up the original, or leave a printed card on tables.”
It’s really cheap, he said, adding that “I can create my own QR code stickers which have the exact format, and can put my own URL in.”
He suggested to verify the URL before opening a QR code link.
He said: “It’s not to panic people never to use a QR code. It’s more like, be aware and just treat them as you would any other link.”
