95% of US consumers are familiar with scanning QR codes. Globally, roughly 1 in 3 humans have recently used one. These codes are everywhere: on signs, brochures, print ads, TV screens, and consumer goods, including groceries.
And you simply trust that QR code is taking you to the online destination you want to go to, to make the purchase you want to make, to learn more about something, etc.
It's almost too easy. Point your phone camera at the code, it prompts you to go to a website URL, and your browser opens.
Criminals depend on that trust.
QR codes are being positioned to replace the UPCs and barcodes the have been on consumer products for decades. What are the risks?
As a consumer, what can you do to keep yourself safe from unsafe QR codes?
Everywhere your business uses QR codes, there are risks. Just like employees possibly clicking on emailed links that lead to malware and data breaches, they can scan a QR code that directs them to similar bad players.
If you are using QR codes to track if a product is authentic and/or came from an authentic source, you have a poteinially serious security gap.