you need to know about QR code security

Scanning a QR code does not allow it to steal your data, track your movements, or gain access to your device. The only data QR codes can log themselves is the location of the scan, how many times a QR code has been scanned, and the type of device doing the scanning. 

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QR codes are one-way delivery systems that give a device a simple instruction like “go to this webpage” or “open this app”. 

1. The uses for QR codes are vast

The most important thing to know about QR codes is how far-reaching they are. You might not realise just how many uses QR codes have in our day-to-day lives.

COVID-19 precautions

Governments and businesses alike collaborated to limit the spread of COVID-19. Using massive databases managed by technology like API SAP, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing could be utilised on a massive scale. 

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Those databases needed a touchpoint, which is where QR codes really got to shine. 

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Whenever possible, people were asked to scan QR codes at restaurants, coffee shops, and healthcare establishments. That data was logged, and if an outbreak of COVID-19 happened at a location, that person could be informed and asked to self-isolate. 

Business cards

Adding QR codes to your printed business cards gives potential clients a quick and easy way to get to know you better. You can link the QR code to a landing page, social media account, video, or your email to facilitate engagement.

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You can also eliminate the need for physical business cards entirely by using digital QR code business cards. These allow potential clients to scan the QR code on your smart device instead, which cuts down on environmental waste. 

Tickets

Tickets for concerts, sporting events, and travel can use QR codes to enhance security and lower queuing times. 

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A QR code ticket can be quickly scanned and verified as legitimate, avoiding the hassle of someone having to check each and every ticket against a person’s details. This avoids human error, as well as deterring forgeries. 

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Since they can be delivered straight to your device, QR codes can also be entirely digital, cutting down on environmental waste.

Booking 

Establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and even healthcare services can use QR codes to facilitate bookings.

Image sourced from Pexels

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Displaying a QR code in a window or on an advertisement offers customers a quick and easy way to make reservations. Instead of having to find a phone number, call a place, and speak to someone, customers can scan the QR code and be taken straight to that business’ booking page. 

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And like digital tickets, QR codes can also be used by businesses to verify those reservations.

Scan to pay

New technology strives to make our lives easier, and how we pay for things is a prime example of that.  

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Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many stores used QR codes to facilitate payment. Since the pandemic, that process has only gotten more efficient and widespread. Businesses can display QR codes that take customers to secure payment pages to make their purchases–including food and drink establishments, car parks, petrol stations, toll booths, and many more. 

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Payment companies like PayPal even allow you to scan QR codes from within their app, offering instant payment. 

Marketing

Adding a QR code to your advertising campaign is a great way to get people engaged with your content. Seeing a QR code on a poster or in a digital ad encourages people to scan, and you can link them to your website, app, social media account, or video content.