The use of QR codes has experienced a significant rise amidst the coronavirus pandemic, providing convenience in a world where contactless transactions are now preferred or even required. However, this surge in QR code usage has also attracted the attention of malicious actors who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of this mobile technology. Organizations must remain vigilant and take necessary security measures to combat this emerging threat.
According to the QRurb Your Enthusiasm 2021 report by Ivanti, a leading endpoint management and security provider, global QR code usage and use cases have increased. Many individuals have utilized QR codes for various transactions, including financial ones. However, the concerning aspect is that a large portion of these users are unaware of the risks associated with scanning QR codes. Only 47% of respondents knew that scanning a QR code could open a URL, and merely 37% were aware that it could download an application. This lack of awareness puts both consumers and enterprises at risk.
The convenience and ease of QR codes have led to their broad adoption across various establishments such as retail stores, restaurants, and bars. Many individuals also envision QR codes being used as a payment method in the future. However, the report highlights that people are increasingly using their personal, unsecured devices to interact with cloud-based applications and services, as well as utilizing them for scanning QR codes for everyday tasks. These actions expose both themselves and enterprise resources to potential threats.
Exploiting the security gaps present during the pandemic, attackers are targeting mobile devices with sophisticated attacks. Users often get easily distracted when using their mobile devices, making them more susceptible to falling victim to such attacks. Attackers can embed malicious URLs into QR codes, which, when scanned, can exfiltrate data from the user’s mobile device. Furthermore, they can also direct users to phishing sites through QR codes, tricking them into revealing their credentials.
The simplicity and effectiveness of QR code exploitation raise serious concerns. Alex Mosher, the global vice president at MobileIron, explains that QR codes, by nature, are not easily readable by humans. This makes it simple for attackers to change the destination of a QR code without being detected, redirecting users to alternate resources. A significant portion of the survey respondents (nearly three-quarters) admitted their inability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious QR codes. While they may be aware of QR codes opening URLs, they often lack knowledge about the other actions QR codes can initiate.
Both individuals and businesses face potential threats from mobile device attacks. Mosher emphasizes that a successful attack on an employee’s personal mobile device could result in the compromise of their personal information, depletion of financial resources, and even the leakage of sensitive corporate data.
The element of surprise when it comes to QR code security threats intensifies the problem for unsuspecting users. QR codes can initiate various actions on a user’s device, such as opening a website, adding a contact, or composing an email. However, users often have no idea what will occur after scanning the code, as they are unable to view the URL before clicking. This lack of transparency increases the risk of falling victim to an attack.
In conclusion, while the increased usage of QR codes presents numerous benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency, it also exposes users to potential security risks. Organizations must prioritize QR code security and ensure that both employees and consumers are educated about the risks associated with scanning QR codes. Implementing robust security measures and promoting awareness will be crucial in safeguarding individuals’ personal information, financial resources, and enterprise data from the growing threats posed by malicious actors exploiting QR codes.