QR codes, (Quick Response codes) have become increasingly popular for accessing information with a simple scan.
Despite the convenience, QR codes pose a significant danger to mobile phone users in compromising cyber security seriously and criminals are especially active in the QR space.
QR codes can spread malware. Cybercriminals create a QR code that, when scanned, downloads malicious software onto the user's phone. This malware can then steal sensitive information from the user, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Phone users are less security conscious fact, as they wrongly believe Samsung and Apple are taking care of them.
Cybercriminals create QR codes that look like they lead to legitimate websites but redirect users to fake websites to steal their details. Users may unwittingly enter their account information into a fake website, giving cybercriminals access to their funds.
QR codes that lead to fake login pages, where users enter their usernames and passwords. This information can then access the user's accounts. Phishing attacks are especially effective on mobile phones, as users are often more likely to be distracted and not likely to notice that they have been targeted.
QR codes can track users' movements and activities. Cybercriminals then track the user's location and other personal details and immediately sell on the dark web within hours. Cybercrime
Criminal contractors steal personal information and use it within 24 hours to get the best results. They target mobile phone users who are often unaware they were hacked or breached. Neil Sinclair, formerly of GCHQ, "Information like this is sold a 100 times online in Excel CSV files before becoming worthless"
The average mobile does not have the same level of protection that a properly secured organisation will have. Most of us will use a mobile phone to scan a QR code. We assume the linked page or App to be secure, which is a huge assumption. Remembering human error is the No.1 cause of breach, hacking. QR code offering free Taylor Swift tickets will attract a lot of traffic.
Mobile phone users should exercise caution when scanning codes. They should only scan codes from sources they trust, such as reputable businesses and organisations. They should also be wary of codes that seem too good to be true. QR codes promising free prizes or discounts. Keep mobile phone anti-virus software up-to-date to stop malware attacks.
Another danger of QR codes is that they can direct users to fake websites. Cybercriminals can create QR codes that look like they lead to legitimate websites but redirect users to fake websites that steal their information, which is especially dangerous for banking and financial websites. Users may unwittingly enter their account information into a fake website, giving cybercriminals access to their funds.
QR codes enable phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can create QR codes that lead to fake login pages, where users may enter their usernames and passwords. This information is used to gain access to the user's accounts. Phishing attacks are extra dangerous on mobile phones, as users are often more likely to be distracted and less likely to notice that they are being targeted.
QR codes can track users' movements and personal data. Cybercriminals create them to gather information and sell it to advertisers or third parties. Be careful when scanning QR codes from unknown sources.
Be careful when scanning QR codes on your phone to avoid cyber threats like malware and phishing. Think twice before scanning.
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