[techtalk] MOBILE – QR Code Safety Precautions

Wed Jan 24 12:26:20 PST 2024

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Don’t Get Duped with a QR Code

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[pup in snow]<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GQ8p9yOBou-nFIfpv7dyyphH0-8Rhy0Bzmee5woZMw-6KKktrylE8K5HU8oXVI0LFn5qeOxkfzzWgVtkZrxK1llvG8K2QFOQW_xdvbfW3N5oZQwpUsSIfBK6RplElf01Zb6rVlL_FTWpsSNdnE06c_K_jvR8Q-2K37Y4L07BkHvdSzWd2e3dhnkBhl6cLThf&c=vwbDicJRtuRRjNAPeFqz9E9kqrzMEUn3pkyRUsWcg7FZKCRQYnMlpA==&ch=kO-k3N9buqxFAho87f1EzxbzEoenlmzOpNuNAoWAyNBRy4dBe0N4uA==>

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MOBILE – QR Code Safety Precautions

Intermediate

[QR code scam]

My sister lives in a city where you pay for public parking by scanning a QR code posted on a sign in the lot.

One day she noticed a social media post from local law enforcement warning residents that scammers had taped a "fake" picture of a QR code over the real one on several signs. The phony one led people to a different site (that appeared legitimate) to pay a parking fee. Unfortunately, before the scam was discovered, many people input their credit card info into this fraudulent site.

This is just one example of a QR code scam; there are many. Now, while most QR codes are safe, they can also be a tool for scammers to redirect you to an unsafe website, inject your device with malware or capture your sensitive data. There are actual terms for this called QRJacking or Quishing (like phishing).

Before we dive into how you can be careful with QR codes, let's step back, in case you are unfamiliar (or may need a refresher) on what this technology is and can do.

What is a QR Code and What are They Used For?

[scan QR code]

By now, almost everyone has seen the funny-looking black and white square that kind of looks like a bar code on a poster, a billboard, or in a restaurant… these are called Quick Response Codes (QR codes). They are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a matrix of black squares.

[QR code]

1) When you aim your smartphone's camera on the quick response image, the "data matrix" of pixels is translated into text and/or numbers.

2) The camera focuses on the QR code (but don't take a "picture" of it). It will turn the QR code into information. For instance, it may display a hyperlink (URL) as in the image to the right.

3) When you tap the link (not the QR code), it leads you to a website. NOTE: If you have an older device and use a QR reader app, it may instantly take you to a website as soon as you focus on the QR code and not give you the URL or a chance to tap.

Most mobile devices now have a QR code reader built right into the camera, so an additional app is unnecessary.

TIP: We have a full article on how to use and create QR codes here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GQ8p9yOBou-nFIfpv7dyyphH0-8Rhy0Bzmee5woZMw-6KKktrylE8K5HU8oXVI0Lh7GHdLEtg_HkNTS_uZBadbJ2vnEqrk6WFc55jwvrkbdJXe7HoLL8jxv1GNSFOt36MtlaFVFIgDXh3uDq3QTetCivoE68rR5FOj-PpXBxKS_Mp1ooWWrWFaGf4Nox6kh-&c=vwbDicJRtuRRjNAPeFqz9E9kqrzMEUn3pkyRUsWcg7FZKCRQYnMlpA==&ch=kO-k3N9buqxFAho87f1EzxbzEoenlmzOpNuNAoWAyNBRy4dBe0N4uA==>.

Because QR codes are easy to make and people have become smarter about their uses, you'll see them everywhere printed on such things as:

·    Flyers/event notifications
·    Brochures/marketing pieces
·    Restaurant tables so that it opens up a Menu
·    Business cards
·    Virtually anything you can print on – Shirts, hats, signs, billboards, etc.

QR codes have become a handy marketing tool since a majority of people have a mobile device in their possession. However, you can NOT tell with your naked eye if a QR code is safe, so let's look at some guidelines that can help you feel more at ease when using these helpful codes.

What Should You Look for to See if a QR Code is Safe?

Before scanning a QR code, pause and take a minute to…

[scan code]
·    Preview the URL on your device before tapping on it to be taken to a website page (IF you have that option). If it does not look legitimate, don't continue.

·    Avoid making a payment through a QR code. Ask for an alternative payment option.

·    Look for signs of tampering. If the sign, paper or other printed medium appears as if it has been manipulated (a new QR code covering an old one), steer clear.

·    Verify with the organization (like in a store or restaurant) that the code is authentic.

·    Be cautious of QR codes in printed mail or unsolicited email. There's no reason not to have a website domain spelled out for you to view in these instances.

·    Beware of phony QR code Apps that you can download claiming to help safely read QR codes as they can also be a scam.

·    Keep your device's operating system up to date to help protect your smartphone from hackers.

[mobile phone security]

NOTE: QR code readers have been built into mobile device cameras since about 2017 (iOS 10 and Android 8 platforms).

If your phone is older and the camera does not detect a QR code, instead of using a QR reader app, consider adding a Security app with a reader. These apps are available through Avast Mobile Security, Kaspersky or McAfee. They are safer.

Do You Create QR Codes for Marketing Pieces?

Here's what to do if you are the one creating flyers and signs with QR codes.

Since these graphic squares are just a "shortcut" to a link, you'll also want to:

·    ADD the full website address in text (and/or your phone number) to your document ... so that people have alternative options to contact you if needed. It also makes it feel more legitimate.

·    DON'T use a URL shortener with a QR code. These only mask your full (legitimate) website link.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/f8f1ecc8-4884-4c21-8ed0-cf647e6db944.png]

Communication: 12 Power Words

#1: "What makes you say that?"

When someone says something to you, very often replying with, "What makes you say that?" ... before you start to give an answer or make a comment ... it can result in a whole new understanding of what your colleague had in mind.

If it's a contentious situation, asking, "What makes you say that?" can add some clarity or it can bring to the surface the underlying issue.

If it's a suggestion made in a project discussion, asking, "What makes you say that?" may reveal a concern or an alternative perspective.

If it's a situation where you've just received a compliment, asking, "What makes you say that?" will result in your hearing something you did not expect ... and which will make the nice comment even more meaningful.

The Secret to Getting a Great Response

OK, just rebounding with, "What makes you say that?" has a certain art to it so that you don't come across as challenging or difficult.

The secret is to acknowledge the person's statement first in a non-committal way. That way they know you heard them and are ready to listen.

For example, when someone says something, you reply with...
·    "OK ... what makes you say that?"
·    "Yes ... what makes you say that?"
·    "Interesting ... what makes you say that?"
·    "Hmm ... what makes you say that?"

And second, say in a light-hearted, oh-by-the-way-manner, "What makes you say that?"

Try using this technique just for fun to see what happens. Maybe challenge yourself to use it three times in one day. That ought to plant the idea firmly in your communications resource bucket!

* * *

NOTE: This is the first of a 12-part series to reintroduce these very powerful words and phrases ... all of which will transform your communication skills ... at work and at home.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted

State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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