Random QR codes placed on the street, when scanned, can activate background downloading of virus software on the smartphone as well as initiate other malicious activities. Sergei Bodrov, head of the Roskachestvo Center for Digital Expertise, told socialbites.ca.
“QR codes can be used to install software, identify locations, and even create calendar events where social engineering content will be published to encourage victims to take action (such as clicking a link). Therefore, scanning labels in every corner just out of curiosity is a potentially dangerous idea,” Bodrov said.
The expert emphasized that the main danger of random QR codes is that their content cannot be checked without scanning. Therefore, indirect signals need to be analyzed for security purposes.
“If you are at the checkout in a store or exhibition and see a small black square next to a product or display, everything is clear. But if the QR code is located on a wall in a public place or hidden in a secluded corner on the street, it is better not to take risks and not point the camera for scanning,” Bodrov explained.
Also, according to him, downloading third-party apps to scan QR codes on smartphones is strictly not recommended, as they often contain malicious functions. Most modern smartphones come with a built-in scanner by default, and phone cameras can scan both barcodes and QR codes.
Previously on RuNet to create The DDoS attack lasted almost two years.