Accessibility links

Facebook   X   LinkedIn   Email

The Quick and Dirty on QR Codes

December 14, 2024

QR codes, those little square mazes, are everywhere nowadays. From accessing restaurant menus to entering sweepstakes and registering new products, they’ve become a staple in modern convenience. However, like any technology, cybercriminals have found ways to exploit these codes, turning them into digital traps.

Here's how criminals might misuse QR codes:

  • Overlaying Real Codes: Scammers might place fake QR codes over legitimate ones on parking meters, menus, magazines, or other public places.
  • Phishing via Messages: They can send emails or text messages containing malicious QR codes, pretending to be from reputable businesses.
  • Credential Theft: Scammers might use QR codes to trick you into giving up login credentials or confirming personal information due to supposed "suspicious activity."
  • Embedded in Ads: QR codes can be embedded in ads on social media or elsewhere, leading unsuspecting users to malicious websites.

To protect yourself, follow these tips:

  • Verify the Source: Treat QR codes like email links or attachments. Only scan codes from trusted sources. Even if a friend sends a QR code, confirm its legitimacy since their device or account might be compromised.
  • Government Scams: Be skeptical of unsolicited QR codes claiming to be from government agencies. These institutions typically communicate via mail for official matters, not through QR codes.
  • Check for Tampering: Examine public QR codes closely for signs of tampering. Fake QR codes might be slightly misaligned, oddly placed, or differ in size compared to the original.
  • Scrutinize URLs: When a QR code directs you to a webpage, carefully check the URL for subtle misspellings or unusual characters, which are common in phishing attempts.
  • Avoid Urgent Scams: If a QR code prompts urgent action, it’s likely a scam. Government agencies won’t demand immediate payments through QR codes; they send official notices by mail.

Using the camera on your mobile device to scan QR codes is generally safe, as it avoids the need for potentially risky third-party scanning apps. However, if you must download an app, ensure it’s from a reputable source like the official app store for your device.

Finally, stay vigilant by keeping your device's software updated and using reliable antivirus solutions. This helps protect against potential malware from malicious QR codes.

By following these precautions, you can safely navigate the world of QR codes without falling prey to cybercriminals.


WhatsApp Worm Spreads To Other Apps, Malware Hides in .BMP Images

Scams & Phishing

WhatsApp Worm Spreads To Other Apps, Malware Hides in .BMP Images

It’s a cyber jungle out there. It’s a sort of “survival of the fittest” and those in-the-know can help keep themselves from becoming a casualty of these cybercrimes. An investigation by Malwarebytes found that cybercriminals are now circulating malware via bitmap (.bmp) images to add to the ever increasing list of file types that can no longer be trusted, such as .doc, .xls, and .exe. Now, even clicking that funny cat picture may leave our devices infested with dangerous worms, Trojans, and perhaps ransomware. READ FULL STORY
BOLO for These Most Dangerous Email Attachments

Scams & Phishing

BOLO for These Most Dangerous Email Attachments

Keeping a lookout for suspicious emails has become a daily consequence of our cyber lives. Phishing emails are notorious for having malicious attachments and opening them is a sure way to compromise your device and its data. These attachments are full of malware, ready and waiting to infect your system with a simple click. Make no mistake, any attachment in a questionable email can be dangerous. However, researchers at F-Secure found that some of this year’s biggest email spam campaigns used particular types of malicious attachments more than others. READ FULL STORY
Common Signs Of Phishing To Keep In Mind When Your Inbox Overflows

Scams & Phishing

Common Signs Of Phishing To Keep In Mind When Your Inbox Overflows

With email phishing, deciphering what’s real from what’s fake can be a challenge. Our inboxes are stuffed with emails fighting to get our attention and get us to take some action. But how to ferret-out what’s legitimate takes some cyber-smarts. Research shows email is the primary method of spreading 92% of all malware, and the U.S. is the target of 86% of all email phishing attacks. Whether at home or at work, email phishing is relentless, but being aware of characteristics they have in common can be a powerful tool. READ FULL STORY
Quishing Alert — QR Code Phishing Scams Spike 587%

Scams & Phishing

Quishing Alert — QR Code Phishing Scams Spike 587%

It’s the latest form of email phishing to hit the headlines. Researchers at Check Point find QR code phishing scams, called “Quishing” were up a whopping 587% in just two months. Quishing is a phishing attack using emails to send a malicious QR code. And now this credential-stealing scam has grown into epic proportions. In our growing desire for instant information, QR codes and Quishing present a uniquely tempting challenge. Here’s what you need to know to help avoid Quishing. READ FULL STORY
What's In Store For The Rest Of 2024 — Top Cybercrime Watchlist

Your Security

What's In Store For The Rest Of 2024 — Top Cybercrime Watchlist

With the new year now upon us, so too are the top cybercrimes we can expect to see more of this year...a lot more thanks to artificial intelligence and other advancing hacking tools. Below are some of the top risks facing us with cybercrime 2024 that is today. Some, such as phishing, are no surprise. However, even the old “standbys” for the cybercriminals are expected to be improved in the upcoming year. Read on for more of what you can expect this year. READ FULL STORY