QR code scams grow as 73% Americans, scan without investigation

So far, many of us have used the QR code as a way of reaching the menu, checking places and paying. But now, these convenient and contactless methods have become an easy goal for cyber criminal. “Quicing” attacks have recently booured, a form of fishing that uses QR code instead of traditional methods such as email, text messages and phone calls.

Quishing is proving effective, unknowingly opening malicious websites with millions. In fact, 73% of the US source accepts to scan the QR code without checking when valid. As experts have warned, this growing trend can risk people’s personal information and money.

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The rise of quizing is related to

NordVPN’s security researchers report that the fake QR code has tricked over 26 million people to visit malicious websites. These codes also hide in plain vision. In one case, they were trapped at the top of the payment portals, who used to send any individuals to sites to steal their personal and financial data (eg, password and credit card information). Some also installed malware on people’s phones.

Even government agencies have taken notice. The FTC had warned the public earlier this year that cyber criminals are now attaching harmful QR code and sending them to people. The Transport Department of New York City issued a warning about the fake QR code seen on the parking meter of all places. Even in Hawaii Electric, as he saw that scammers are using the QR code to steal payments.

This strategy mirrors the ATM skimmer scam, where criminals are keypads designed to log on to ATMs to steal card information. But with the QR code, it is difficult to tamper and it is easy to apply.

QR codes are quickly becoming the biggest security risk

The basic purpose of the QR code was to track auto parts, so it was not part of the plan to make them safe. Their comprehensive use has today made them unmistakable for scammers. Unlike traditional fishing methods, they make their destination easier for cyber criminals, until the scan is done, a significant layer of user probes is removed.

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Hackers are taking advantage of this ambiguity to deploy remote access trozons (mice) and infiltrate individual devices including military networks. According to Cyber Safety Labs, a cyber security company specialized in AI-operated fishing simulation and human risk management, now more than 26% of malicious links come through the QR code. Soon, Quishing will beat traditional fishing.

How to protect yourself from quishing

If you scan the QR code regularly, you can panic. But it’s not so, because there is only one Tricks to avoid fishing scam Can also work here.

1) Verify the source before scanning

Consider and consider the origin of each QR code before taking out your phone. People who scan the code found on public signage, restaurant tables, packages, or payment terminals flourish without questioning their authenticity. Cyber criminals often cover malicious QR code with malicious people who redirect users on fake websites, which meant personal and financial information stealing. Always ask yourself: Do I trust this place or person who has provided this QR code? If there is doubt, do not scan.

2) Use personal data removal services

Consider using an iconic personal data removal service. These services scan the web regularly for your personal details (such as addresses, phone numbers and emails), removing them from the public database and where cyber criminals can collect information to personalize their Quality Lur.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the Internet, if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a long period, a removal service is very good.

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3) Assess the Physical QR Code

Observe the placement of QR code. Sophisticated scammers physically overlay overlay overlays on valid indications to fake QR code, especially on payment kiosks, parking meters and package labels. If the QR code appears with tampering or a sticker is poorly placed on another code, avoid scanning it, as it is a common quizing strategy to redirect you to a malicious site.

4) Check the web link before proceeding

After scanning any QR code, double-check the URL before clicking. One of the dangers of coining is that the QR code obscured its destination until the code is scanned. If the web address looks suspicious, incorrect, unusually tall, or full of random characters, then close the browser immediately. Enter sensitive details like password or credit card information on the site, which you were not expecting to travel.

5) Use strong antivirus software

Install strong antivirus software in all your devices. Find a solution that provides real -time security, regular updated danger databases and built -in web security. These devices can help in detecting malicious material hidden in the QR code and blocking dangerous websites that can open automatically after scanning. Since QR code is used by cyber criminals to spread malware such as remote access trozons (mice), it is necessary to have strong antivirus software in the place. To be fully preserved, make sure the software is set to update automatically and scan regularly.

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6) Enable two-factor authentication (2fa)

Even if the attacker capture your credentials through a fake QR code, Two-factor authentication Makes an additional barrier. Always activate 2FA on your accounts, especially for email, banking and other sensitive services. This fails many of the most harmful consequences of fishing, including the QR code scan.

7) Access the websites directly instead of scanning the QR code

Whenever possible, navigate on websites manually instead of using the QR code, especially for payment, reservation or account access. Searching for an event, restaurant, or service online reduces the possibility of a malicious redirect or cheating site.

8) Update the device operating system and apps

Often update your phone’s operating system and apps. Criminals often take advantage of software weaknesses, and manufacturers regularly release safety patches. Up-to-date device The malicious QR codes have less susceptible to malware installed through the code.

9) Report suspicious activity

If you face that you consider a fraudulent QR code or suffer for a quinta effort, report it immediately to the organization and your local authorities or consumer protection agency. Your report helps others avoid similar attacks and keeps organizations alert to develop scam strategy.

By applying these steps, you make it quite difficult to use the QR code as an entrance to your personal or financial information for cyber criminals. In a world where 73% of the 73% of the American source scan the QR code without investigating, caution increased caution is your first and best line, which is the best line of defense against the Quicing Surge.

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Kurt’s major takeaways

The QR code is super convenient, but the risk they have brought are impossible to ignore. And you can rely on scammers as time is becoming more creative with the passage of time. This does not mean that you have to stop using the QR code completely, it means to be informed and cautious, because QR code is not going anywhere soon.

Will you avoid the QR code from now on, or will you be additional alert to move forward? Write us and tell us Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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