Quick Response (QR) Codes Threat Vector
Quick Response (QR) codes have dramatically redefined the way people use marketing and sales communications. With the quick approval of the QR code, consumers no longer need to enter a resource link. QR Codes can now be featured on menus, walls, flyers or billboards, capable of supporting 7089 letters and measuring 0.8 inches by 0.8 inches, which consumers can scan digitized presentation of its supposed content, directing their browser to the endpoint.QR codes make everything faster and more convenient. Marketing associates can now take consumers to whatever content they want to communicate with with a single scan and click. Providing such a direct consumption vector would encourage malicious actors to take advantage of it. When considering the “CIA Trilogy”, with such a drastic increase in availability, QR codes give way when it comes to integrity.
In 1995, the Japanese began to implement QR codes in daily business activities (Brindha and Gopikaarani, 2014).Since then, QR code technology has evolved tremendously, devouring the entire marketing strategy and how the average user interacts with digital content. From the simple beginnings of inventory tracking mainly auto parts to present day, to advertising cryptocurrency exchanges during Super Bowl LVI (56), applications of QR code technology is developing rapidly. QR code technology has effectively transformed the average consumer’s mobile device into a scannable content delivery system. Now, an ordinary user with a mobile phone can access the equipment that was once required exclusively for the factory. Modern software packages for Android, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and more.devices that have openly embraced the technology. Using the device’s camera, the client can use everything on that server.
As with many technological advancements, QR codes are responsible for a new threat vector that security-conscious professionals and practitioners must now mitigate. Drive-by infection is now as easy as scanning the wrong QR code from a malicious attacker. Through the use of QR codes, an attacker can send and play content to and from a user’s mobile device.Consider scanning the QR code on the t-shirt; It sounds innocuous, but you’ll see a link showing
t-shirts with purchase data entered. You get your order in the mail, and everything is great. It is the simplicity of the interaction vector that gives malicious actors an unmistakable angle of attack.