Pittsburgh, PA, October 1, 2024 – AIM, the leading global industry association for the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) community, is pleased to announce the release of a new educational resource developed by its Technical Symbology Committee (TSC). The Best Practices to Avoid QR Code Phishing infographic provides essential insights into protecting individuals and organizations from malicious QR Code phishing, or “quishing,” attacks.
As QR Codes continue to rise in popularity for their convenience in accessing digital content, they are also becoming targets for cybercriminals. Maliciously encoded QR Codes can redirect unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites, lead to unauthorized downloads, or compromise sensitive information. The TSC’s one-pager offers clear, actionable steps to consider before QR Code usage.
Key Best Practices Discussed:
- Use a Trusted App: Download apps from official sources that offer security features like URL previews before redirection.
- Inspect the QR Code: Visually check for signs of tampering or alterations to the design;
- Verify the Source: Be cautious of QR Codes from unknown or unsolicited sources, especially those found in public spaces or received via email or text.
- Enable Security Features: Keep your mobile device’s security settings up to date and refrain from scanning codes that request personal or financial information.
Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital landscape: “As QR Codes become an integral part of our daily transactions, ensuring their secure usage is critical. This one-pager from the Technical Symbology Committee provides the industry with practical advice to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks and maintain trust in QR Code technology.”