QR Code Press

QR code fraud warning issued by Belgian federal police

01/22/202001/21/2020 Sam Lambert

Consumers across the country are being warned about online scams using quick response codes. Federal police in Belgium have issued a new QR code fraud warning. It cautions smartphone and mobile device users about scams using quick response codes. Quick response codes have become central to certain types of scams allowing scammers to steal money. The QR code fraud warning was issued to everyone. That said, it was primarily meant to target anyone buying products or services online. For instance, those shopping in second-hand markets online were considered to be…

Pre-installed malware discovered on US government-funded phones

01/15/202001/14/2020 L. Green

Pre-installed malware - Security protection for mobile phones

The UMX U686CL is a low-cost mobile phone with unwanted and un-removable surprises. One of the low-cost smartphones available through the U.S. government’s “Lifeline Assistance” service comes with pre-installed malware built right in. The phones are provided to users of the FCC-operated program when they can’t otherwise afford them. The Lifeline Assistance program helps low-income households offering, among other things, smartphones at a lower cost for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford these devices at full price. The program is meant to be helpful for these families, providing…

ToTok messaging app is very popular and also an Emirati spy tool

12/27/201912/23/2019 Jesse Collins

ToTok messaging app - person using messaging app on cell phone

The mobile application has been downloaded into millions of phones since it launched. The ToTok messaging app has become known as a simple and secure tool to communicate with friends and family by text and video. It is popular even in the United Arab Emirates, where other popular applications in that category – such as Skype and WhatsApp – have been banned. American officials recently identified this application as a spy tool for the UAE. According to an investigation in the New York Times which included American officials familiar with…

Mobile commerce security breaches could prove highly problematic this holiday season

12/18/201912/18/2019 Sam Lambert

Mobile commerce security - Woman on Phone

A new study shows that careless using smartphones combined with large retailer hacks may be difficult. A new survey of over 1,000 Americans showed that mobile commerce security issues such as breaches may end this holiday season on a rough note for many shoppers. Hacks to large retailer databases and carelessness among phone users could be a brutal combination. The research was conducted by First Orion and showed that the security breaches afflicting retailers to an increasing degree are posing a rising risk for consumers. Moreover, this, combined with the…

QR code spam threat rises as most device users remain fully unaware

12/02/201912/01/2019 John Montgallo

New research shows that 74 percent of internet users have no idea of the risks from quick response codes. Seventy four percent of internet users have absolutely no idea that QR code spam exists, according to a G.M.X. commissioned survey. This lack of awareness has occurred despite the fact that the problem is becoming worse. Security experts from G.M.X., a European email provider, has detected a stark rise in the amount of QR code spam. The survey was commissioned in order to better understand whether or not device users understand…