QR Code

Quishing trends take off as smartphone users increasingly scammed by QR code scans

11/15/202311/14/2023 Stephanie Beck

A new report suggests that the number of attacks using quick response barcodes is up 587 percent. Quishing, that is, the practice of launching a cybersecurity attack by way of a QR code scan, is a trend that is rising much more rapidly than many smartphone users realize, placing them at risk of falling victim to one of these scams. According to a recent report, the rise in instances from August to September 2023 alone was a staggering 587 percent. Researchers from Check Point’s Harmony Email team observed thousands of…

QR code payment tests in Singapore make transactions easier for merchants

11/08/202311/07/2023 John Montgallo

QR code - Merchant mobile payments - Singapore Flag

A new system in the country uses one operator to accept 23 different payment methods. Merchants in Singapore will soon be able to use a single QR code to be able to accept nearly two dozen different digital payment methods in a trial starting this week through the central bank. Stores have been promised that the new system will reduce hassle for them and for their customers. With a rapidly growing number of apps and mobile wallets, merchants are finding it difficult – or even impossible – to accept them…

QR codes linked with 22 percent of phishing attacks

10/24/202310/24/2023 Sam Lambert

QR Codes - Phishing scam - digital security

New Hoxhunt data suggests that quick response barcodes are increasingly used in these attacks. QR codes are increasingly finding their way into use in phishing attacks, says data from the human risk management platform Hoxhunt, which spotted the barcodes in 22 percent of attacks of this nature on its client network during the first part of this month. The data was based on the results of the first weeks of October 2023 from a pool of almost 600,000 employees. Hoxhunt conducted a study on attacks made against almost 600,000 employees…

Tucson combines QR codes and augmented reality for cultural historical tour

10/19/202310/18/2023 L. Green

The city is using the technology to provide entertaining information about its local history. A new Tucson community-curated exhibition is using QR codes and augmented reality to provide mobile device users with a fascinating and diverse cultural history experience. The experiences are available at a number of different locations throughout the city. Among the locations where the QR codes are located to scan and gain access to the augmented reality features include the Arizona State Museum on the campus of the University of Arizona, the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall at…

QR code on Bayer OTC packaging to add accessibility for patients with blindness

10/18/202310/17/2023 John Montgallo

The pharmaceutical company has updated its over-the-counter product packaging in the United Kingdom. German pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Bayer has announced that it is adding a QR code to the packaging of its over-the-counter (OTC) products in the United Kingdom to improve accessibility for patients who are blind or partially sighted. The barcodes have already been added to Canescool Soothing Gel Cream brand packaging. According to Bayer Consumer Health UK, that women’s health product is used for calming intimate area irritation and is the first product that will have the…