Is Scanning Random QR Codes Dangerous?

You see QR codes all over the place. They're used to check into places, browse restaurant menus, and to quickly share URLs and various other pieces of data between one another. But maybe you've also questioned whether scanning a QR code can be dangerous?

Is it going to infect my device or computer with malware? Will it steal my data? Or even brick my device?

While QR codes can contain instructions on how your device should handle it, it's just text that's stored inside an encoded image, nothing more. It cannot do anything malicious on its own.

What's the risk of scanning random QR codes?

If you scan a QR code that contains a URL, then you're open to whatever tricks are employed on the web. Maybe your device will allow you to confirm the URL before it opens your browser to that page, or worse, it does this automatically without confirmation.

This isn't strictly an issue with QR codes. But you should employ the same scrutiny you would give any URL you're asked to open. A QR code simply makes it easier to mask a URLs true location.

What can I do to stay safe?

Make sure to verify the URL of a QR code. Most hacks don't come from having malware on your device, it comes from phishing where a hacker attempts to deceive you into thinking they're trustworthy.

Never scan a QR Code you don't trust

First of all, ask this: Do I have a reason to scan the QR code? If you don't, then there's no reason to risk it. Don't scan it.

Are you in a restaurant and there's a QR code that takes you to their online menu? There's a high chance it's safe but be mindful of any data you input into the site.

• Don't scan a QR code unless you have a reason to.
• Check the URL for typos and that the website is using https.
• Question why it's asking you to enter specific pieces of information.
• Never share details your bank asks you NOT to share. (One time passcodes, etc.)
• Re-enter the URL of a website manually if you have doubts about it being legit.

Conclusion

In all likelihood, a random QR code you come across isn't dangerous. But you should be mindful that QR codes are just another method of sharing URLs. Give anything you scan the same scrutiny as a URL you just opened.

And most of all, if you have no reason to scan a QR code, just don't do it.