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QR codes are almost everywhere, but how do they actually work? We explain how they work and how you can use QR codes safely.
How does a QR code work?
In contrast to the well-known barcode, the QR code is two-dimensional and can therefore hold more information. With the app “QR Droid Code Scanner” for Android or “QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner” for iOS, you can create and read the codes. You can encode with it for example:
- Address book contacts
- Appointments from your calendar
- the URL of a web page
- texts
- Pictures
- Audio files
- Video files
- Timetable information
- digital business cards
- geodata
Security of a QR code
While QR codes are undoubtedly useful, it is also important to consider their security aspects.
- Be careful when scanning unknown QR codes: Care should be taken when scanning a QR code, especially if the code is from an unknown source. A QR code may contain an encrypted URL that can lead to a malicious website. Users should therefore ensure that they obtain the code from a trusted source, or at least check it before scanning.
- Verify the content of the QR code: Before opening or viewing the content of a QR code, make sure you understand and trust the content. A QR code can be used in a number of ways to spread malware, viruses or fraudulent content. It is important to look out for suspicious prompts or unwanted links and carefully check the content of the QR code before opening it.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: QR codes can store various types of information, including personal data such as contact information, email addresses or even passwords. For security reasons, it is important not to store or share sensitive information unprotected in a QR code. When creating a QR code, users should ensure that they encode only the information that is necessary for the intended use and that they keep this information secure.
