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How to Safely Scan a QR Code with Your Smartphone

Author:

GeoSn0w

Last updated:

Published:

Safely Scan QR Code on iOS

Scanning QR codes has made our lives easier. With the help of QR codes we can get the required information in just seconds.

But is there any surety that you are safely scanning QR codes using your mobile device? Using a reliable QR code scanner is the first step to safety. If you want tips to scan a QR code safely, here are some you can follow to do that.

Use a Reputable QR Code Scanner App

Use a reliable QR scanner app to scan QR codes. There are a lot of apps but you should prefer a reliable source to be on the safe side. Go for the ones on the official list or check your app store to see the ratings and recommendations.

A good QR reader not only scans but decodes the URL type (or other data) and lets you review or preview it before launching or executing the associated action.

Inspect the QR Code

Take a look at the QR code you’re going to scan. See if you notice anything that looks like it’s been tampered with, like stickers on top of the code, another code slapped on top of the original, or even weird placement. If something seems off, don’t scan it.

Enable Security Features

Use your smartphone’s built-in features for extra security. Your phone has some features to catch and prevent things like malicious QR codes.

Options like “Ask before open URL” mean you’ll get to see and approve the link before your browser opens it.

Verify the URL

Take a look at the web address. If it’s an address you don’t recognize, or it doesn’t tie into whatever the brand or event it was promoting, just don’t do it.

Someone promoting a good link for a legitimate QR code is going to tell you more info about where they’re sending you.

Avoid Scanning Unfamiliar QR Codes

To avoid scams and malicious links, only scan QR codes from brands and companies you trust.

Scanning a QR code from some random Twitter bro may send you phishing scams or malware disguised as a funny video.

Update Your Device Regularly

Always update your apps and devices whenever possible. This way you stay protected even if you find a malicious QR code.

Often that OS update contains a patch for a vulnerability the attackers tried to use. If your device is already patched, you are already protected.

More iDevice Central guides

About the author

GeoSn0w

GeoSn0w is an iOS and Jailbreak enthusiast who has been around for quite some time in the community. He developed his own jailbreaks before and is currently maintaining iSecureOS, one of the first iOS Anti-Malware tools for jailbroken devices. He also runs the iDevice Central on YouTube with over 149.000 Subscribers!With over a decade of iOS jailbreak experience and several jailbreak tools built by him, GeoSn0w knows the jailbreak scene quite well having been part of several releases over the years.GeoSn0w is also a programmer focused primarily on iOS App Development and Embedded programming. He codes in Swift, Objective-C and C, but also does PHP on the side.

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