QR codes have revolutionised the way we access digital content. Whether on packaging, payment terminals, or business cards, these pixelated squares connect the physical and digital worlds in seconds. But as their adoption increases, so does their risk profile — especially in cybersecurity.
While QR codes offer convenience, their very nature — a visual hyperlink — makes them susceptible to manipulation. For cybersecurity professionals, understanding the implications of QR codes is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Originally developed in the 1990s for tracking automotive parts, QR codes have since evolved into mainstream tools used for payments, authentication, WiFi logins, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their use surged globally, particularly in contactless transactions and information sharing.
Their appeal is obvious: instant access, no typing, and minimal friction. But beneath that simplicity lies a significant challenge — users can’t see where a QR code leads before scanning. That makes them ripe targets for phishing, malware, and data theft.
For organisations and security teams, the first step is awareness. QR codes should be treated as potential threat vectors, especially in environments where employees, customers, or clients regularly interact with them.
Here are a few key recommendations:
A subtle but effective way to build trust in QR codes is through visual branding. A QR code with logo makes the code not only recognisable but also less susceptible to being replaced or tampered with undetected.
Branded QR codes can include a company’s logo in the centre of the code while still maintaining full scanability. This small addition improves the user’s confidence in the source and helps differentiate legitimate codes from potentially harmful ones.
For example, organisations using QR codes in marketing campaigns, customer support, or even internal systems can benefit from visual consistency. A custom-designed code signals authenticity, especially when used alongside digital certificates or encryption.
Zero trust is a guiding principle in modern cybersecurity: never trust, always verify. This philosophy applies equally to QR codes. Any externally accessible endpoint, including QR-linked URLs, should be subject to the same scrutiny and layered security controls as traditional web links.
Integrating QR code scanning into endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems or mobile device management (MDM) platforms is another emerging practice. This allows organisations to monitor scanning behaviour, block known threats, and control access more effectively.
QR codes are here to stay — but so are the risks they bring. For cybersecurity professionals, they represent both a usability asset and a potential threat vector.
Striking the right balance means educating users, enforcing digital hygiene, and making smart design choices — including the use of branded, secure QR codes.
Because in the world of cybersecurity, even something as simple as a square can be a threat — or a trusted bridge — depending on how you use it.