Be Careful Of Personal Data Stolen Via QR Code, Here's How To Use It Wisely!

QR Code saves new access for digital criminals. (photo: unsplash)

JAKARTA - In today's digital era in the country, technological convenience features are increasingly targeting many aspects of people's daily lives, including the use of QR (Quick Response) Codes.

Nowadays, of course, people are no stranger to the use of QR Codes in everyday life. The pandemic era has made everything digital.

The public can also see a lot of use of QR Codes such as for payment transactions, document access such as viewing menus at restaurants, checking in locations, logging in to applications or other information exchange activities.

However, the convenience offered by the QR Code saves new access for digital criminals to attack people's personal data or other digital crimes.

As happened in Massachusetts, United States (US), where a QR Code counterfeit case occurred in a local parking area that directed the website not to make parking payments, but to steal personal information through fake payment websites.

With this case, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) issued a warning that currently digital criminals are using QR codes to steal login data and financial information through malicious websites.

With this case, people are increasingly being demanded to be wiser in responding to and using technology that currently makes everything easy.

"Most cybercrimes use QR Codes in the form of phishing, in which cybercriminals provide either fake websites/links to trick the public into providing their personal information in ways such as login requests," said President Director of PT ITSEC Asia, Andri Hutama. Putra in a statement received by VOI, Wednesday, March 23.

"If the public is not observant in viewing the information from the QR Code, people's personal data can be threatened and have an impact on financial and other losses," he added.

Furthermore, Andri continues to warn that the convenience offered by technological advances must be equipped with knowledge of how to protect oneself from cyber threats.

Therefore, ITSEC Asia provides some tips that can help people protect themselves from the threat of cyber attacks through the use of QR Codes.

Only Use QR Code from Official Institution

The easiest way to protect yourself from the threat of cyber attacks through QR Codes is to only trust QR Codes provided from official institutions such as schools, registered companies or organizations, and governments. Do not use QR Codes sent from unknown sources.

2. Be Careful in Viewing the QR Code on the Poster or Flyer

Many QR Codes are printed to access menus or make payments at restaurants. Always pay attention to the validity of the printed QR Code poster so that people avoid scanning fake QR Codes or those that are not from the restaurant.

Usually, cybercriminals manipulate the official QR Code only by overlapping the fake QR Code print.

Always Check URL

The URL or commonly known as the web address is usually displayed after we scan the available QR Code. From this URL, it will usually be seen if there is something wrong with the displayed web address, such as deceptive letters or strange dot (.) placements. Always double-check the URLs displayed to avoid cyber attacks.

Avoid Publishing QR Code Documents on Any Platform

The theft of personal data can not only occur if there is an attack, but it can also come from someone's indiscretion in publishing something.

Important personal documents such as passports, vaccine cards, airline tickets, and others usually have a QR Code containing the owner's personal information

Therefore, avoid publishing these documents in any form such as printed or uploaded on social media.