Most marketers, business owners, and enterprises have jumped on the wagon of QR Codes. And about 100 million people will likely join the wagon by 2025. With this prevalent adoption comes a growing concern and angst amongst customers, which is perfectly valid. This includes
- Are QR Codes safe?
- Can someone hack secure QR Codes?
- Are there ways to mitigate cybersecurity risks while scanning a secure QR Code?
Let’s break down the security risks associated with QR Codes, what makes a QR Code safe and how to scan them securely.
Can QR Codes be hacked? How are they risky?
Security was once an inconvenience, and now it’s a necessity. While QR Codes are organically safe, the content they link to and the security measures considered when choosing a QR Code generator can impact their overall security.
However, QR Codes can pose a security risk if not used cautiously. And yes, they can be hacked and manipulated to redirect prospects to malicious URLs, websites, or apps. For example, one common scam involves placing a fraudulent QR Code over a legitimate one. When scanned, these fake codes can lead prospects to phishing websites, malware downloads, or fake payment portals.
Another threat is QR Code phishing, where hackers create fake QR Codes that resemble legit ones. These codes can trick prospects into entering personal information on phishing websites, leading to identity theft or financial loss.
So, are QR Codes safe?
The risks aside, QR Codes are safe and secure because they store data such as a website address, contact information, or product code. Then where does the risk factor come in? The risk lies in the content you link to, physical tampering of the QR Code, and the tool you use to generate these codes..
Should you use a QR Code Generator?
Studies reveal that 71% of people cannot distinguish a fake QR Code from a real one and it’s why you need a secure QR Code generator. The security of your QR Codes largely depends on the tool you use. Established tools with a proven history of security practices can help keep hackers at bay. Features such as encryption, password protection, and expiration dates can also improve the security of your QR Codes.
How to Choose a Secure QR Code Generator?
Choosing a secure QR Code generator is not black and white for your business. However, all you have to do is pick the one that ticks all the six factors we’ve listed below.
1. Customized domains and URLs
To boost trust and recognition, use custom domains for your QR Codes. Customized URLs can further clarify the purpose of the campaign to prospects. Opt for a QR Code generator that offers secure domains or lets you use your own.
2. Single Sign-On (SSO) login
Businesses handling large transaction volumes, particularly enterprises, should prioritize SSO login. With this feature, you reduce the risk of password reuse by limiting access to trusted employees. Additionally, it deactivates access for former employees, preventing unauthorized logins.
3. GDPR/CCPA/HIPAA compliance
Choose a QR Code generator regulated by data privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA to ensure customer data protection. This guarantees compatibility with other QR Code scanners and provides features such as encrypted data, access restriction, and system confidentiality.
4. Password protection
For sensitive data such as payment information or bank statements, password-protected QR Codes are essential. This added layer of security requires a password to access the content, preventing unauthorized access and protecting critical information.
5. Age-restricted content
Businesses can control access to age-inappropriate content by setting age restrictions. This is specifically useful for industries like alcohol, tobacco, or age-gated services. By requiring a date of birth verification, you make sure that only eligible prospects can access the content.
6. Authorized user access control
To prevent unauthorized access to dynamic QR Code information, opt for a generator with robust access control. This includes features like two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control. 2FA & MFA let you verify your user identity and restrict access to authorized individuals.
So, we’ve covered what makes a secure QR Code, but as individuals and businesses, we must also be aware of what we are scanning.
5 best secure QR Code generators
1. Uniqode
Uniqode is one of the market’s most secure QR Code generators and is rated 4.9 out of 5 by G2. Popular brands such as Revlon, Emirates, and Nestle have successfully used Uniqode’s QR Codes to scale their marketing efforts and protect prospects’ data.
Its secure features, such as security protocols, Single Sign-On (SSO), authorized user access, and password protection, maintain the highest level of security for your QR Code campaigns.
As a SOC® 2® Type 2, HIPAA, and GDPR-certified tool, it adheres to stringent security standards. These certifications guarantee that your data is protected from vulnerabilities and undergoes regular audits to maintain the highest level of security.
What makes Uniqode secure?
- Restrict access and improve security with Single Sign-On (SSO).
- Control who can access your QR Code content with authorized user access.
- Protect sensitive information with password encryption.
- Restrict access to age-appropriate content.
- Assure the highest security standards with industry-recognized certifications such as SOC® 2® Type 2, GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
- Create and manage unlimited secure, dynamic QR Codes.
- Uniqode lets you start with a budget-friendly plan and a free trial.
- Get answers to your security questions and concerns with their reliable 24/7 customer support.
2. Scanova
The next secure QR Code generator on the list is Scanova. Like Uniqode, they prioritize data security as well. Adhering to GDPR regulations, they make sure data is collected responsibly and stored within ethical practices.
Beyond SOC® 2 compliance and ISO 27001:2013 certifications, Scanova provides other security measures to save your data from unauthorized access, such as data protection policies, information security, data integrity, and confidentiality.
With Scanova, you can also create dynamic QR Codes, password-protect sensitive prospect data, and track prospect activity through analytics.
What makes Scanova secure?
- Complies with GDPR regulations.
- You can trust Scanova to keep your data safe, given their SOC® 2 and ISO 27001 certifications.
- Provides features like password protection, and analytics.
- User-friendly interface for easy dynamic QR Code creation.
3. QR Code Generator Pro
The next one on the list, known for its user-friendliness and security, is QR Code Generator Pro. It provides a free tier for static QR Codes, making it reliable for simple needs. However, you must upgrade your plan for security reasons and features such as bulk QR Code generation, dynamic QR Codes, and analytics.
However, QR Code Generator has received mixed reviews, with concerns about unclear updates and limited customer support.
What makes QR Code Generator Pro secure?
- Prioritizes data security and complies with global government regulations such as CCPA and GDPR.
- Has a stringent data privacy framework that keeps customer data safe and secure.
- Provides dynamic QR Codes that help you customize QR Codes according to your branding.
4. QRCode Chimp
QRCode Chimp has a team of experienced professionals from leading tech companies who have implemented safe and secure practices. They are SOC 2 Type 2 certified, which means they conduct regular security audits and controls. Your data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
They also provide security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passcode protection for sensitive landing pages. They adhere to GDPR standards and Data Processing Agreements, further reinforcing their commitment to data privacy.
What makes QRCode Chimp secure?
- SOC® 2 Type 2 certification.
- Data encryption.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Passcode protection.
- GDPR compliance.
- Data Processing Agreement.
QRTiger
The last one on our list is QRTiger. It’s a secure tool designed to protect your data and ensure compliance with data regulatory standards such as GDPR and CCPA. With QRTiger, you can rest assured that your QR Codes are safe and reliable because of features such as 2FA and password protection.
What makes QRTiger secure?
- Adheres to data privacy to GDPR and CCPA regulations.
- Its ISO 27001 certification ensures robust information security management.
- Protects your data from unauthorized access.
Here’s a concise comparison table highlighting the six key factors to consider when selecting a secure QR Code generator.
Feature | Uniqode | Scanova | QR Code Generator Pro | QR Code Chimp | QRTiger |
Security focus | High | High | Moderate | High | High |
Certifications | SOC® 2® Type 2, HIPAA, GDPR | SOC® 2, ISO 27001:2013 | CCPA, GDPR | SOC® 2 | GDPR, CCPA, ISO 27001 |
Dynamic QR Codes | Yes | Yes | Paid Plans | Yes | Yes |
Password protection | Yes | Yes | Paid Plans | Yes | Yes |
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Data encryption | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Yes | Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Age-gated content | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Secure QR Codes are today’s necessity
Just as locks deter unauthorized access, QR Codes require careful selection to prevent misuse. Every QR Code generator provides a balance of features and ease of use. Free plans cater to basic needs, while premium options help you with advanced security and capabilities such as dynamic codes and analytics, making them ideal for complex applications. Free or paid, before you make your choice, bear in mind these three points
- Research the QR Code generator’s security practices and user reviews (see the six factors).
- Password-protect QR Codes containing sensitive information.
- Scan generated codes to confirm they lead to the correct destination.
Once you’ve noted these points, follow the steps in the article to select a tool that meets your needs and protects your data.