Stop using QR codes. - Explained in 2 minutes.

Plain English, in 2 minutes. You have 2 minutes don't you?
Think QR codes are just convenient shortcuts? Think again. In this video, we dive into the dark side of those seemingly innocent squares. You’ll see how a simple scan can open the door to a world of trouble—from malware invading your phone to hackers spying on you through your camera and stealing your personal information. Learn why even the most trustworthy-looking QR codes can’t be trusted and why you might want to think twice before you scan. The moral of the story? Don’t use QR codes. Period. No exceptions.

Here is some additional information because of all the people complaining that this video is clickbait.

Here is a direct quote from the FBI's warning:

"Cybercriminals tamper with both digital and physical QR codes to replace legitimate codes with malicious codes. A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site, which prompts them to enter login and financial information. Access to this victim information gives the cybercriminal the ability to potentially steal funds through victim accounts.

Malicious QR codes may also contain embedded malware, allowing a criminal to gain access to the victim's mobile device and steal the victim's location as well as personal and financial information. The cybercriminal can leverage the stolen financial information to withdraw funds from victim accounts."

Here is a quote from the Michigan attorney generals warning:

"Malicious QR codes can:

Take you to a “phishing website.” Scammers create sites that look convincing and ask for personal information. Any information you provide on this site goes to the scammer.

Be used to download malicious software such as malware, ransomware, and trojans. These viruses can spy on you, steal sensitive information or files (like photos or videos), or even encrypt your device until you pay a ransom.

Be programmed to open apps on your device. It could open financial apps, social media accounts, and email accounts. It can compose and send messages to your contacts using your email or social media accounts.

Be used in phishing emails. QR codes are not picked up by security software, unlike attachments and links."

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[SecurityResearcher]

Here is a direct quote from the FBI's warning:

"Cybercriminals tamper with both digital and physical QR codes to replace legitimate codes with malicious codes. A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site, which prompts them to enter login and financial information. Access to this victim information gives the cybercriminal the ability to potentially steal funds through victim accounts.

Malicious QR codes may also contain embedded malware, allowing a criminal to gain access to the victim's mobile device and steal the victim's location as well as personal and financial information. The cybercriminal can leverage the stolen financial information to withdraw funds from victim accounts."


Here is a quote from the Michigan attorney generals warning:

"Malicious QR codes can:

Take you to a “phishing website.” Scammers create sites that look convincing and ask for personal information. Any information you provide on this site goes to the scammer.

Be used to download malicious software such as malware, ransomware, and trojans. These viruses can spy on you, steal sensitive information or files (like photos or videos), or even encrypt your device until you pay a ransom.

Be programmed to open apps on your device. It could open financial apps, social media accounts, and email accounts. It can compose and send messages to your contacts using your email or social media accounts.

Be used in phishing emails. QR codes are not picked up by security software, unlike attachments and links."

[dennisdow]

I'm also a cybersecurity professional. I confirm that the dangers outlined are real. I have disabled QR on my phone and recommend you do the same.

[sarahnorthrop]

Never used one and don't intend to. We refuse to eat at restaurants where you have to use them, we also refuse to download various apps.

[ashleylala]

I am just so tired of this dystopian technocracy. Humanity was doing better before all this tech. I would like to go back to a rotary phone. And get rid of all the GMOs/glyphosate that wrecked our gut health.

[burger_kinghorn]

I've seen parking meters no longer accepting coins. Instead there is a QR code directing you to a website to pay. That would be so easy for a thief to stick their own QR codes on top and make a site to steal your credit card info.

[konsyansnou]

I work in the computer field and well aware of the danger of QR code. From time to time, I see some random QR stickers on street lamps or on some public pin board and I always feel something sketchy about them. Thanks for making this video speaking on the subject

[jmrivera]

My brother had just recently been scanned at a tire shop. They had a QR code on the register to pay and someone replaced it with their own code. When he scanned it, it brought him to a cloned site, which was identical to the real site, where they stole his card info. Never pay with a QR code. The tire shop had no idea how long their code had been replaced.

[Villamosvezeto]

I don't know what iPhones do, if you scan a QR Code but on Android it shows you the content, for example a webpage. It is your choice, if you open it or not. It is also not possible to install malware with a QR code, as long as sideloading is disabled on your phone, which is default. It can only open the Play Store, where you have to install an app manualy.

[cosmicstuff]

As an IT guy this is also my take exactly, glad to see someone addressing it!

[Rchard]

“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.”
Carl Sagan

[woodardcreekcreations]

I have never used them. Something gives me bad vibes about them. As of yet my vibes have never failed me.

[leanneb]

This technological world is just too scary....I liked it better before we had all of this technology...Take me back to the 80's😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[gato]

Even if it doesn't have malware, you have no idea what kinds of permissions are in that thing. People are so willing to give up their privacy for a little convenience or discount. It explains a lot

[aliensoup]

Can’t scan a QR code if you don’t have a smartphone.

[DhimmiSausageStarmer]

Wont use QR codes.
Had a restaurant table booked recently. After sitting down I asked for a menu. The waiter snootily tapped the table to show a QR code, then walked off. We walked out!

[englishincontext]

Never trusted them so never used them. If I go to a restaurant which has a QR code on the table to scan for an 'online menu' (repulsive idea which is very inconvenient and only in place to save the restaurant money on printing), unless they can bring me a physical menu I get up and leave.

[SusanBeaubien]

I was not aware of this method of scamming. Thank you for pointing it out.

[savedbygrace]

Well, it appears I am very smart for not owning a cell phone. Technology has become too invasive.

[timothydukeman]

These days, trust just about nothing.

[kingtutt]

Thanks for making this a short 2 minutes.