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One of the internet wonders I am asked about are QR codes. QR is the acronym for Quick Response code, which is silly, but nerds like me love to talk about technology and never use vowels.
Most know what bar codes are, and we see them every day at the grocery store.
Barcodes are a one-dimensional pattern to represent simple data like an inventory code for the bread you are buying. The QR code is a two-dimensional barcode and can represent over 2,900 characters.
The other difference is that a QR code can run a program. The original idea was to make it easy to send someone to a website but not have to type some huge website address through a mobile phone. Now that almost all cell phones can scan a QR code in the photo app these codes are exploding all over the place. I even see them on TV commercials.
You can use a QR code by pointing your phone photo app at the code. Usually, you see it draw a frame around the code and display something like the website address. Some phones need a QR scan app to do this, but they work in a similar way. Once you see the web address you touch the screen to “click” on the website and off you go as it auto launches your web browser.
The variety of actions the QR code can start are native to your phone or computer and can start a website, run a video or even download a program. It can run these programs and you have no control once you scan and click on the QR code.
I bet you didn’t know that even loading a picture or starting a video can download and run a program on your computer. QR codes are fast access to a website or information you are interested in, but it is smart to use them carefully.
The QR code is very useful but only use them when you see they are offered from a resource you know and trust. Even when the QR scan shows you a website you know be careful because it may not be real.
It could easily hide another website and do something you do not want like start a program on your phone or computer and download an evil app to steal information on your system. I am not saying to not use QR codes because there are protections on the phones to stop evil access, but the bad guys are crafty.
They may take you to a website that looks exactly like your bank page and then steal your login information. I want you to keep this in mind with every web link you might see in an email or a text that is sent to you.
QR codes are yet another way to make our online life easy to access information but remain diligent and practice basic approaches to not let the bad guys in.
Here is a QR code to go to a safe and happy place on the web …
Mark Conde of Murphy
is a retired chief information officer and technology nerd. Email him at jmconde818@gmail.com. His column will run monthly in the Scout.
