The QR code use boom isn’t over just yet. However, there is one aspect that is often sidelined and not explained clearly; QR security. Unfortunately, QR code security is often misunderstood by many users who become unnecessarily afraid that the QR code is the big bad guy. While a reliable QR Code with a logo is beneficial for businesses in a number of ways, it is essential that you understand the complete picture of QR code security.

 

The Truth About QR Code Security

 

Firstly, QR codes are secure in themselves because a QR code cannot be hacked or cannot pose a security risk. The security risk comes from what is associated with the QR code. That is, the information that is associated with the QR code can be malicious because when the QR code is scanned then it is redirected to another website or content. For instance, if the QR code redirects to a malicious website after a user has scanned, then there is a potential risk because it can pose a privacy and security problem. Hence, QR codes in and of themselves are not malicious because the technology they are based on does not pose a security risk.

 

Another important point to always remember is that QR codes cannot be hacked. In order for the QR code to be hacked, the pixelated dots would need to be modified. Hence, the only way for there to be a security risk from scanning a QR code is if the information connected to the QR code has a security risk associated with it. The only reason why there may be a security issue is if the QR code has been generated by a hacker who is routing the person scanning the QR code to malicious websites or trying to steal their data. This can happen in various ways. Let us discuss three main ways.

 

Phishing is a security threat that can take place when an untrustworthy business generates a QR code with malicious intent. For instance, when the individual scans the QR code then he may be directed to a landing page that is full of security issues. Mobile users don’t always pay attention to the URL and so in this way they make the mistake of providing their credentials. This can cause security issues. The second security problem is when software is automatically downloaded to the mobile phone without the scanner’s knowledge. The software can send spam messages and do all types of activity that the user has no idea about. And as this happens in the background, the user may never find out about this attack.

 

Sometimes, QR codes are connected to a website that activates force download. This is the third type of security issue. This type of attack is called ‘drive-by download attack’. The person who scanned the QR code won’t even need to take an action and so the download occurs automatically. For instance, let us say a QR code sends the person who scanned the QR code to a website. When the website opens, the automatic download happens instantly. These can cause further damage such as by stealing data found on the mobile. In some cases, data of the individual is collected and is sold to third-parties.

 

It is vital to remember that when speaking about QR security, you are thinking of the information that is linked to the QR code and not the QR code by itself. The QR code isn’t the enemy here but what is connected to the QR code. One more thing to remember is what QR codes can track. The QR code cannot track anything that can identify an individual. QR codes can only track the time of the scan, the location of the scan, and the OS through which the scan took place. The tracking data can only be viewed by the business that created the QR code.

 

Why QR Code With Logo Is Better

 

Logos are important as many companies have spent millions on them. Logos are the lifeline of your brand and they should be included in your QR code. Here are the reasons why your business should do so.

 

Helps improve brand awareness

 

A study stated that people are 123% more likely to scan a QR code when a business has its logo clearly visible in the QR code. Now that is a solid reason why a small logo of your brand can make a world of difference to your QR codes. When you have your company logo in your QR code, then you are increasing your brand awareness because when people view your logo, they will instantly recognize your brand and scan. Moreover, the people who aren’t your customers yet will also start to know who you are. This can be good for your marketing efforts and can help you get new customers because they are more likely to trust your brand.

 

Professional

 

A QR code looks more professional when you have your business logo in it. Imagine a company XYZ that has a QR code that looks like all the others that you see in small stores. People are most likely not going to be drawn to such QR codes as much. This is because logo-less QR codes will be perceived as not being that safe and secure. The moment you add a logo to the QR code, people will automatically trust your QR code and be more willing to scan. QR codes with a logo are pleasing to the eye when compared to others. One thing you should keep in mind when generating a QR code with a logo using a QR code generator is to add a CTA so people know why they need to scan the code.

 

Secure

 

People won’t just trust your QR code because you have made it available for them to scan. You want to ensure you give them a reason to trust you and your brand. As some people don’t completely trust QR codes from the get-go, adding a logo can make them trust your brand more. You can establish authority and brand identity when you add a logo to all the QR codes that you generate for your business. This applies to when you generate static and dynamic QR codes. Moreover, ensuring that the QR codes are routing the person to the right page is essential as it can further help develop trust. Depending on the level of security required, you can add more layers of security if necessary.

 

Stand apart

 

Most businesses have QR codes that resemble other QR codes. If you want to stand apart from the rest, especially your competitors, then it is a good idea to add a logo to your QR code. If your competitors haven’t added a logo yet then this can be a plus point because it can give you an edge over your competitors. Hence, it can help you stand out from the crowd of other QR codes. Rather than be like everyone else, you can even add colors to your QR codes so you can stand out. But start with a logo and then take it from there. You want to ensure you maintain consistency with your QR codes color scheme etc. so that your brand tone remains the same.

 

Consistency

 

Adding your business logo to all the QR codes using a QR generator is recommended. The more often people see your logo, the easier it will be for them to remember your company’s logo and name.  When you have your logo in all your QR codes and other places, people will remember the name of your business as soon as they see the logo. This can be quite beneficial for your brand as it will help increase brand awareness. People do more business with the brand they are familiar with. QR codes with a logo can add the element of familiarity and this can ensure people trust you and tell their close friends and family about it. Today, over 90% of users expect the same branding. 

 

What Else Can Businesses Do

 

You want your existing customers and new customers to trust your brand so they scan the QR codes you have generated. The first step is to find the right QR code generator that enables you to customize by allowing you to add your business’s logo and colors according to your brand image. You want to select a QR code generator that enables you to select from various QR code types. You should also have the freedom to create high-quality QR codes with the help of the generator. An additional feature that you should look for is error correction. This ensures your business’s QR codes are safe to a certain extent from wear and tear.

 

As a business you cannot take chances by being like everyone else. The simplest change you can make is to add a logo to your QR code and ensure there is CTA by using a trustworthy QR code generator. QR code security is one of the things that should be a priority for any type of business so their brand can be known to be a trustworthy one. Whether you are planning to add a QR code to flyers or you are thinking of allowing people to scan QR codes on your store, make sure you add a logo for starters. Depending on the type of information you are routing them to, you can place extra layers of security if needed.