Q𝐑 𝐂o𝐝e𝐬 𝐂o𝐧t𝐢n𝐮e𝐝

Congratulations! You made it!

Now, do the same thing when you see a QR code that leads to a website. For more, continue reading.

History of QR Codes

The QR code — short for Quick Response code — was invented in 1994 by Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara. He worked for a company that manufactured car parts and needed a faster way to track items in factories. Traditional barcodes could only hold a small amount of information, but the square-shaped QR code can store much more data and be read almost instantly.

When QR codes first became popular, users needed a separate app to scan them. Today, most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly using the built-in camera app.

What to know about QR codes

Scanning a code is an easy way to access a website or contact information. However, like clicking unknown links online or opening suspicious email attachments, not all QR codes are safe. Avoid scanning codes from untrusted sources.

While most direct you to legitimate business websites, some can link to harmful content that may compromise your phone — particularly on older Android devices.

Scanning QR codes from untrusted sources can pose security risks. While convenient, one key concern is that they provide a quick way to access potentially harmful data and destinations. Scammers use QR codes as an attack method to direct users to phishing sites or malware.

There is even a term for the practice — “quishing,” or "QR phishing." Like email phishing, 'quishing' uses fake codes in emails or public places that redirect users to what appears to be a legitimate website, but instead leads to pages designed to steal usernames and passwords.

It’s important to use good judgment when scanning QR codes. Codes found in trusted sources — such as The Press, TV broadcasts, church bulletins, and other reputable locations — are generally safe. However, if you’re unsure about a code, avoid scanning it and instead manually type the web address or search for the business online.

Practice using QR codes

Using your phone to scan QR codes is fast and easy once you get the hang of it. Even if you have shaky hands, you only need to point the phone at the code long enough to tap the the box to open the link. 

To practice, go through this paper and scan a few of the QR codes until you get the hang of it. 

Once you do, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. It's much easier than typing in a full website in a browser on your phone.