intelligent MOBILE SECURITY |
Despite 90 % of UK respondents having scanned a QR code in the last six months , almost half still don ’ t know if they have mobile security software .
vanti , the automation platform
I that helps make every IT connection smarter and more secure , has announced the results of a study , which found that 96 % of UK respondents have scanned a QR code on their mobile device in restaurants or retail stores in the last six months , despite almost half ( 48 %) still not knowing if they have mobile security software . With the UK economy reopening , it appears QR code use is steadily increasing across the hospitality and retail industries . More than half ( 58 %) of respondents have scanned a QR code in a bar or restaurant , a notable increase from 45 % six months ago . Four in five
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( 80 %) of consumers agree QR codes make life easier in a touchless world . As these venues continue to serve an increasing number of customers and reopen fully , scanning a malicious QR code without the correct security could compromise the integrity of a device and any data it holds .
According to the survey , 70 % of UK consumers want to see QR codes used more broadly in the future , with 69 % open to using QR codes for future payments . Those willing to use QR codes for payment are up nearly 20 % compared to six months ago .
The research also found that 85 % of respondents feel secure using QR codes for financial transactions , but over half ( 53 %) cannot distinguish a malicious QR code . QR code use is set to increase rapidly , but unsuspecting Brits remain the perfect target for hackers on the high street .
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“ Hackers spent lockdown exploring new ways to exploit consumers , so we can expect hackers to get even more creative with QR codes now that the UK is reopening shops , bars and restaurants ,” said Nigel Seddon , VP of EMEA West at Ivanti . “ For example , a malicious QR code can easily be pasted over the one provided by a restaurant or bar , to trick a user into paying for the bad actor ’ s next holiday instead of a round of drinks .”
The study polled over 500 consumers across the UK as a follow up to a September 2020 report to understand how consumer attitudes and usage of QR codes has evolved over the last year . u
96 % of UK respondents have scanned a QR code on their mobile device in restaurants or retail stores in the last six months . |