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Use Caution When Scanning QR Codes

he no-contact approach as the result In years past, it was recommended to delay updating operating
of the pandemic has increased the systems due to glitches, bugs, and other problems. Today,
Tuse of QR codes. These are the boxes most of the time, these updates are primarily to patch security
filled with what appear to be blocks or dots. vulnerabilities. If the patch, or update, isn’t installed, the device
They are used for all sorts of situations such as remains vulnerable to hackers.
to view the menu at a restaurant or to access But patches aren’t limited to device operating systems. Apps
information without having to touch anything often push out updates as well.
by Carrie Kerskie
except your smartphone. To use, you’d snap a So, the moral of the story is – install operating system updates
picture of the QR code with your smartphone and it would take right away. This is especially true for smartphones, tablets, laptops,
you to a website with the corresponding information. and other devices used for sensitive activities like accessing
The act of snapping a picture with your smartphone is where bank accounts, paying bills, and sending or receiving sensitive
the risk lies. Criminals have used QR codes for years to trick information.
consumers into installing malware on their smartphones. Trying to Here are tips to patching your devices:
distinguish between a legitimate QR code and a malicious one by 1- Change your settings to automatically install operating
looking at it is difficult. However, there are a few things you can do system updates
to reduce your risk of snapping a picture of a malicious QR code. 2- Change app settings to automatically install updates
Identify alternatives to using the QR code. Does the restaurant 3- Periodically check your device, and apps, to ensure you are
offer a printed copy of the menu? If so, use that instead. using the latest version
Look for stickers. Often, criminals will use a sticker to place 4- If a device is no longer supported by the manufacturer,
their malicious QR code over the legitimate one. such as Apple or Microsoft, then it’s time to upgrade your device.
Do You Patch? If Not, You Could Be At Risk When a device is no longer supported, that means the operating
The devices we use today rely on operating system software. system will no longer be updated leaving vulnerabilities unpatched.
Laptops, tablets, computers, smartphones, smart TVs and more. Carrie Kerskie is a professional speaker on cyber awareness culture
Heck, there are even smart dishwashers and light switches. As and identity fraud. She’s the president of Kerskie Group, providing
the manufacturers improve their products or need to fix bugs in white-glove identity fraud restoration and risk management for
the system, they will often send out updates through an operating high-net-worth families and individuals. Carrie is also a member of
system update. Sometimes these updates contain more than new the Collier Identity Fraud Awareness Community Task Force.
features. Sometimes they are to patch a security vulnerability. If you have questions or would like assistance, contact Kerskie Group
Therefore, installing an operating software update is known as at 239-435-9111.
“patching.”

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