In Brief (TL;DR)
QR code payments, increasingly popular for their convenience, raise important security questions: in this article, we analyze the risks, benefits, and how to protect yourself from scams like QRLjacking.
Discover the hidden risks, from QRLjacking to phishing, and learn how to use QR codes securely to protect your data and finances.
Learn how to recognize threats, from QR code phishing (quishing) to the replacement of legitimate codes, and what precautions to take to protect your transactions.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
From reading a restaurant menu to sharing a contact, QR codes have become a major part of our daily lives. This small square of black and white pixels, created in Japan in 1994 to track parts in Toyota factories, has transformed into a versatile tool, especially in the world of digital payments. Its rise, accelerated by the pandemic, has made transactions faster and more immediate—simply by scanning a code with a smartphone. But behind this apparent simplicity lie questions about security. Are we facing a true revolution or a potential vulnerability for our data?
In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, the adoption of digital payments is constantly growing, surpassing cash for the first time in 2024. In this scenario, which combines technological innovation with a Mediterranean culture still tied to traditional payment methods, it is crucial to fully understand the mechanisms, advantages, and risks of QR code payments. Analyzing this phenomenon means exploring how technology fits into our habits, balancing convenience with the essential need for security.
How QR Code Payments Work
Making a payment via QR code is an intuitive process that takes just a few seconds. The merchant generates a code, which can be displayed on a screen or printed on a physical medium. This code contains all the necessary information for the transaction, such as the amount and the beneficiary’s details. The customer, using their bank’s app or a payment application, scans the code with their smartphone’s camera. Once scanned, the app decodes the information and presents a summary of the transaction. With a simple tap, the user authorizes the payment, often via biometric recognition or a PIN, completing the transaction securely and quickly.
There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic. A static QR code contains fixed information, such as a merchant’s IBAN, and cannot be modified after creation. This type is often used for donations or simple payments where the amount is entered manually by the customer. Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, are more flexible and secure: they are generated for a single transaction and include the exact amount. This feature makes them ideal for retail, as it reduces the risk of errors and allows for real-time tracking of each individual transaction. The choice between the two depends on specific needs and the desired level of security.
The Advantages: Speed, Convenience, and Innovation
QR code payments offer numerous benefits for both consumers and merchants. The most obvious advantage is speed and convenience: a smartphone is all you need to complete a transaction, eliminating the need for cash or physical cards. This payment method is also very cost-effective for merchants, as it often doesn’t require the installation of expensive physical POS terminals. A simple sticker with a QR code or a screen on a tablet can turn any smartphone into a point of sale, an ideal solution for small businesses, professionals, and street vendors.
From a security standpoint, QR code-based payments have significant advantages. Credit card information is not shared directly with the merchant but is protected through tokenization and encryption processes, which reduce the risk of data cloning or theft. Furthermore, authorization through a personal app adds an extra layer of protection. This technology also promotes financial inclusion, making digital payments accessible even to those who do not own a credit card but have an account linked to an app. Finally, for merchants, QR codes open up new marketing opportunities, allowing them to collect data on customer preferences and offer personalized promotions.
Security Risks: Quishing and Other Threats
Despite the advantages, QR code payments are not without risks. The most common threat is known as Quishing, a combination of the words “QR” and “Phishing.” In this scam, cybercriminals replace a legitimate QR code with a malicious one. A classic example is a counterfeit sticker placed over the original code at a restaurant table or on a charging station. The user, believing they are paying for a service, scans the fake code and is redirected to a clone website that mimics the official one. By entering their data, the victim unwittingly hands over their banking credentials or personal information to the scammers.
Another fraudulent technique is QRLjacking (QR Code Login Jacking). This attack aims to hijack authentication sessions. The hacker shows the victim a QR code to log into a service (e.g., a web messaging platform). The victim scans it with their smartphone, effectively authorizing the hacker’s access to their account. Other risks include the unintentional download of malware, which can infect the device and steal sensitive data, or the activation of unauthorized payments. The simplicity and speed that make QR codes so attractive are the very features that scammers exploit to deceive less attentive users.
QR Payments in Italy and Europe: Between Tradition and a Digital Future
The European payments market has historically been fragmented, with solutions often stopping at national borders. However, the European Union is pushing for greater harmonization through regulations like PSD2 and the upcoming PSD3, which aim to strengthen security and create a single market for digital payments. In this context, the European Payments Council (EPC) has published standards for QR codes, with the goal of making them interoperable throughout the SEPA area. This effort would allow an Italian tourist to pay at a German store using their mobile banking app, simply by scanning a QR code.
In Italy, there is an interesting dualism. On one hand, there is strong growth in digital payments, which surpassed cash in transaction value for the first time in 2024. The Innovative Payments Observatory at the Politecnico di Milano highlights that nearly 90% of in-store electronic payments are now contactless. On the other hand, a strong attachment to cash persists, rooted in Mediterranean culture. QR code payments fit into this scenario as a bridge between tradition and innovation: they do not require complex hardware and are perceived as less “abstract” than a contactless payment, as the action of “framing” the code is a concrete gesture that reassures the user.
How to Protect Yourself: Practical Tips for Secure Payments
The security of digital payments depends as much on technology as it does on user behavior. To use QR codes safely, it is essential to adopt a few simple but effective precautions. First and foremost, it is crucial to verify the source of the QR code. Only scan codes from trusted sources such as known merchants, official websites, or official communications. Be wary of QR codes found on anonymous flyers or in public places without a clear context. Always check that the code has not been tampered with, for example, with a sticker placed over it.
Once you’ve scanned the code, but before authorizing any transaction, carefully check the URL that appears on your screen. Make sure the web address is correct and that the connection is secure (indicated by a padlock and the “https” prefix). If you are redirected to a page that asks for passwords or personal data, stop and assess its legitimacy. Always use official payment apps and keep your smartphone’s operating system updated. Finally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your banking and payment accounts: this two-factor security system is a crucial barrier against unauthorized access.
Conclusion
QR code payments represent a significant step in the evolution of digital transactions, offering a mix of speed, convenience, and low costs that make them attractive to consumers and businesses. In a context like Italy and Europe, where a balance is sought between the drive for innovation and the entrenchment of traditional habits, this technology has the potential to further accelerate the transition to a cashless economy. Its ease of use is well-suited to a wide range of users, from the youngest to those less accustomed to technology.
However, convenience should not make us lower our guard. Threats like Quishing and QRLjacking show that no technology is immune to risks. Security, as emphasized by European regulations and institutions like the Bank of Italy, is a shared responsibility. On one hand, operators must implement robust systems based on encryption, tokenization, and strong authentication; on the other, users must act with awareness, learning to recognize warning signs and adopting prudent practices. Only through this synergy between technological innovation and a culture of security can QR code payments fully realize their potential, becoming a truly safe and reliable tool for everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main risk is ‘quishing’ or ‘QRLjacking.’ Scammers replace a legitimate QR code with a fake one. When you scan it, you are redirected to a fraudulent website that can steal your login credentials, credit card details, or install malware on your device. The Postal Police (Polizia Postale) has issued several warnings about this practice, emphasizing the importance of always checking the link before confirming any transaction.
Yes, they are generally considered more secure. These apps operate within a controlled, encrypted ecosystem. When you make a payment, the app verifies the merchant’s identity and clearly shows you the recipient of the money before you confirm. This drastically reduces the risk of being redirected to malicious sites, unlike scanning a generic QR code with your smartphone’s camera.
Pay attention to the physical details. A common sign of tampering is a sticker with a QR code placed over the original one, perhaps on a parking meter, at a restaurant table, or on a charging station. Be wary of codes placed in unusual locations or on makeshift materials. If something seems suspicious, avoid scanning the code and choose an alternative payment method.
Yes, according to data from the Innovative Payments Observatory at the Politecnico di Milano, for the first time in 2024, digital payments in Italy surpassed cash. These payments reached a value of 481 billion euros, accounting for 43% of consumption compared to 41% for cash. The growth is mainly driven by contactless payments, which now make up nearly 90% of electronic transactions in stores.
Act immediately. Close the web page that opened without entering any data. If you entered any credentials, change the password for that service and any other accounts where you use the same password immediately. Check your bank account or credit card statements and, in case of suspicious transactions, contact your bank right away to block them. It is also advisable to run an antivirus scan on your device and report the incident to the Postal Police (Polizia Postale).
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