Sharing information via QR codes is simple and quick, but is your security at risk when you swap your business card via a QR code? The safety of QR codes has become a concern for many people as QR codes continue to pop up everywhere, from restaurants to business cards. This article will discuss the safety of QR codes and whether or not you should create your own QR code business card.
Can you trust QR codes?
Not all QR codes are trustworthy, but you don’t need to avoid QR codes altogether. There are ways to protect your privacy while still using QR codes.
The risk associated with scanning a QR code comes from the destination rather than the code itself. This means scanning a QR code from a trustworthy source likely won’t contain any harmful information.
Are QR code business cards safe?
Because a QR code's safety depends on its source, you can ensure that your business card’s QR code is completely safe by creating it on a trustworthy platform.
We recommend HiHello—the leading business card app for individuals and businesses. With HiHello, you can create a free digital business card all while knowing you and your new connections are safe. HiHello takes your data seriously, so you can ensure that your data is yours and that your QR code is safe for others to scan.
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Exchanging contact information via QR code is actually more secure than swapping paper business cards. When you hand out a paper business card, it likely has all of your contact information, even if you don’t want to share all of that information with every person you meet. Those cards can also make it into the hands of others very easily, even if you don’t want them to.
You can create multiple cards when you share a digital business card, so you’re only sharing the information you want. Keep phone numbers and email addresses private, or share your personal contact information. The choice is yours.
What makes QR codes unsafe?
As we’ve discussed QR codes are inherently safe, but there are still some risks associated. Here’s what can make a QR code unsafe.
Malicious links
The danger that comes with a QR code is often in the form of a malicious link. While you can’t tell what the link is before scanning a QR code, by only scanning QR codes from trusted sources, you can easily avoid malicious links attached to QR codes.
Tampered QR codes
If you’re in a public place, you might notice a QR code that looks like it’s been replaced or tampered with. This is a tactic of scammers who want to appear legitimate to earn your trust.
How to check if a QR code is safe
There are a few simple ways to check if a QR code is safe before scanning that could help prevent opening a malicious link. To check if a QR code is safe, follow these steps:
Preview the URL
Before opening a link, use your device's QR code scanner to preview the link. On most devices, when you scan a QR code, it will give you a preview of the destination URL. Before opening the link, you can confirm that the link looks as you expect it to look.
Consider the source
When you’re scanning a QR code, first think of who created it. Is it at a restaurant, on a billboard, or from a trusted friend? These sources are likely more reputable than a random QR code around town without any context.
Check for tampering
When scanning a QR code in a public place like a parking lot, be sure to check that the QR code looks original before scanning. Often times tampering looks like a malicious QR code on a sticker covering the original.
How do QR code business cards work?
QR code business cards can come in multiple forms. For people who aren’t ready to leave paper in the past, you might see business cards with QR codes printed on them. Sometimes, these will link to a webpage or social media account.
The best way to create a QR code business card doesn't involve any paper at all. After all, paper business cards are dead. The best way to make a QR code business card is a digital business card. Once someone scans your QR code, they'll be able to view your digital business card and save it to their device or text or email it to themselves to save it for later.
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How to choose a secure digital business card platform
When selecting a digital business card provider, it’s important to consider how they generate their QR codes and how they handle your data. Platforms like HiHello (the most secure digital business card platform) are both SOC 2 Type II compliant and GDPR ready. They work with independent experts to verify security and privacy on a continuous basis.
When choosing a QR code generator or digital business card platform, look for one that never sells your data, follows security software development practices, encrypts all data, and only works with reputable and trusted vendors so your data is never compromised.
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How to create a digital business card QR code with HiHello
HiHello’s digital business cards are free, completely customizable, and you can share your card with anyone, even if they don’t have the app.
Once you sign up on iOS, Android, or the web, you’ll be able to create and personalize your virtual business card and immediately start sharing with your QR code. HiHello makes sharing even easier with home screen widgets, virtual backgrounds, email signatures, an Apple Watch app, and an Apple Wallet integration. So your QR code goes wherever you go.
Once someone scans your QR code, they’ll be able to view your digital business card and save it to their device or text or email it to themselves to save it for later. And they’ll even be able to follow up with their contact information, which automatically gets added to your smart address book. So you can make connecting easy.
Want to make a QR code business card? Get started with HiHello.
