You won’t believe how powerful scanning one of these malicious QR codes is. Plus, the app that turned into a marketing nightmare, three must-have downloads and OpenAI’s duet shows just how far language models are coming.
How to share Wi-Fi without giving out your password
Keeping critical data safe can be difficult, especially when cybercriminals keep coming up with sneakier ways to rip us off. That’s why you need to be careful with passwords. If a criminal gets ahold of your credentials, they can do whatever they want with your account. Tap or click here to find out how to create stronger passwords.
Many of us are leery when giving guests in our homes the Wi-Fi password. It’s not that you don’t trust grandma. You’re just afraid that handing your network’s password out to anyone could lead to disaster later.
There has to be a better way. Don’t worry. There is. Keep reading for a secure way to let guests use your Wi-Fi network without all the usual risks.
QR codes to the rescue
You can post a QR code around your house, so guests (and you) can scan it with their phones. It’s a secure shortcut with your password hidden inside. You scan the QR code when needed instead of typing in your password.
If you think you don’t know what a QR code is, you do. (See photo above.) It’s that odd-looking box filled with smaller boxes, which you may have seen people scanning for discounts at the supermarket.
They became super popular during the pandemic at restaurants so that you can view contactless menus. Tap or click here to find out how to scan a QR code without downloading an app.
QR codes are super easy to use, and this excellent site lets you create them for free. QIFI.org is an online QR code generator for Wi-Fi access that works with Apple and Android gadgets.
To use the site, you’ll need three pieces of information that you can get from your internet provider. Or follow these instructions:
First, look at the back of your modem for “SSID.” It might be shown as “Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID).” It’ll be about a dozen numbers and letters; type those where it says SSID on QIFI’s Code Generator page.
Second, choose your secure network type; the site defaults to WPA/WPA2/WPA3, but you may have WEP. If you don’t know, ask your internet provider.
QR code scams are out of control - How to protect yourself
Imagine losing $15,000 in just a few seconds. It happened to a woman who scanned a QR code to take a survey and instead downloaded malware that drained her bank account.
QR codes are those black-and-white dot-based images you scan to open websites, menus and apps. You name it. But they’re also a sneaky way in for scammers, so much so that the FBI is warning you to think twice, too.
Another scam heading our way: Cyber authorities in Switzerland are warning about malicious QR codes being sent through snail mail. Fraudsters are urging people to scan and download a new Severe Weather Warning app, but it’s actually malware. Once installed, hackers can take over your phone, steal info from your banking apps and stay hidden from detection. If it’s working there, it’s coming to the U.S., too.
$4.99 per card
Cost for Hallmark’s new paper greeting cards with a digital gift card inside. Your recipient just has to scan the interior QR code to get the goods. Choose from over 100 retailers, then get it shipped to you or find a store nearby for pickup.
Watch out! These QR code scams are tough to spot
QR codes have been around for some time, but they saw an increase in usage as the COVID-19 pandemic became more serious. For example, the square black and white images made it safer for people to view a restaurant’s menu. Instead of physically handling it, they can see it on their phones.
How to scan a QR code on your Android (no apps required)
Your smartphone may be more intelligent than you think. When these devices first hit the market, third-party manufacturers designed apps to make the most of their capabilities. If you want to use your phone as a flashlight or scanner, there’s an app for that.
🚨 QR code scam spreading: Watch out for malicious QR codes in your email, posing as your bank or shipping services. Scan one and you’ll land on a fake login page hungry for your real username and password. Always check the sender’s full email address, watch the URL you’re redirected to, and turn on multifactor authentication for every app and service you can. I know it’s a pain.
🅿️ Thieves are slapping fake QR codes on parking meters: The stickers are placed over the originals to look legit but redirect you to sketchy links or phony websites. Pay directly at the meter or look for a kiosk. If scanning a code is the only way, use a credit card and scan the site for spelling errors, blurry images or strange logos.
⚠️ Scan at your own risk: YouTube is rolling out QR codes for all channels, making it easier to find creators. Be careful what you scan. It’s incredibly easy to whip up a fake QR code that leads to a malicious site. Double-check the URL to be sure it looks legit when you get there.
QR cronies: Hackers have upped their tactics with QR codes in PDFs that lead to fake sites and steal login details. Double-check those “official” emails and think twice before you send anything to a random online portal.
Tech how-to: Create your own custom QR codes
When you entered a restaurant years ago, you received a paper or laminated menu, and that was that. Since then, many establishments have adopted QR code menus. Scan the code and view the menu. This concept has moved to retail establishments and service providers like doctors, mechanics and universities.
Scammers have a new money-stealing trick: Fraudulent QR codes on parking meters
In many cities around the country, finding a parking spot can be a nightmare. When you manage to get one, you also have to contend with the parking meter. Never lose your car in a parking lot again with this clever trick.
Watch out for this fake QR code scam
Did you know hackers are turning QR codes into weapons? Listen now to learn a few signs the QR code you’re about to scan is a trap.
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You email, text, check your step count and hit “reject” on all those spam calls. But there’s so much more you can do with your smartphone. Let’s jump into seven uses I’ll bet you never thought of before now.
Remember back in the day when you’d mark a line on the wall as your child grew? Consider this the modern equivalent. Fair warning: You do need the latest high-end iPhone.
Before you scan a QR code to read a menu or track a package, read this warning
Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are those blotchy squares that look like a barcode that had a rough night out. Similar in function, they serve as a quick way for people to scan them with their camera to access a web link.
Ever look at digital restaurant menus? You could open yourself up to more tracking
The pandemic has led to many changes, and among them is the rise in contactless systems. More people are using their smartphones to pay for goods and services. You may also have noticed an uptick in QR codes at establishments. These Quick Response barcodes make it easy to get more information about pretty much anything from an app to an article of clothing. They have other uses as well.
Cool ways to use your phone's camera that don't involve photos
The camera in your smartphone and tablet is pretty amazing. You can use it to take high resolution photos instantly wherever you go. But did you know there are plenty of other uses for your smartphone’s camera? I’ll share eight new ways to use your camera you’ve probably never thought of before.