Don't Scan That QR Code Yet, Do This First and Thank Me Later

Before scanning the QR code, did you know that the scammers will secretly replace the QR code, induce you to leak personal information or even steal money? That's right, we've reported similar incidents in 2023. As time comes, these scams are still rampant and there is no sign of slowing down. But the good news is that you can protect yourself by using a secure QR code scanner instead of just using a regular QR code scanner.

Ordinary QR code scanning tools will only decode and jump directly to the link page, without verifying security at all. The security scanner will check whether the target link is safe before you access it. The following are several safe QR code scanning applications that I personally test and are willing to recommend in actual use.

3 Lionic secure QR code scanner

Lionic is a lightweight, superfluous security app that I love using. If you use QR codes to download apps, open websites, or make payments, this tool is very suitable.

It is less than 6MB on Android, and the iOS version is only about 15MB, which almost does not take up any space on the phone. The interface is simple and intuitive, and the operation is simple, although it cannot customize settings or functions.

The annual fee is $6 and is as low as $2 in some areas. It offers a 7-day free trial and no ads throughout the whole process - this is a very plus. Maybe it can help you avoid the parking lot fee table QR code scam in 2023.

Supports multiple types of QR codes to improve protection capabilities in all aspects. After installation, just register an account, select the plan (including free trial), and start scanning the code safely.

The built-in flashlight switch is convenient for scanning in dark light environments; there is also a "Photo Album" tag, which allows you to read QR codes sent by others from the mobile phone pictures, which is very practical.

After the scan is completed, the system will automatically generate a security report to tell you whether the link is suspicious. Want to check again in the future? Click "History" to view all scanned links, including date, URL and security status.

2 Trend Micro QR code scanner

Compared to the almost free price of Lionic, the Trend Micro is completely free to Android users and has no ads. iOS users need to use the Trend Micro Mobile Security app (the app is about 130MB and requires subscription). However, Android users can directly enjoy a pure experience.

As a veteran network security manufacturer, this QR code scanning tool from Trend Micro is also my favorite. With a volume of less than 6.5MB, it is perfect for devices with tight storage.

Unlike Lionic, no registration or login is required, and it is ready to use. The interface is simple, but the label is not clearly marked, so you may need to explore it for the first time.

In addition to identifying malicious links, it can also set up automatic opening of secure web pages and let you specify the default browser:

• Click the three dot menu in the upper right corner
• Select "Automatically open secure web pages"
• Click "Let me choose" to set the browser

Like Lionic, it supports importing QR codes from the album (there is a photo icon at the bottom), and also has a flashlight function to cope with low-light environments.

Although ads are not displayed, you are occasionally prompted to upgrade to the full Trend Micro mobile security suite to protect against phishing, malware, and "Quishing" (QR code-based phishing attacks).

1 Sophos Intercept X QR code scanner

Unlike the former two independent applications, Sophos' QR code scanning is integrated into its Intercept X for Mobile security suite, which is available for free on iOS and Android.

The volume is about 27MB before installation, which is not large, but if you just want to scan the code function, you may feel that it is over-functional. However, if you haven't installed mobile security software yet, this free tool has a very cost-effective performance: in addition to QR code protection, it also provides malicious website blocking, application scanning, two-factor authentication, password management and other functions.

The interface is clean but the functions are complex. There are many steps to set up for the first time and there are many permissions to apply for it, which makes me feel a little uncomfortable.

Another thing that is not very satisfied is that the installed apps will be automatically scanned for the first time, and there is no obvious shutdown option (the subsequent scan time can only be manually scheduled).

But I really like its built-in link detection function, which can be turned on in the "Cybersecurity Section".

To use the QR code scanning function, follow these steps:

• Open the app and click on the menu in the upper left corner
• Select "QR Code Scanner"
• Scan after authorizing the camera permissions

The scanning process is smooth and fast, but it lacks several basic functions: you cannot read QR codes from the album, there is no flashlight, and no history - I think these are basic configurations.

During the testing process, I also found that the results of different tools conflicted. For example, Trend Micro marked //m.sbmmt.com/link/23d03ac4112de862b36367b92a12104e as dangerous, while Lionic and Sophos were judged as safe. In this case, I will cross-verify multiple online link testing tools, such as VirusTotal, Bitdefender and IPVanish link testing services - just like listening to more doctors when you are in a doctor. In the end, these tools confirmed that the link was risk-free.

Although this approach seems a bit too cautious, I would rather spend a few more seconds to confirm than be invaded for a moment of negligence. In short, don't blindly scan QR codes of unknown origin, especially those appearing in stickers, posters, text messages or public places. Only by staying vigilant and working with security scanning tools can you truly protect your digital security.

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