QR codes are widely used in healthcare, but they can also pose security risks. QR code phishing attacks have increased significantly, putting patient data at risk. Healthcare organizations can mitigate these risks by using secure QR code generators, implementing incident management tools, conducting regular audits, and providing education to employees and patients. Verifying the authenticity of QR codes, scanning only from trusted sources, and being cautious when sharing personal information are crucial steps to ensure cyber-safety when using QR codes in healthcare.
QR codes have become increasingly popular in various industries, including healthcare, due to their convenience and ability to streamline processes. However, these matrix barcodes also pose security risks, especially in healthcare IT systems where the protection of sensitive patient data is paramount. In this article, we will explore QR code exploits, the vulnerabilities they expose in healthcare organizations, and the measures that can be taken to mitigate these risks.
“Scan scams” or QR code phishing attacks have become alarmingly common, with incidents increasing more than seven times in 2022 alone. In these attacks, cybercriminals leverage the trust associated with QR codes to trick patients or staff members into scanning a malicious code. After scanning, the user is redirected to a seemingly legitimate website that requests personal information or login credentials. This stolen data can then be used to commit identity theft, data breaches, or malware infestations.
Healthcare organizations are particularly susceptible to QR code exploits due to the value of patient data on the black market. Patient records fetch a high price on the dark web, often exceeding $1,000 per record, making them an attractive target for hackers. Compared to standard credit card records, patient data commands a significantly higher value.
Healthcare organizations should implement several security measures to prevent QR code exploits and protect patient data. To begin, businesses should use a QR code generator with built-in features such as single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, custom domain options, and user management capabilities. These features improve the security of QR codes and ensure that only authorized individuals can access the information associated with them.
In addition to a secure QR code generator, healthcare organizations should utilize a comprehensive QR code platform equipped with incident management tools and security measures subject to regular audits. This ensures that any vulnerabilities or potential breaches are promptly identified and addressed. Regular audits also help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the security measures implemented.
However, technology alone cannot provide complete protection against QR code exploits. Education and awareness are essential to preventing these attacks. Healthcare organizations should prioritize training their employees and patients on the safe use of QR codes. This includes teaching them how to recognize and avoid phishing scams, malware, and other security threats associated with QR codes. Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation by providing individuals with the knowledge to recognize and respond to potential threats.
To give patients and others confidence in using QR codes safely, healthcare organizations should encourage them to verify the codes’ authenticity before disclosing personal information. Many people open a link immediately after scanning a QR code without verifying its destination, exposing themselves to privacy and security risks. Patients should be advised to check the website or app URL linked to the QR code and use reputable QR code scanner apps to confirm the trustworthiness of the destination.
Moreover, patients should only scan QR codes from verified sources, such as their healthcare provider’s official website, app, or printed materials. To avoid potential exploitation, avoid suspicious QR codes from unknown sources.
Patients must exercise caution when sharing personal data via QR codes, such as medical history or insurance information. They should only provide such sensitive information to trusted healthcare providers who can demonstrate secure and encrypted data transmission.
