Computer Security Pharmacy Spam Emails Use Malicious QR (Quick Response)...

Pharmacy Spam Emails Use Malicious QR (Quick Response) Codes to Target Mobile Users

quick-response-qr-code-spam-email-malwareCybercrooks are up to no good in the neighborhood of spam email messages containing URL links leading to an onslaught of malicious QR scan codes, which are commonly used to redirect smartphone users to a specific URL. Most recently, QR scan codes have been used in sneaky spam emails containing a link to drug peddling sites.

Have you ever used a QR (Quick Response) Scan Code, a block of digitized squares commonly scanned with smartphone cameras, to quickly link to a site that someone or some company is attempting to advertise? If so, you may have thought that the conception of a QR code was a nifty idea. Rightfully so, QR codes are a great way to allow potential consumers of a product or visitors of a website to quickly scan and access a site with their smartphone.

It wasn't until just this past year that we took special notice to an increase of cybercrooks utilizing and creating malicious QR codes. These malicious QR codes can actually hide smartphone and tablet malware. However, this time the method of attack is promoting and spreading links to site that peddle drugs. The method for spreading these particular malicious QR codes has taken to the streets of spam email. Hackers are using spam emails to spread their crafty QR codes, which will ultimately redirect smartphone or tablet users to sites that advertise all types of drugs.

In a sense, spammers have evolved from their traditional ways. Why waste time managing old scams that really no longer work? QR codes are the newest thing when it comes to "hiding" malicious links or ones that take a computer, smartphone or tablet user to whatever website the hacker desires.

Not only does a QR code containing a link to bogus online drug stores pertaining to Android powered devices, but virtually anyone utilizing any type of smartphone with scan capabilities - including iPhone users - could be susceptible to landing on what you may refer to as a "virtual online meth lab." The link, as it appears in the touted spam message, looks to be a simple shortened URL (ie: hxxp://2tag.nxxxx).

How Does Someone Create a Malicious QR (Quick Response) Scan Code?

You may already be asking yourself, how do you create a QR code? Surprisingly, creating a QR code is as easy as booting up your PC. Basically, there are a number of sites that allow you to create a QR code for virtually any website. You can even choose the color and size of the QR code that you desire.

At this point, QR code used in spam is at its beginning stages. Not everyone has access to a smartphone or tablet device with scanning capabilities or the proper software to read the code. However, it should linger in the mind of tech savvy people and those who utilize QR scan codes regularly to be cautious.

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