I can see a system where you have to scan the QR code in a specific app for that purpose (e.g. a dedicated QR code payment app which approved businesses sign up to, which either includes or remotely queries a database of valid endpoints). At that point though, where you’re requiring a dedicated app anyway, you may as well invent your own 2D code system with blackjack, hookers and signing. But yeah, I don’t understand how this would work otherwise. QR codes just aren’t made for security. They shouldn’t be used anywhere security is required.
QR codes just aren’t made for security. They shouldn’t be used anywhere security is required.
I get what you’re saying but it’s at least a little bit funny that they are regularly used for security in the form of scan to login (e.g. Steam), verify your session (e.g. Matrix), etc. Of course these are in a closed ecosystem so the QR code itself is not the security. But I just found it funny you said that when 90% of my QR code usage is for security.
I mean, generating a one time QR code for login is one thing. It’s the equivalent of a one time password. But a permanent QR code is not that. They still aren’t inherently secure, but they can be used in situations where showing a code in plain text would be just as secure.
Yeah, my language was overly broad. You can use QR codes as part of a system where the security is going on elsewhere, but the integrity of the QR code itself isn’t something that can be relied on for security.
I mean it’s more like it’s used to transfer small amounts of data over a visual medium in those cases. Basically just a shortcut over having to type a whole string of characters manually.
Well, by using a QR code you don’t have to invent your own 2D system, as blackjack and hookers aren’t really necessary.
Just make your own URI protocol, and encode any signature in the link. Bonus if you can register your protocol in Android or IOS, but I don’t know if this is possible.
Many QR codes today are designed to be scanned in a general QR app and then launch their specific app. Not sure how the markup works exactly, but I’ve seen it work like that.
I can see a system where you have to scan the QR code in a specific app for that purpose (e.g. a dedicated QR code payment app which approved businesses sign up to, which either includes or remotely queries a database of valid endpoints). At that point though, where you’re requiring a dedicated app anyway, you may as well invent your own 2D code system with blackjack, hookers and signing. But yeah, I don’t understand how this would work otherwise. QR codes just aren’t made for security. They shouldn’t be used anywhere security is required.
no, please dont give more leverage for these people to put more invasive apps on my phone
I get what you’re saying but it’s at least a little bit funny that they are regularly used for security in the form of scan to login (e.g. Steam), verify your session (e.g. Matrix), etc. Of course these are in a closed ecosystem so the QR code itself is not the security. But I just found it funny you said that when 90% of my QR code usage is for security.
I mean, generating a one time QR code for login is one thing. It’s the equivalent of a one time password. But a permanent QR code is not that. They still aren’t inherently secure, but they can be used in situations where showing a code in plain text would be just as secure.
Yeah, my language was overly broad. You can use QR codes as part of a system where the security is going on elsewhere, but the integrity of the QR code itself isn’t something that can be relied on for security.
I mean it’s more like it’s used to transfer small amounts of data over a visual medium in those cases. Basically just a shortcut over having to type a whole string of characters manually.
Well, by using a QR code you don’t have to invent your own 2D system, as blackjack and hookers aren’t really necessary.
Just make your own URI protocol, and encode any signature in the link. Bonus if you can register your protocol in Android or IOS, but I don’t know if this is possible.
This is how our COVID vaccination certificate QR codes worked
Many QR codes today are designed to be scanned in a general QR app and then launch their specific app. Not sure how the markup works exactly, but I’ve seen it work like that.