QR CODES

QR CODES

     QR Code is an abbreviation for Quick Response Code.They are primarily used  used to transmit a piece of information.The reason why they are more useful than a standard barcode is in their ability to store much more data, including website links, geographical coordinates, images and text.The other key feature of QR Codes is that they instead of requiring a  hand-held scanner to scan them, most of the modern day cell phones can scan them using their cameras.

DESIGN

     In contrast the one dimensional QR codes that were designed to be used with hand held Scanners,QR codes are designed in such a way that they can be detected using a 2-dimensional digital image scanner and then by using a programmed processor digitally analyze them.The processor identifies all of the distinctive squares at the corners of a QR code, using a smaller square (or multiple squares) near the fourth corner to normalize the image for size, orientation and establish the angle for viewing.

USES

QR Codes were originally designed for industrial use.Expansion of technology led them to be gradually adopted into consumer advertising.QR codes have applications in various fields.

URL's

     

      An advertisement viewer needs only to reach for his or her phone and scan the QR Code rather than remembering it and risk forgetting it.It would benefit both the advertiser and the customer.

CODE PAYMENTS

     

      Bank account information or credit card information,can be saved using QR codes,they also can be modified in such a way that they work with specific payment applications. 

WEBSITE LOGIN

     QR codes can be used to log in into websites: a QR Code is shown on the login page on a computer screen, and when a registered user scans it with a verified smartphone, they will automatically be logged in on the computer. The user Authentication part in this, is performed by the smartphone which contacts the server and verifies credentials. 

SOFTWARE

    Software for scanning QR Codes is widely available.Specific applications are made available for every kind of mobile operating system by their manufactures in their respective application stores.

RISKS

     Though QR codes are extremely useful,they also come with their own set of risks and disadvantages.

• The only form of executable data that can be stored in an QR code is an URL,The URL's may contain links to malicious websites,which may pose a threat to the user's security.
• When an QR code application is downloaded they ask for various permissions,including read,write permissions.Then the application might read the Sensitive user data present in the device and transmit the data without the users knowledge.

     Although QR Codes come with inherent risks,when used well they can be a great aid in advertising and information Storage.

REFERENCES:

     retrieved april 18, 2014 from http://www.csoonline.com/article/2133890/mobile-security/the-dangers-of-qr-codes-for-security.html

retrieved april 18,2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code