Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new form of QR codes, called self-authenticating dual-modulated QR (SDMQR) codes, to protect smartphone users from potential phishing attacks. These attacks, known as “quishing,” involve cybercriminals placing fake QR codes on various items that lead users to enter sensitive information on fake websites.
The SDMQR codes allow an official source to pre-register URLs and embed a cryptographic signature in the QR code, indicating to users whether the link is safe or potentially fraudulent. This added layer of security does not interfere with the existing QR code functionality and appears as elongated ellipses instead of the traditional black and white squares.
The researchers, Gaurav Sharma and Irving Barron, have filed a patent for SDMQR codes and secured a grant to explore industry applications such as replacing traditional UPC barcodes with these more sophisticated QR codes. Companies are interested in the technology as it allows for branded codes on packaging that can contain more information in a smaller area.
Sharma notes that the technology is especially appealing to companies wanting to move away from traditional UPC barcodes and towards QR codes for their robustness and ability to contain more information. The research team is also working on developing QR codes that can use color to embed even more information and allow a single code to direct users to up to three destinations.
Overall, the SDMQR codes offer an innovative solution to enhance security and functionality for QR codes, making them a promising technology for a wide range of industries looking to streamline their labeling and promotional efforts.
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