20250728 QR Codes: Your Biggest Security Risk in Plain Sight

QR Codes: Convenient for Customers—Dangerous for Your NetworkQR codes surged in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. From menus and business cards to invoices and access control, they’ve become a staple of daily business life.

But beneath the surface, they pose real security threats—and most CEOs, office managers, and IT leads never see it coming.

What’s at Stake?

QR codes bypass traditional email and link filters, taking users straight to a web destination. If that destination is a phishing site or malware-infected page, your employee—and by extension your network—is vulnerable.

This isn’t just a hypothetical. In 2024, cybersecurity researchers noted a 51% increase in QR-based phishing campaigns targeting small to midsize businesses.

Once inside, attackers can:
• Steal login credentials
• Install ransomware
• Intercept communications
• Compromise customer data

And because QR codes don’t look threatening, users often scan without thinking.

CTTS: Your Partner in Proactive Cybersecurity

At CTTS, we work with companies across Austin, Georgetown, and Central Texas to close these kinds of security gaps. Whether it’s email filtering, mobile device protection, or QR code awareness training, we help ensure your team—and your business—stay protected.

It’s not just about technology. It’s about trust, growth, and continuity.

Best Practices to Protect Your Business from QR Code Risks

  1. Educate Your Team: If it feels suspicious, don’t scan it. Treat QR codes like any unknown link.
  2. Review Public Materials: If your business uses QR codes, ensure the destination is secure, encrypted, and up-to-date.
  3. Use Company-Approved Devices: Ensure employees use protected work devices when scanning business-related codes.
  4. Monitor Web Access: Implement tools that scan links even after they’ve been accessed.
  5. Partner with Experts: An IT provider like CTTS can proactively monitor and secure these invisible threat vectors.

Take the Next Step

QR codes aren’t going away—but the risks don’t have to stay hidden.

Schedule a free strategy session with CTTS and gain insight into the unseen vulnerabilities inside your business.

FAQs

Are QR codes safe to use at work?
They can be—if you know where they lead and your device is secured.

How do QR code attacks usually happen?
Users are tricked into scanning a code that redirects to a malicious site designed to steal information or install malware.

Can CTTS help train our staff on this?
Yes. We offer customized cybersecurity training and proactive tools to stop threats before they reach your network.


Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!