KT Corp., a South Korean mobile carrier, announced the launch of its Safe QR Service on Thursday to help safeguard users from malicious QR codes. The service aims to address the growing concern over “quishing,” a form of cybercrime where fraudsters replace legitimate QR codes with fraudulent ones in public spaces or on various services.
Quishing tricks unsuspecting users into scanning these altered codes, leading to harmful applications or hacking programs. This rise in QR code phishing highlights the need for enhanced protection, and KT’s new service is designed to prevent such attacks and ensure safer QR code usage.
KT’s Safe QR Service analyzes scanned QR codes to detect potential threats. If the code leads to a phishing URL or an illegal website, the service automatically blocks the connection and warns the user. Users are presented with a cautionary message for unverified or suspicious URLs, prompting them to confirm their intentions before proceeding to the site. This approach helps users avoid falling victim to phishing attacks or malicious content.
The Safe QR Service is free through KT’s My KT app, and users can access it without logging in. This accessibility ensures that anyone can benefit from the added security when scanning QR codes, regardless of their account status. KT aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience while protecting users from the rising threat of QR code phishing.
KT is holding a “Safe QR Draw Event” for two weeks to promote the new service starting from the 16th. This initiative encourages users to engage with the service by participating in a fun and rewarding activity. Customers can enter the draw by scanning a test QR code featured on the event page of the My KT app.
Lee Hyun-Seok, Vice President of KT’s Customer Division, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure a secure digital environment in which customers can safely navigate the digital world without fear of cyber threats.
The company also discussed enhancing customer safety and continuing its efforts to combat spam, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime. By focusing on strengthening security measures, KT aims to provide users with a safe and reliable digital experience while actively reducing risks associated with online threats.
