Cyber dangers are everywhere, but our culture consistently chooses convenience over privacy. Indeed, technological innovations have made our lives so much easier and we cannot escape it. PCs, smartphones, smart homes, transportation, retail, hospitality, QR codes, and much more dominate our everyday lives. The question is, how much are you willing to give up for convenience?
QR Code Convenience vs Cyber Dangers
QR codes have become commonplace. You often see them on marketing pamphlets, store windows, bus stops, informational flyers, real estate signs, business cards, and even games like PokemonPokedex, to name a few.
Specifically, hospitality has found great success with contactless menus because they help protect the staff and patrons from surface contact viruses. In 2020, 52% of restaurants switched to QR codes versus printed menus. A method that still continues today. QR codes can also provide immediate membership awards status. However, the most significant advantage to the hospitality industry is the 40% reduction in labor costs and order errors among the many benefits.
How QR Code Swiping Could Harm your Atlanta Business
Most swipers don’t know that QR codes typically contain cookies that track the patron’s purchase history, contact information, and location. In worst-case scenarios, it contains malicious viruses. Unfortunately, Atlanta businesses can be the ones to suffer if one or more of their end-users love to swipe their devices on QR codes that access corporate data.
According to CSO magazine, only 47% of people knew scanning a QR code could open a URL, and 37% knew it could download an application. Even more daunting, many people scan QR codes for everything else, which can put themselves and their employers at risk. Yet, they keep swiping.
How to protect company data from employees choosing convenience over cybersecurity
INSI recommends five cellphones IT security tricks to protect your end-user’s cell phones and avoid cybersecurity dangers. They include:
- 2-Factor Authentication – This adds on another security layer besides your passcode.
- Published Password Notification – Find out if your email address or password has been breached by going to https://haveibeenpwned.com/.
- Encrypted Backups – Ensure your backups are encrypted to hide sensitive information like passwords, health info, WI-FI settings, and call/search history.
- Autofill – Autofill makes it easier to log into a new device or an account with a code. It is available in all IOS 12 and up, and you can find it in settings on your Android phone.
- Add Antivirus – You are highly vulnerable to smishing, phishing, and social media hacks daily. A good cellphone antivirus can often stop these attacks in their tracks.
INSI – Top Atlanta Cybersecurity Advisors
INSI also has mobile cybersecurity protection services if you are unsure about your end-user activities. These include:
Fortify-IT – Fortify-IT is our Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) program that provides mobile protection for your general employee population and BYOD users. Most importantly, this program will provide reporting, assistance with end-user remediation, policy creation, assisted deployment, threat escalations, and mobile advisory and recommendations.
MobileAssess-IT – INSI’s Mobile Risk Assessment, MobileAssess-IT, provides experienced assessment experts who will evaluate security risks to mobile phones/tablets, establish policies, assess the impact on policies, and recommend actions to better secure and align mobile devices to your business practices.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
