Decoding Dangers: The Hidden Hazards of QR Codes

In an age where digital convenience is often a priority, the use of QR codes and bar-codes has become ubiquitous, simplifying tasks from checking in for a flight to ordering at a restaurant. However, this convenience might come with more risks than we realize.

A Cautionary Tale

A curious incident reported to KrebsOnSecurity, a premier site focusing on in-depth cyber security journalism, shed light on the potential dangers of seemingly harmless bar-codes printed on airline boarding passes.

KrebsOnSecurity, run by veteran journalist Brian Krebs, specializes in exploring the depths of cyber crime and online security threats, helping readers navigate the complexities of information safety in our digital world.

From Social Media to Security Breach

This security oversight was first brought to light by a reader named Cory, who noticed a friend's boarding pass photo shared on Facebook. After enlarging a screenshot of the QR code on the pass, Cory used an online site to decode the data. Astonishingly, he accessed an array of personal information.

“Besides his name, frequent flyer number and other [personally identifiable information], I was able to get his record locator for the Lufthansa flight he was taking that day,” Cory explained.

Utilizing just the surname and record locator, he accessed the entire frequent flyer account on Lufthansa’s website, revealing not just the one flight, but any future bookings tied to the frequent flyer number within the Star Alliance network.

Beyond Simple Details

The implications were far-reaching. Cory could view future flights, change seats, or even cancel bookings. More alarmingly, he could potentially reset the PIN number for his friend’s frequent flyer account, armed with easily guessable personal details often found on social networking sites.

A Simple Solution

This incident underscores a critical message about digital security: the importance of mindful sharing and disposing of personal information.

The best defense? Krebs recommends shredding your old boarding passes and urges caution against sharing boarding pass images, or any document with a bar-code or QR code, on social media or the internet.

The Bigger Picture

While Cory's story focused on airline boarding passes, it serves as a reminder that QR codes are widespread — from consumer advertising to personal identification. Each carries data, and in the wrong hands, that data can be a tool for intrusion or fraud.

Stay Vigilant

We live in a world rich in data, constantly walking the fine line between convenience and risk. Stories like Cory's are crucial reminders from sources like KrebsOnSecurity to remain vigilant, questioning, and cautious about where and how our personal data is shared and stored.

Next time you're about to discard a boarding pass, or any document with a QR code, remember to treat it with the same caution as you would your personal documents. Shred it! And don’t share images of your boarding passes on Social Media.?

Your digital security may depend on it.

#CyberSecurity #PrivacyMatters