To go to a restaurant, to have a drink, to go to the cinema, the QR code has now become essential in everyday life. But where does this strange code come from? QR code: What does it mean?

Massively known today through its use in the context of anti-covid measures and the famous health pass, the famous black and white mosaic has already had its heyday for some time. For those who still haven't understood, here is the recipe to learn how to scan a QR code

The QR code, in English QR code comes from “long quick response code” or “quick response code ”. It consists of a type of two-dimensional barcode, also known as a matrix code. Must say with such a head, had to expect to see him out of the matrix. This matrix code is actually the machine-readable optical format and can thus be viewed on the screen of a mobile device or printed on paper. It consists of black square modules arranged in a square with a white background. These points define the information that the code contains. There are thus as many combinations of these mosaics of points on a white background, as information contained in this code? being the key to the message itself. Indiana Jones matrix version always.

The QR Code: A code to scan?

More specifically, the QR code has two dotted lines (a column and a row) called timing as the British say. These two lines allow the software to identify the location of the beginnings and ends of columns and rows. Once this information is obtained, the software can calculate the location of the pixels to be read and reading a single pixel is enough to read one bit of information. Reading is therefore fast since the software can read a reduced number of pixels, hence the name quick response, known as QR code.

Other codes for smartphones (Flashcode etc.)

But there are also other two-dimensional barcode formats that work similarly, such as Flashcode or 2D-Doc, which are often confused with the QR code. We would almost get lost in all these acronyms. A QR code means that the content of the code can be decoded quicklyt after being read by a barcode reader, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or even a webcam.

A smartphone code

Its advantage is that it can store more information than a barcode, and above all that this data is directly recognized by applications. And indeed, we all see how quickly our phone recognizes the code displayed on the screen. It is certainly this speed that leaned in the choice of this code rather than another for the health pass to which we are now so accustomed. Have you seen how fast we draw it now?

Scan a QR Code / Credit: Unsplash

QR code and Web pages: What is it for?

This code allows extremely varied actions such as: - Navigating to a website, visiting a website or putting the address of a bookmarked site for, like showing a geographical point on a map, such as OpenStreetMap, Google Maps or Bing Maps.

- Watch online video or media content; connect to hotspot

- Trigger a call to a phone number or send an SMS

- Send Email

- Make a direct payment via your mobile phone (Europe and Asia mainly)

- Display a text or write a free text (its largest version allows to include a text of about 500 words)

- Add a virtual business card in contacts, an appointment or an event in the electronic organizer

The inventor of the QR code

Invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, an engineer from the Japanese company Denso-Wave (a Japanese company specializing mainly in industrial equipment and systems for the automotive market), he invented this code in order to follow the route of spare parts in Toyota factories.

Indeed, Masahiro Hara, who was then in charge of improving the productivity of the manufacturer's production lines, identified a major problem:the time spent by employees scanning the multiple barcodes required to the identification of parts. Aaaaah Fordism when you hold us…

Bar, scan, images and black pixels

From this observation, he imagined a square code formed by a set of black and white pixels, inspired by a traditional Japanese game: go. This was the birth of the QR (for " quick answer”) code. More complex than a barcode, it can contain more information. In 1999, Masahiro Hara's invention became free of rights. The use of this code then spread throughout Japan. At the same time, smartphones are also spreading more and more in the country, which then contributes to an even greater distribution of the QR code. Well, we could explain to you how the lines of code were designed, for what reasons with all the details, etc. But we don't have time to stuff all the wikipedia page. And then, to tell the truth, we don't understand anything about it. See instead: "The message is encoded using a Reed Solomon code (255,249) (reduced to a code (24,18) by the use of padding) which can correct up to 3 bytes of error .” Incomprehensible, isn't it? So we skip this step and go straight to the practical side!

Scan an iPhone QR code and QR code

Let's start with the Apple brand smartphone. Yes, yes, it's totally favoritism, No, in fact, it's mainly that it's going to be very fast. But then really very fast you will see. Not only because unlike Android devices which come from different manufacturers who all have their own operation, the iOS system logically works the same way for all iPhones. For once there is an advantage to the iPhone, you will tell me, we are not going to complain about it. But that's not all! It is also that, concerning the QR code function, Apple has done things rather not too badly. No need to look for lunch at two o'clock, the function used to scan QR Codes has directly been integrated into the camera. Here is the procedure, in three mini-steps.

Scanning a QR code on iPhone:

1. Open the camera.

2. Point the camera (rear) towards the QR Code you want to decrypt.

3. When it is recognized, a notification is displayed on the screen: tap on it to open the link.

4. We told you it was going to be fast. In a few seconds, you're done. Magic, no?

Scan a QR code on Android

Do you have a Samsung phone? A Xiaomi, OPPO or even a Huawei? All of these smartphones, like the vast majority of non-Apple-branded devices on the market, run Android. Important thing to know, this is an operating system developed by Google. So these smartphones can all take advantage of the Google Lens functionality, in the same way as Gmail messaging, the Chrome browser, or the Drive storage service. Stylish, I admit. It is also through this drive storage system that you can use the QR code recognition system.

The procedure for an Android smartphone, in four steps:

1. Access Google Lens through Google Assistant: tap the small camera icon.

2. Point the camera at the QR Code in question.

3. A small blue dot appears on the screen: make it appear in the center of the QR Code.

4. Tap on it… And there you have it, the decrypted QR Code, you are directly redirected to the digital content it concealed!

· Other techniques for another scan

If your Android smartphone does not have Google Lens, or if by some unfortunate coincidence you encounter problems with this application, there are other solutions depending on the brand. We are saved, everything is fine. At Samsung, you can go through Bixby Vision from the camera. As for Huawei, open the shortcuts by sliding your finger from top to bottom on the screen, there you will find a scan icon.

Then with Xiaomi, it's as simple as on iPhone: the functionality isintegrated into the camera, just check in the settings that it is activated. Well finally Android does not have much to envy to the classic IOS finally. Sorry Steve!

The best apps for reading a QR code

If none of the previous methods are available for your device to integrate the function natively, no big deal, we'll find another solution together! You will do well by drinking this beer on the terrace with your vaccination passport. A passage through a new application (or shortened app) is essential. On the other hand, you may have to think about buying a new phone to make it easier. And then it will save you reading time on this article too. For boomers, therefore, you will have to go through a third-party application available on app stores.

Also called “store” for the youngest. The most famous, and often recommended by Google, is Barcode Scanner from ZXing Team. This application has the merit of being ttotally free, light and without any advertising. Invent your own code! “Scanner of QR codes & Barcodes (Pro)” is the rather long title of one of the most complete applications there is. This app allows you to scan, but also create, QR Codes or barcodes, and store them with a history. An app that manages all kinds of codes, whether they contain a simple URL to a web page, or geolocation data or the connection parameters to a Wi-Fi access point.

QR code criticisms: mobile data, hacked application, phishing

In view of everything we have seen previously, the QR code therefore seems to hold incredible advantages, in the follow-up of a page web, in the authentication of a product, an object or ourselves! Well, we'll go back to the increased work rate side, Fordism and company ok... However, many criticisms are being made today about Masahiro Hara's invention.

Mainly concerning security flaws… Indeed, these mobile shortcuts can represent a real threat for users, who are not always aware of it. What to watch out for, and how to protect yourself from malicious versions?

QR Code scam / Credit: Unsplash

QR code on smartphone: can you recognize it?

Some alarming trends are highlighted: smartphone users do not really understand the potential risks of QR codes, and almost three quarters ( 71%) of respondents cannot tell the difference between a legitimate QR code and a malicious QR code. Not that great. At the same time, more than half (51%) of users surveyed do not, to their knowledge, have protection on their laptop.

Why is that? Certainly because mobile devices have conditioned us to act quickly - swipe, tap, click, pay - while being distracted by other actions: working, shopping, eating. This type of mechanical and implicit trust feeds hackers who use QR codes in particular to deploy attacks. Well, we don't want to scare you, but prevention is better than cure, right?

QR code hacks: how do they do it?

Hacking a real QR code would require some serious skills to get around the pixelated dots in the matrix of the code admittedly. But hackers have found a much simpler method. This involves embedding malware in QR codes (which can be generated by free tools available online). For an average user, these codes all look the same, but a malicious QR code can lead to a fake website. It can also enter personal data or install malware on the smartphone, which can trigger different types of actions:

QR code: Beware of scams!

Add a contact list for example: hackers can add a new contact list on the user's phone and use it to launch a phishing attack . This is also called Phishing. Initiate a phone call: By initiating a call to a paid service, this type of exploit can expose the phone number. Text Someone: Apart from texting a malicious recipient, a user's contacts can also receive this message and be attacked. Write an e-mail: as with an sms, a hacker can write an e-mail and fill in the recipient and the subject. Hackers can target the user's work email if the device lacks mobile threat protection. Make payment: If the QR code is malicious, it could allow hackers to automatically send a payment and capture the user's personal financial data.

QR Code hacked: what to do?

To prevent it: Only scan codes from trusted entities. Users should stick to scanning codes that only come from trusted senders. Be watchful for red flags, such as a web address different from the business URL - chances are it points to a malicious site.

Be careful with “bit.ly” type links by checking that the URL of a bit.ly link appears after scanning a QR code. These links are often used to disguise malicious URLs, but you can safely preview them by adding a plus symbol to the end of the URL.

It's good! You now know everything about QR codes, their history, their use and how to best use them! We thank good old Masahiro Hara again for his creativity and his invention, which is somewhat strange but very practical, it is true!