QR Code Security: How to Protect Your Restaurant from Quishing
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QR Code Security: Protecting Your Restaurant and Customers
As QR code menus have become the standard in modern dining, a new security threat has emerged: Quishing (QR Phishing). This occurs when malicious actors replace legitimate restaurant QR codes with fake ones that lead customers to fraudulent websites.
Here is how you can protect your business and your guests.
What is Quishing?
Quishing is a form of phishing where a QR code is used to lure victims into visiting a malicious site. In a restaurant setting, this often involves:
- Overlay Stickers: Attackers place a small sticker with a fake QR code over your official table codes.
- Phishing for Data: The fake site may look like your menu but asks for personal information or payment details.
- Malware: The site might attempt to download malicious software onto the customer's device.
How to Protect Your Restaurant
1. Regular Physical Inspections
The simplest defense is a manual check. Train your staff to inspect table QR codes daily. Look for:
- Stickers that feel raised or peel away easily.
- Changes in color or texture of the QR code area.
- Codes that don't match the design of your other tables.
2. Use Branded QR Codes
Plain black-and-white QR codes are easy to replicate. DMenu allows you to customize your QR codes with your restaurant's logo and brand colors. A branded code is harder to spoof without it looking suspicious.
3. Educate Your Customers
Add a small note on your menu holder or table talker that says: "Verify the URL starts with dmenu.com" or "We never ask for personal information on our menu."
4. Secure Your Digital Space
Ensure your digital menu provider uses HTTPS (like DMenu does) and doesn't require unnecessary permissions or logins just to view the menu.
Conclusion
While the risks are real, they are easily manageable with a bit of vigilance. By combining physical security checks with the professional branding tools provided by DMenu, you can ensure your customers enjoy a safe and seamless dining experience.