Are Free QR Code Generators Safe?
Over the past few years, QR Codes have seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with a staggering 238.06% increase in their usage in 2022 from 2021.
My favorite QR Code usage would include Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign and the Super Bowl ad. These two brands used QR Codes in a way no one had ever thought of. No, don’t get me wrong here. QR Codes were used actively before this, but these two brands leave great examples of innovation.
As the demand for QR Codes continues to rise, the internet has witnessed a proliferation of free QR Code generators. They are interactive and super convenient to create and use. But all fun and games aside, is a free QR Code generator safe? Let me answer that for you in this blog.
Understanding QR Code Generators
Before I dive into the safety concerns, let’s first understand how QR Code creators work.
QR Code generators are online solutions or software applications that allow you to create QR Codes for your specific needs (I’m sure some of you already know this).
Some QR Code generators are free (duh). These generators typically offer a range of options, such as URL links, text, contact information, and even Wi-Fi credentials.
You input your desired content, customize the design and style, and generate a QR Code that can be downloaded and used in various applications.
QR Codes are generally a secure and dependable technology with no inherent risks in their creation or usage. However, free QR Code generators are less secure than they appear.
Security Risks Associated With Free QR Code Generators
The important aspect I noticed here is that the potential risks of using a free online QR Code generator do not stem from the QR Code itself. Instead, the risk lies in relying on an unreliable third-party platform to redirect users to your uploaded information.
This reliance is especially risky when your QR Code campaign is essential for attracting attention, encouraging interaction, and generating revenue.
- Malware Attack
Malware, also known as malicious software, is a harmful software that a hacker can download onto your device. Advertisements or sponsored content often support free QR Code generators to sustain their services.
These ads can be potential vectors for malware or malicious code that can compromise the security of your device or network.
Let’s build a better picture. A potential QR Code security risk arises when a malicious link is inserted, replacing the previous URL that contains your intended content. Hackers can then redirect users to phishing websites, which would include stealing login credentials or financial data, spying on the user’s activities, or encrypting files for ransom.
- Data Privacy
When using online QR Code generators, you entrust your data to a third-party service. It is crucial to consider how the generator handles your information and whether it adheres to privacy regulations.
Some free QR Code generators may collect user data for targeted advertising, revealing your location or personally identifiable information (PII) for malicious purposes without your consent.
- Lack of Customized Security Options
While free QR Code generators offer basic customization features, they may need more advanced security options. Safe QR Code generators (often paid solutions) often provide features such as password protection and access control, which can enhance the security of your QR Codes.
Free QR generators may not offer these features, leaving your codes vulnerable to unauthorized access or misuse.
- QR Code AI Art
Some free QR Code generators, more specifically AI QR code generators, help you create QR Code AI art. This is nothing but a combination of art and technology, making QR Codes look cool and creative.
It’s really interesting, by the way.
But there’s a problem — they aren’t actually secure. These fancy QR Codes might confuse regular scanners and cause errors. Data safety is yet another concern, so I suggest you use them wisely.
So, while QR Code AI art is fun, you must be careful to keep things artistic and safe.
3 Ways to Up Your QR Code Security
Although there are QR Code security risks associated with using any QR Code solutions (especially free ones), it is possible to mitigate them by adopting the following practices:
- Research and Pick a Secure Solution
Before jumping into what could possibly ruin your brand image and put your users at risk, I suggest you explore all the options when it comes to safe and secure QR Code solutions. This includes both free and paid QR Code generators.
I wrote an article on free and paid QR Code generators for a better perspective, and you can check it out here.
When you are looking for a QR Code maker, assess its reputation, user reviews, and security practices. Stick to well-known and established solutions with a track record of prioritizing user safety and are SOC-2, GDPR compliant, phishing URL compliant, and provide SSO login. If it’s a paid solution and they are offering a free trial, I’d say go for it. This would help you understand the user interface and whether or not it has the features you need.
- Implement (More) Security Measures
Consider implementing additional security measures when generating QR Codes. For example, I use good antivirus software to scan the generated QR Codes for potential threats. Similarly, other important security measures include:
- Stick to trusted sources when scanning QR Codes.
- Customize your QR Code for added security by adding your brand’s logo.
- Use a domain name that reflects your brand to prevent phishing attempts.
- Pay attention to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates for secure transactions.
- Enable risk-based and multi-factor authentication.
Want more?
Here is a security protocol checklist you should consider before using a QR Code generator:
4 Best Free QR Code Generators You Should To Try
Now that we’ve covered the features to look for in a safe QR Code generator let me make your life easier by suggesting some of the best free QR Code generators in case you are strapped for cash.
P.S. I’ve tried and tested them myself.
- Uniqode (Formerly known as Beaconstac)
I’ve probably mentioned this tool too many times in my article, and that’s because it is one of the best solutions for QR Codes I’ve ever used!
Recognized as one of the safest QR Code generators by G2, Uniqode offers a static (free) QR Code generator that empowers you to effortlessly craft, distribute, and systematize your QR Codes for your marketing initiatives.
This free QR Code generator allows you to generate safe QR Codes for tasks such as website links, Wi-Fi accessibility, text, and more. It’s ideal for newcomers and those interested in QR Code experimentation.
But Uniqode’s capabilities extend beyond this. You can also generate dynamic QR Codes with ease — by simply completing the sign-up process. They offer a 14-day trial (which I absolutely loved!).
However, if you want to continue using the dynamic QR Codes or even customize your QR Codes beyond the free trial, you would need to purchase a paid plan from them. Don’t worry, their plans start at $5 per month.
Who doesn’t know Canva? I use it regularly for my blogs and for my other design needs. But did you know about its QR Code feature? Yes, they, too, have a QR Code generator. It is free, it is user-friendly, and most importantly, you can use these QR Codes on any of your design templates created on Canva.
With the Canva QR Code generator, all you have to do is pick a template that suits your needs, customize it based on your requirements, add your URL for the QR Code, and place it exactly where you want it on the template. Plus, you can even change the color to match your branding.
Once everything looks perfect, hit the save button, and voilà — your customized Canva QR Code is ready for download.
I recently laid my hands on the Adobe QR Code generator. It is just as efficient as the Canva QR Code. With Adobe QR Code maker, you can easily create URL-based QR Codes with decent customizations (like changing the colors).
No special software or apps are required (which is the case with most QR Code applications).
This one, however, doesn’t have anything extraordinary to offer. You can create basic QR Codes put them up on your design templates, and that’s it. You cannot track them because they are static QR Codes, and you also cannot add your business logo, which is something I would prefer to have to determine whether a QR Code is authentic or not.
Of all the free QR Code generators I’ve tested, QRCode Monkey has the most impressive user interface. Initially, it didn’t strike me as a free application, but it indeed is. However, if you’re aiming to generate dynamic QR Codes using this platform, you’ll be directed to QR Code Generator Pro, which is a paid solution.
Nevertheless, with QRCode Monkey, you have the flexibility to create personalized QR Codes and download them in high quality, tailored to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
While I understand free QR Code generators offer convenience and cost savings, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. You can minimize safety concerns when using QR Codes by going for a solution like Uniqode or QR Code Generator Pro, as they come with their own safety measures and features. Also, don’t forget to go beyond and above this and implement additional security measures that help the users scan your QR Codes worry-free!
