QR Code Authentication: How to Boost Security and User Trust

QR code authentication has brought convenience to modern security standards. Its ease of use makes it suitable and efficient for today’s mobile-focused and constantly on-the-go society.

Users no longer need to enter their usernames and passwords when logging into websites or apps to verify their identity; one scan of a QR code will do. This way, you won’t have to worry if you forget these important details.

And since you won’t be typing anything into the website or app interface, your passwords and other confidential data are safe from security threats like phishing and keylogging.

Learn more about the ins and outs of this innovation to understand why it’s gaining popularity among today’s industries.

What is QR authentication?

QR authentication is a digital passcode system that uses QR codes as passports for entry to websites or apps. These online platforms use an in-app QR code software that creates the QR codes for logging in.

Once displayed on your desktop screen, you only have to scan these codes with your smartphone for instant identity verification.

With this in place, you won’t have to remember complicated passwords and enter them carefully. One scan is enough to authenticate your data and grant you access.

How does QR authentication work?

We’ll use a real-life example to understand this better. Let’s have Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging mobile app with a web version for desktop users. 

The Telegram Web homepage allows users to log in by scanning a QR code. Users must scan this with their Telegram mobile app. They must go to Settings, select Devices, then tap Link Desktop Device.

Doing so opens a scanner, and the user must fit the displayed QR code within the scanner’s parameters. And here’s where the magic happens.

The mobile app decodes the QR code’s data upon scanning. It then sends a one-time password (OTP) to the website—in this case, the Telegram Web homepage.

The website then authenticates the user’s identity. Once confirmed, the user will now have access to the website.

Now, they can send and receive messages or make calls on Telegram with their desktop.

Is it safe to use QR codes for authentication?

Using QR codes for authentication makes the process convenient, but are these tech squares safe to use? Worry not; they are.

Each QR code has a unique pattern that makes it hard to replicate. This quality makes them highly suitable for keeping data safe from potential threats.

Here’s more: QR code security measures include advanced encryption methods. These codes also have error correction, which makes them remain functional despite minor damage like scratches.

With their ability to combine convenience and security, QR codes present an efficient and easy-to-use method for authentication.

What sets QR authentication apart?

Fast and simple

QR authentication makes the process quick and easy. You only have to scan your unique QR code to gain access or verify your identity. You won’t have to worry about memorizing pins and passwords or carrying physical authentication tokens.

User-friendly

QR codes may still be a foreign concept for a select few, but using them won’t require tech-savviness. People only need to open their smartphone camera or any QR code scanner app to scan the code.

This ease of use makes authentication more accessible to individuals, regardless of their technical background.

Reduced costs

According to Forrester Research, firms spend a staggering $5.2 million each year on setting and resetting passwords, with each password reset resulting in a substantial cost of $70.

QR code verification helps businesses counter these expenses. Having instant access reduces the instances of forgetting and resetting these security keys.

This streamlined approach is a cost-effective solution that decreases the operational burden of password reset and account recovery.

Advantages of using QR codes for authentication

Here’s a list of the compelling advantages QR codes have that make them indispensable for safeguarding data and simplifying user authentication: 

End-to-end encryption

QR code for authentication employs strong end-to-end encryption, which means that from the moment the QR code is generated until validated, the data is safe from prying eyes. 

This level of security is essential in today’s data-sensitive landscape, where breaches can lead to many possible consequences.

Instant data verification

Authentication apps or servers responsible for verifying QR codes operate with speed and precision.

They swiftly process each code, generating a one-time password (OTP) and sending it to the respective website for immediate identity verification. 

This seamless process only takes a few seconds, ensuring rapid access for users. This swift and reliable data verification is essential, particularly in critical scenarios where trust and speed are important.

Cost-efficiency

Implementing QR codes for authentication can be cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. And while a QR code generator subscription may appear costly at first glance, viewing it as a strategic investment for your business is essential. 

By adopting QR code authentication, businesses can save up to 30-50% in labor and IT support costs.

Over time, the benefits it provides often far outweigh the initial expense. So, don’t be deterred by the upfront cost; consider the long-term advantages it can bring your organization.

Four ways to use QR codes for authentication

1. Two-factor authentication (2FA)

QR code-based 2FA has become a trusted and widely adopted method for enhancing online security. 

The QR code simplifies the setup process for users. They don’t need to enter complex codes manually. Instead, they can scan the code the application or service provides.

This system adds a robust layer of security to accounts. Even if a malicious actor gets the user’s username and password, they still require the time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by the 2FA app to gain access.

QR code-based 2FA portrays the perfect balance of protection and user convenience in today’s digital landscape, an effective strategy for safeguarding sensitive accounts and information.

2. Event check-in and access control 

QR code-based authentication provides a more streamlined and efficient process that enhances the attendee experience. With QR codes for your event, attendees no longer need physical tickets or badges, improving their overall experience.

Each QR code contains unique and attendee-specific information. And since these codes are hard to duplicate, they can prevent unauthorized entry and counterfeit attempts. 

Companies like shipyards, with staff restricted to authorized areas, can streamline and optimize visitor management procedures by implementing QR code-based visitor passes.

These passes provide entry only to authorized individuals and make it easy to track visitor activities. 

This method strengthens security, improves the visitor experience, and allows effortless monitoring of essential visitor data, such as entry and exit times, visited areas, and visit durations.

3. E-commerce transactions 

QR code mobile payment systems have become a powerful tool for securing transactions and fraud prevention.

Users no longer need to carry physical wallets or credit cards; a simple scan of the merchant’s QR code payment with their smartphone at the point of sale is all it takes.

This can also work for online payments made on websites. Since you won’t have to enter your account details into the interface, your details are safe from keylogging or data leaks.

By using QR codes to embed and transmit transaction data, e-commerce platforms enhance security and provide users with a safer and more efficient shopping experience. 

As online shopping continues to grow, the widespread adoption of QR code authentication further strengthens the security and safety of the digital marketplace.

4. QR code verification for products

QR codes can also help verify product authenticity, offering a quick and convenient means for consumers to access essential information with one scan.

For one, pharmaceutical companies have widely adopted QR code product authentication to combat the life-endangering threat of counterfeit drugs.

They use QR codes to store information proving a medication is legit, such as distinct serial numbers, manufacturer details, and authentication credentials. They then add these codes to the product’s box or label for convenient scanning.

When consumers scan the code, they can cross-verify the information on the manufacturer’s website. This initiative puts the customer first, ensuring they get what they paid for.

How to create bulk QR codes for authentication using a QR code generator

There’s a chance you’ll need many QR codes when using a QR authentication system, depending on how you implement it. But you won’t have to create the codes one by one.

You can use QR TIGER’s bulk QR generator, a powerful solution that can create as many as 3,000 QR codes in one go. 

Follow this step-by-step guide to generate bulk QR codes for authentication:

1. Go to QR TIGER QR Code Generator and log in to your account.
2. Click the Bulk QR button at the topmost banner.

Note: Subscribe to QR TIGER’s Advanced or Premium plans to access this solution. Get an annual plan today and enjoy $7 off!

3. Select and download a CSV template, then fill it out with the required information.
4. Upload the CSV file containing your information.
5. Choose Static QR or Dynamic QR, then click Generate QR code.
6. Customize your QR code. Choose colors, eyes, patterns, and frames. Add your business logo and a clear call to action (CTA).
7. Choose a print format based on your layout preference, then click Download Bulk QR code.

Note: You will receive a .zip file containing your bulk QR codes. You can extract and print these codes into your digital materials.

Why it’s better to use dynamic codes for QR code authentication

There are two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. 

While static QR codes are free, dynamic QR codes have advanced features that make them better for long-term use. Here’s a list of these advantages:

1. Trackable

Bulk dynamic QR codes allow you to track and monitor user interactions. You can view these valuable insights on your QR code’s scans: 

• The total number of scans and the unique ones
• The location and time of the scan
• The device used in scanning

Businesses can use these metrics for their QR code two-factor authentication system as these offer real-time visibility into authentication attempts.

These details will help their users confirm whether they attempted to log in or access their accounts. If any suspicious activity occurs, they can promptly identify and address them.

2. Editable

Unlike static QR codes, dynamic QR codes enable you to edit their content even after you’ve generated and distributed them. This feature makes dynamic QR codes flexible, allowing you to update information without creating new codes.

3. Sustainable

Using dynamic QR codes aligns with sustainability goals. You can reduce the need for physical tokens, printed materials, or disposable authentication methods. Now, that’s a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient approach to security.

Upgrade the security and user experience with QR codes for authentication

QR code authentication strengthens security measures without complicating the experience. This innovation allows users to have a fast, efficient, and safe verification method.

QR codes are a trusty tool, but when paired with secure QR software, you can even further boost their security levels.

With QR TIGER, you can be fully confident in creating secure, efficient, and innovative QR codes for authentication. It’s GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001-certified; you can guarantee that all your data are safe from threats.

Your security and user satisfaction deserve nothing less. Start your QR code journey with the most advanced QR code generator today. 

FAQ

How do I authenticate a QR code?

Scan a QR code with your smartphone camera, a scanner app, or a dedicated authentication app. Open the app and point your device’s camera at the QR code, and it will decode the information in the code, verifying its authenticity.