MOE suggestion repulse – QR code not suitable as security feature

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It is believed technology should applied in educational certificates in order to deter fraudulent practices, but QR codes may not be the best choice. The use of QR code does sound a good alternative added security feature, but there are many risks and pitfalls associated with it.

MOE suggestion repulse – QR code not suitable as security feature

Quick readability and large storage capacity has made QR codes really popular, a reason these have been around for years as the easiest way to access information efficiently. Generally a QR code uses four standardized encoding modes numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, and kanji.

While Ms Foong suggests QR code as a security alternative; there is a large controversy going on over the security of the said technology in China. Owing to safety issues, People’s Bank of China has banned the use of QR codes in payments.

QR code payment is unregulated; therefore it allows transactions to miss through the protection of the orthodox yet well-regulated financial systems, leading to higher risk of fraud and incorrect transactions.

QR codes are a very common site in promotional materials. The codes on such materials usually consist of details regarding phone number, email addresses, website address, physical address and other information about the organization or product. This information makes it easier for users to understand and take action on the promotion.

Since, QR codes can be easily retrieved using QR-code scanner or even a smartphone; storing personal information on them would be like putting too much personal information, which could go against the country’s Personal Data Protection Act?

Yes, there are various versions of QR codes, which could assist in additional security. But how will the special scanners required to read such codes be provided. For special codes, special code scanners will be necessary.

This brings us to the main questions that all experts are asking against the use of QR codes for added security to discourage forgery in degrees? Is it an viable and affordable alternative?