The FBI has come out with another security warning. This time it is about QR codes. Those little squares of black/white you see on packages, table tops in restaurants or on signs. All supposedly lead to more information that you might need. In the case of restaurants, it’s the menu you can read (although the font may be small. :))
The FBI has stated that some people receive packages that mysteriously appear at their door even thought they had ordered nothing. Labeling may suggest that you scan the QR code for more information. Do not scan this code as it may be used to steal personal information. It’s a “brushing scam” while the USPS calls it “quishing” The code might install malicious software too seat data. So, don’t scan QR codes from unknown origins. You can call report it to https://www.ic3.gov/ which is the Internet Crime Complain Center.
Understand the attackers already know your name and address. They now see financial data about you. If you did scan the code but did not type anything, close the page. If you did reveal some data, change the password on the related account right away. Inform your banker if it was regarding a bank account or credit card. You can also add a credit freeze to your accounts at the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Trans Union, etc.) The freeze is free and does not affect your credit score.
If the package was received via USPS, then you can report it at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/brushing-scam or advise the Postal Inspectors at “877-876-2455”
If the package was from a retailer like Amazon or E-Bay, file fraud complaints with them. You can keep the merchandise or throw it away.
The takeaway? Don’t scan QR codes unless you trust the source such as a QR code on a real estate sign or some other known entity. Yes, sometimes you have to scan a code so you can have lunch.
Additional Update –
Apple is urging all iPhone and iPad users to be aware of updates to IOS and encouraging all who can to update to IOS 26x to avoid security issues as attacks increase on IOS devices. To see if you can update go to Settings>General>Software. Act accordingly if updates are amiable on your device.
Rather than waiting for large updates with app enhancements, Apple has a feature to take small updates on security as they are released. To use BACKGROUND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS, Go to Settings>Privacy & Security and then scroll down to Security section/ Background Security Improvements and turn on slider for Automatically install. Do the same on your Mac at Settings>Privacy & Security…
Sometimes iPhones seem to be sluggish. As you browse, data from websites accumulates. Clearing those files may help. Go to Settings>Apps>Safari and scroll to the bottom to History and Website Data. Click on this and choose a time frame and then select Clear History. It may take a few minutes. YOur Autofill information is not changed.This should help with performance.
An alternative to clear cookies and cache but keep history.
Go to Settings, tap Apps, then select Safari. Tap Advanced, then choose Website Data.
Tap Remove All Website Data. If this button is gray, there is either no data to clear, or you might need to check your web content restrictions in Screen Time.
Tap Remove Now. This clears data that’s used for tracking, and by websites to save login information for faster browsing.
Also, powering down your device and then restarting from time to time may clear up some issues.