Different Types of QR Codes: Enhancing QR Code Security With Secure QR Code (SQRC)

Secret Function Equipped (SQR) codes are one of the types of QR codes that incorporate a unique security layer, demanding authorized access for reading confidential data. SQR codes work by exclusively allowing scanning by scanners possessing the corresponding secret key once the encrypted information is embedded. The purpose of the SQR code is the secure transmission of personal and confidential information to authorized persons within a company or in any situation where limited access is required. 

There are 7 applications in which SQR codes are utilized, including logistics, retail, healthcare, events, warehouses, law enforcement, and government. SQR codes have some advantages, including high error correction levels, high storage capacity, secure transmission to authorized people, prevention of fraud attempts, and an easy generation process. Using SQR codes presents four distinct disadvantages, including specialized scanners, incomplete data security, technical problems, and lack of awareness.

Many businesses incorporate SQR codes into their operations due to their significant advantages in QR code security. Businesses prefer SQR codes, as they ensure secure transmission of information to the intended recipient when selecting a QR code for various processes. 

What is an SQRC?

Secret Function Equipped (SQR) codes are one of the types of QR codes that incorporate a unique security layer, demanding authorized access for reading confidential data. There are 5 unique features of SQR codes:

1. SQR codes contain both public and private information within their structure.
2. SQR codes ensure that the private information embedded within them is only deciphered by a scanner equipped with a cryptographic key.
3. SQR codes are often referred to as security QR codes.
4. SQR codes maintain a visual appearance identical to regular QR codes.
5. SQR codes boast a substantial capacity for storing vast amounts of information.

How does SQRC work?

SQRC works by exclusively allowing scanning by scanners possessing the corresponding secret key once the encrypted information is embedded. SQR codes stand out as one of the most significant among the different types of QR codes (Quick Response Codes, carrying out the working process through 4 steps.

• Segregation of information: The SQR code is divided into two sections, with public information allocated to one part and private information to another.
• Encryption of private information: The private information section undergoes encryption to ensure its confidentiality.
• Access to public information: Scanning by a standard phone camera or a regular QR code scanner makes only the public information visible, safeguarding sensitive content.
• Access to Private Information: The scanner with a cryptographic key grants access to private information by scanning the SQR code.

What is the purpose of an SQRC?

The purpose of SQRC is the secure transmission of personal and confidential information to authorized persons within a company or in any situation where limited access is required.

The 6 primary purposes of an SQRC are listed below.

• SQR codes are utilized to securely transmit sensitive information by encoding it within the codes.
• SQR codes are employed when information is intended to be accessed exclusively by specific individuals.
• SQR codes are employed for diverse authentication processes.
• SRQ codes are utilized for access control procedures.
• SQR codes are employed to prevent counterfeiting and forgery attempts.
• SQR codes are used for payment process security.

When does the SQRC is used?

SQRC is used in any data transmission process requiring enhanced security.

Listed below are the 6 examples of processes when SQR codes are used.

• SQR codes are used to control access during events or other check-in procedures.
• SQR codes are used in two-factor authentication processes.
• SQR codes are used to safeguard personal information during all processes necessitating heightened protection.
• SQR codes are used to discreetly transfer confidential company information to designated recipients, ensuring the privacy and integrity of the data.
• SQR codes are used to combat fraud in payment processes, providing enhanced security measures to protect against unauthorized transactions.
• SQR codes are used to transfer sensitive documents to authorized parties.

What applications does SQRC use?

The 7 applications SQRC uses are listed below. 

• Logistics: SQR codes securely store data during cargo transportation. They serve as a vital tool for securely transferring personal data.
• Retail: SQR codes serve as a secure means to provide product information in the retail sector and maintain the security of data during the manufacturing of products.
• Healthcare: SQR codes are employed to store and transmit customer data in hospitals securely.
• Events: SQR codes expedite and secure access control procedures in event management. They monitor and prevent fraudulent activities efficiently, particularly in the event check-in process.
• Warehouses: SQR codes contribute to the secure tracking and placement of products in warehouses.
• Law enforcement: SQR codes facilitate the safe and hassle-free transfer of documents to other parties in law enforcement.
• Government: SQR codes are employed in various processes requiring confidential handling and document delivery to other parties in government.

What are the advantages of SQRC?

The 7 advantages of SQRC are listed below.

• Data Placement: SQR codes possess a unique characteristic of accommodating two types of data placement within them.
• Resilience: SQR codes exhibit a higher capability to recover data that has been damaged or corrupted than standard QR codes.
• Capacity: SQR codes offer a larger storage capacity compared to conventional QR codes, allowing for the inclusion of more extensive information.
• Encryption: SQR codes encrypt any data embedded within them, guaranteeing transmission to designated individuals or recipients.
• Versatility: SQR codes enable the secure and reliable transmission of all types of information.
• Fraud Prevention: SQR codes play a significant role in deterring fraudulent activities and safeguarding against fraud attempts.
• Simplification: SQR codes eliminate the need for intricate procedures and specialized tools when incorporating confidential information.

What are the disadvantages of SQRC?

The 3 disadvantages of SQRC are listed below.

• Security Measures: SQR codes require a specialized scanner equipped with a secret key. Ordinary phone cameras or regular scanners cannot read private information encoded within these codes.
• Technical Vulnerability: SQR codes are more susceptible to technical problems due to their complexity than standard QR codes.
• Limited Adoption: SQR code usage remains restricted due to a lack of awareness among users.

How can a business implement SQRC in its operation?

Businesses implement SQRC to protect data, ensure product authentication, and mitigate fraud and counterfeiting risks.

The 3 essential steps to implement SQRC effectively are listed below.

1. Determine the purpose of using the SQR code. Companies must decide the specific purpose for which the SQR code is utilized. It is employed in various processes requiring security measures.
2. Select QR code generators. It is important to note that not all QR code generators have the necessary features to support the SQR code's security requirements. Therefore, companies must identify and choose QR code generators with the required functionality and support for SQR code security features.
3. Test the SQR codes. It is crucial to conduct comprehensive testing after generating the SQR codes using the selected QR code generators. Companies verify that the SQR codes function flawlessly and provide the desired level of security by conducting tests.

What are the difficulties of SQRC?

The 4 difficulties of SQRC are listed below.

• Access Mechanisms: SQR codes are only scanned by a specialized scanner equipped with a cryptographic key. Regular QR code scanners and phone cameras do not read private information.
• Data Complexity: SQR codes incorporate public and private data, creating a more intricate structure that causes technical problems.
• Cybersecurity Risks: SQR codes become targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit and capture secure data.
• Integration Challenges: SQR codes pose a complex integration process when incorporated into any system and application.

Who should use SQRC?

The 6 user groups that should use SQRC are listed below.

• Companies must use SQR codes when transmitting internal and confidential information securely.
• Hospitals must use SQR codes to protect and secure customer data effectively.
• Retailers must use SQR codes to enhance security measures for managing product information.
• The government must use SQR codes to transmit confidential documents to authorized parties securely.
• Educational institutions must use SQR codes to simplify student identification and access control processes.
• Event organizers must use SQR codes during the access control to streamline and expedite the check-in procedures.

How to generate SQRC

The 5 steps to generate SQRC are listed below.

1. Identify a QR code generator. Identify a QR code generator that explicitly supports encryption and security features for SQR codes.
2. Select the desired solution. Select the desired solution and input the necessary information in the free online QR code generator.
3. Customize the security options. Customize the security options based on specific preferences and requirements.
4. Initiate the generation process. Initiate the generation process to create the SQR code.
5. Download the completed SQR code. Download the completed SQR code for use.

Can I use SQRC for marketing?

Yes, you can use SQRC for marketing. However, their effectiveness depends on the inclusion of public information within them. Public information inside SQR codes is easily read using a phone camera or QR scanner. The private information encoded within SQR codes is only accessed by specialized scanners equipped with a cryptographic key. Specialized scanners are not readily available to the general public. Consequently, SQR codes must not be used for marketing purposes if only private information is incorporated.

Is SQRC the most secure QR code?

Yes, SQRC is the most secure QR code. SQR codes offer significantly enhanced security compared to traditional QR codes. SQR codes incorporate a specialized layer that safeguards encrypted information only deciphered through designated scanners. However, specific security issues arise in some cases. First, employing a QR code generator with advanced security features is crucial during code creation. It ensures the generation of a thoroughly secure QR code. Secondly, it is essential to exercise caution and verify the source and sender of the codes before scanning any codes.

Is SQRC password-protected?

No, SQRC is not password-protected. SQRC relies on a specialized layer that exclusively safeguards encrypted data. The layer ensures the security of the information contained within the code. However, additional security measures must be implemented using a dedicated application or system if a password is required to protect the data.

What are the differences between SQR codes and IQR codes?

The 7 differences between SQR and IQR codes are listed below. 

• Appearance: IQR codes typically have a rectangular shape, while SQR codes maintain the same square shape as traditional QR codes.
• Information Storage Capacity: IQR codes have a higher capacity for storing information than SQR codes.
• Finder Patterns: IQR codes feature one or half finder patterns to conserve space, while SQR codes do not employ the technique.
• Scanning Ability: IQR codes generally offer faster scanning capabilities than SQR codes.
• Error Correction Level: IQR codes restore up to 50% of data through error correction, which differs from SQR codes.
• Purposes of Use: SQR codes are commonly utilized in scenarios requiring enhanced security measures, while IQR codes are applied in industrial use.
• Security: SQR codes are considered more secure than IQR codes, emphasizing their heightened security features.

SQR codes, as a type of QR code, allow for the inclusion of private information within the codes, which specific individuals only access through specialized scanners. These codes, capable of storing both public and private data, are extensively employed by businesses. They serve many purposes, such as access control at events, authentication, secure product tracking in manufacturing, and the transmission of important and confidential documents for companies. The advantages outweigh their disadvantages, and challenges are associated with their usage. Consequently, the utilization of SQR codes continues to grow.