Are QR codes for restaurant menus safe? Why yes, as a matter of act, they are. And before you start with the “But Bob,” read the whole post.

There’s this concept in cybersecurity called a risk assessment. When the restaurant puts an official, restaurant-sponsored QR code linking to their menu on your table, the risk is very low. Click on the link and pick your favorite food and beverage.

Did someone tape a new QR code over the original QR code? The risk went up. Ask your server if the restaurant changed the QR code. If they did, the risk is back down.

QR codes are a nice benefit in the age of smartphones. They make it much easier to get a complex URL into your browser, and to identify valid concert ticket holders, and many other things.

THE LESSON
Instead of parroting negative rules (“Don’t do this!” “Don’t do that!”), use your skills and do the analysis.

(About the picture: someone on Threads complained about QR codes for restaurant menus. They don’t like them. Fine. Me neither. But then someone posted in the comments, “You should never scan random QR codes this is a huge cybersecurity issue.” And that’s just a gross oversimplification).