Mobile Phone: QR Code Reader from Norton

You have probably seen those new black boxes that look like a square black and white maze on magazine ads, soda cans and any number of other product packaging.  These funny little boxes are called QR Codes and they allow someone with a smartphone to scan the code with code reader application that uses the camera phone to automatically pull up web sites on their mobile phone.  So for example, as you drink your soda, you notice one of these boxes on the can.  You can take your phone and use a code reader application to use the camera phone to scan the box and allow your phone will automatically pull up the website using your web browser on your phone (such as Safari on iPhones, or MS Bing, or other web browser.)

These codes are wonderful to use since they take you directly to the site without having to read and type those long URL website addresses.  Even nonprofit organizations, churches and schools are using them. While the are a great invention for ease of use, unfortunately they are also ways for some unscrupulous people and companies to take you to websites you do not want to go to and to also gain access to information on your phone.  There are always those who use technology in sneaky ways to take what is not theirs to have.

Norton Internet Security is a group of products produced by Symantec, Inc. for many years and they are one of the best known companies in the field of personal security for your computers. So of course, when it comes to protecting you from sneaky code readers --- Thankfully, There's an app for that!


Norton now has a QR Reader application for your smartphone that is FREE and will protect you from QR codes that may take you to unwanted sites that Norton considers dangerous.  This new application will block unwanted sites from being accessed on your mobile phone. 

How To:
On your smartphone:  Go to your App Store and search for " Norton Snap QR Code Reader "

The application is FREE and should have the Norton logo and company name 'Symantec' listed in the application information.

Install the FREE application on your phone through the application store as you do all other applications for this device.
Use: When you see a QR Code, go to the installed application on your phone and follow the directions to scan the code.  If the code is acceptable, the browser will automatically open and you will go directly to the site.  If the code is suspicious, you will receive a warning indicating the severity of the concern with additional options for you to consider.


You are the driver on your mobile internet highway.  Drive Safe out there!


There are other companies with similar applications that may work just as well.  I use Norton Internet Security on all of my devices and they have served me well for many years.  I do not receive any promotional benefit for mentioning this product.  Please feel free to leave comments and information of other similar products you have used and found helpful on this subject.