Smartphone friendly barcodes are being used in cell phone unfriendly locations.

It is becoming increasingly common to see a QR code posted in places such as in magazine print ads, on billboards, and on product packaging, but their latest addition to gas pumps is causing some consumers a great deal of confusion.

These quick response barcodes offer everything from discounts to free products when scanned.

However, the problem that consumers are having with these tempting opportunities is that they are located in areas that also display warnings that it is not safe to use cell phones and other electronic devices. The issue has been growing throughout the United States, appearing most recently in Minnesota.

The QR code ads promote opportunities for discounts but are posted in areas where cell phone use is banned.

Consumers are finding themselves quite confused by the conflicting information, as the signage both encourages them to scan a QR code and tells them not to use the device as it risks sparking a fire in a very dangerous location.

According to Jerry Rosendahl, State Fire Marshal in Minnesota, there is no real link known to exist between the use of a cell phone and the ignition of a fire at a gas station. He explained that there has never been any proof that the devices pose any risk of this nature. He stated that the concept that there was a problem seemed to have arisen when “Somebody had service station video of a person talking on their phone, getting out of their car and then they had a flash fire so they naturally jumped to the assumption that it was cell phones.”

The Fire Marshal’s office does not issue the signs that are posted at gas stations as they do not believe that the use of mobile phones causes the danger that the signage suggests. This means that it is the gas stations, themselves, that are choosing to post both signs that feature a QR code and those that warn consumers not to use their smartphones because it could cause a fire. According to Rosendahl, the largest risk of using the device near the pumps is that they cause consumers not to pay attention while working with gasoline, a hazardous material.

Comcast takes aim at mobile security

Comcast, one of the largest communications companies in the U.S., has launched a new mobile security application for smart phones and tablets. The applications, called Constant Guard Mobile, aims to address the growing issue of mobile security  and help protect consumers from exploitation. Comcast claims that new threats are emerging in the mobile space on a nearly daily basis. Without adequate protection, a consumer’s information is prone to theft and can be used to nefarious ends.

Cybercrime is becoming a very serious threat in the US

Comcast Vice President of Strategic Services suggests that cybercrime is becoming more common throughout the mobile world. Mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, are very attractive targets for hackers because of the kind of information that is stored on them. Consumers often use their mobile devices to check their bank accounts, make purchases, and share personal information. Because mobile devices are so important to consumers throughout the U.S., Comcast is taking steps to address any mobile security concerns these people may have.

Security platform may help protect consumers

Comcast is the first Internet service company in the country to offer mobile security services for smart phones and tablets. The Constant Guard Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The company is developing a desktop version of the security suite and intend to offer this version as a new way for PC users to protect themselves while online. Comcast believes that the platform will help keep consumers safe from hacking attempts, malware, and other forms of cybercrime.

Reliance on mobile technology breeds new concerns for security

Mobile security is becoming more of a problem as people begin to rely more heavily on their mobile devices. In the early years of mobile technology, mobile phones where very limited in the amount of information they contained. Now, however, many people pour their entire lives into their mobile devices, making them valuable targets for malicious parties that may benefit through the use of this information. Comcast is one among several companies that is working to improve the access consumers have to comprehensive mobile security solutions.