Tag: mobile marketing

Malicious QR codes growing in number

| December 18, 2012

 

Malicious QR codesSymantec sees increase in malicious QR codes

Though QR codes are struggling to find a foothold with many consumers, their use is growing among a very particular demographic: Hackers. Symantec, a leading security solutions provides, has issued warnings concerning the growth of malicious QR codes in high-traffic areas. According to Symantec, hackers are beginning to place malicious QR codes in densely populated areas in order to increase  their own reach and attack mobile devices that may contain valuable information.

Popular marketing tools are also gaining the attention of hackers

QR codes are popular marketing tools, allowing businesses to stay engaged with consumers in a dynamic way. The codes are widely used as information distribution tools and as part of loyalty programs from big-name retailers. The codes have proven effective in the past, but many consumers have begun avoiding the codes for a variety of reasons. Security is among these reasons, and Symantec suggests that the time has come for consumers to take mobile security more seriously.

Hackers using QR code stickers to attack consumer information

According to Symantec, hackers are generating malicious QR codes, printing them as stickers, and covering legitimate QR codes with these malicious variants. Advertisements from major retail companies are popular targets, and passersby can rarely tell that a malicious QR codes have been used to cover a legitimate one. Consumers often scan these codes in order to access special deals being offered by retailers, but find  that their phone has been infected with a virus instead.

Applications can help keep mobile devices safe from exploitation

There are a variety of ways to keep a mobile device secure. Symantec, as well as other security firms, offer mobile applications that act as a form of anti-virus platform for smart phones and tablets. Some of these mobile security applications can also investigate a QR code before it is scanned to determine whether it is associated with a legitimate or malicious website. These applications can significantly reduce the danger that exists with malicious QR codes and keep a consumer’s information safe.

Koozoo taps the crowd for video-based geo-marketing

| December 17, 2012

 

mobile geo-marketingKoozoo developing new service that could revolutionize geo-marketing

Koozoo, a start-up based in San Francisco, California, has received $2.5 million in seed funding that will help it continue developing an ambitious project that could change the face of geo-marketing and online search. Advertisers are becoming increasingly interested in using geographic information to target consumers. This information can go a long way in developing marketing campaigns that have a strong impact on certain demographics. Koozoo may be able to help revolutionize geo-marketing by tapping into consumers to provide their geographic information in the form of videos.

Platform turns smart phones into live streaming devices

Koozoo aims to provide live video information to consumers, which is produced by consumers themselves. In a sense,  the company is working to develop a platform where people can provide geographic information in a very dynamic fashion. This information could be something simple, such as the length of a line at a local restaurant, or more complex, such as whether a particular store is open and what deals they are offering that day.

Video feed could provide information on local stores and other attractions

The Koozoo platform can turn a smart phone into a live video feed, with the approval of their owners, of course. The idea is that consumers can use the platform to provide access to visual information that could influence traffic to physical locations, such as restaurants, stores, and beaches. This information can be freely accessed through a mobile application, which will display a live video feed. Koozoo users can turn off the streaming service whenever they choose. If Koozoo can establish an extensive network, it may be able to provide constant video information to consumers at all times of the day.

Advertisers could benefit from Koozoo

Geo-marketing is not exactly a new concept to the world of advertising. Marketers have long used geographic information to target consumers, but the tools they have access to are beginning to evolve with the advance of technology. Koozoo’s service is not designed solely with marketers in mind, but advertisers could stand to benefit from the platform if it proves popular among consumers and other early adopters.