QR SHIELD - Mehmood, Muhammad Bilal; Supervisor Major Bilal Ahmed (MCS, NUST Rawalpindi, 2024)
QR Shield is an innovative Android application designed to fortify cybersecurity defenses against QR code-based cyber threats, ultimately fostering a safer and more vigilant society. At its core, QR Shield empowers users with a multi-layered defence mechanism: QR Code Scanning: The application provides users with the option to either scan QR codes directly or select them from the gallery, ensuring versatility and convenience in QR code handling. Content Extraction and Analysis: Upon scanning, QR Shield extracts the content embedded within the QR code. This content is then swiftly transmitted to VirusTotal via its API for comprehensive scanning and analysis. VirusTotal Integration: Leveraging the robust capabilities of VirusTotal, QR Shield conducts thorough scans to detect any malicious elements present within the QR code content. This includes malware, phishing attempts, and other forms of cyber threats. Analysis and Reporting: The application meticulously examines the scan results, providing users with valuable insights. This includes the number of antivirus engines flagging the content as malicious, along with detailed information on the nature of the detected threats. Risk Awareness and Decision Support: Armed with comprehensive scan reports, QR Shield educates users on the potential risks associated with the scanned content. It prompts users to make informed decisions by cautioning them about the potential threat and allowing them to proceed or abort the action. Enhanced Cybersecurity: QR Shield acts as a proactive barrier against QR code-based cyber attacks and frauds, safeguarding users' devices and personal information from potential threats lurking within innocent-looking QR codes. Heightened Awareness: By providing detailed insights into the nature of detected threats, QR Shield raises awareness among users about the diverse forms of cyber threats prevalent in the digital landscape, fostering a more cyber-literate society. Empowerment Through Information: Through its transparent reporting and decision support mechanisms, QR Shield empowers users to make informed choices regarding their online interactions, empowering them to navigate the digital realm with confidence and caution. Prevention of Cyber Crimes: By pre-emptively scanning QR codes for malicious content, QR Shield helps thwart cyber crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, and malware dissemination, contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for all. In essence, QR Shield transcends the traditional boundaries of QR code scanning applications by not only detecting malicious content but also serving as a beacon of cyber awareness and empowerment, thereby championing the cause of cybersecurity and societal well-being.
Keywords: UG BEIS; BEIS-01