Variable masking pattern-based QR codes for high security

QR codes are the de facto standard for the digital transfer of data. At the same time, QR code manipulation has become increasingly prevalent, causing serious fraud. To secure QR codes further, we propose scrambling QR codes using a novel method named Random Masking. Proposed Scrambled QR codes can be detected and read only by secure QR scanners. The Scrambled QR codes cannot be manipulated without removing the random mask using a secret key. If scrambled QR codes are replaced by counterfeit QR codes, the secure scanners fail to scan such QR codes. We observed no performance bottleneck or loss in error correction of QR codes due to random masking. We also made the Scrambled QR codes compatible with the existing hardware used for the generation and scanning of QR codes with a simple software upgrade. Our focus is on securing QR patterns without concerning QR payload.