Exploiting the error correction mechanism in QR codes for secret sharing

Authors

Yang-Wai Chow, University of WollongongFollow
Willy Susilo, University of WollongongFollow
Guomin Yang, University of WollongongFollow
James Phillips, Auckland University of TechnologyFollow
Ilung Pranata, University of Newcastle
Ari Moesriami Barmawi, Telkom University

RIS ID

106720

Publication Details

Chow, Y., Susilo, W., Yang, G., Phillips, J. G., Pranata, I. & Barmawi, A. (2016). Exploiting the error correction mechanism in QR codes for secret sharing. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 9722 409-425. Melbourne, Australia Information Security and Privacy: 21st Australasian Conference, ACISP 2016, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, July 4-6, 2016, Proceedings, Part I

Abstract

This paper investigates a novel approach to secret sharing using QR codes. The proposed QR code secret sharing approach exploits the error correction mechanism inherent in the QR code structure, to distribute and encode information about a secret message in a number of shares. Each share in the scheme is constructed from a cover QR code, and each share itself is a valid QR code which can be scanned and decoded by a QR code reader. The secret message can be recovered by combining the information contained in the QR code shares. Since each share is a valid QR code, the proposed scheme has the advantage of reducing the likelihood of attracting the attention of potential attackers. In addition, the shares can be distributed via public channels without raising suspicion. Moreover, shares do not have to be stored or transmitted electronically, as QR codes can be distributed via printed media.