THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF QR CODES

Megan Poljacik • April 8, 2024

It’s 2021, with the world still grappling with the pandemic, and you are headed out to a restaurant. Instead of receiving a physical menu, the waitress guides you to a square filled with small squares positioned randomly. She instructs you to open your camera app and focus on the square. Following her directions, a link appears as you scan the square. By clicking on the link, your browser opens, and the menu materializes. How did scanning a mere square bring you here?


QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, were first developed in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. For many years, factories were using linear based barcodes to track automobile parts during the manufacturing process. Barcodes were limited to just 20 characters and often there would be multiple barcodes on one product. Denso Wave wanted something more efficient.


An engineer at Denso Wave named Masahiro Hara began brainstorming a better way to track parts and information. Surprisingly he got his idea from an ancient Chinese board game called Go. Played on a 19x19 grid, black and white game pieces are added until no more moves can be made and the player with the most territory covered wins.

Students playing Go

Masahiro thought the black and white pieces on the board could represent 1 and 0, or binary code, that could be read in both vertical and horizontal axes, and the QR code was born.


How exactly does it work? When a QR code is scanned, the mobile device or QR code scanner captures the image of the code using its camera. The scanner then analyzes the pattern of black and white squares within the QR code to identify the three larger square "alignment patterns" and the smaller square "timing patterns." These patterns help the scanner determine the orientation and size of the QR code. The scanner locates the three smaller squares in the corners of the QR code known as "finder patterns," which help define the size and location of the code. Next, the scanner identifies the "quiet zone," which is the white border around the QR code that provides a barrier to separate it from any surrounding elements that could interfere with it. The scanner then uses the finder patterns to establish a coordinate system for the code and reads the encoded data within the grid of squares in a zigzag pattern from left to right, top to bottom.


As the scanner reads each square, it translates the pattern into binary code (0s and 1s) based on the orientation and arrangement of the squares. The binary data is then processed to decode the information contained within the QR code, such as a website URL, text, or other data. Once the scanner has successfully interpreted the code, it displays the decoded information to the user on the device's screen or performs the appropriate action associated with the encoded data.


The QR code changed the game for the industrial world and they quickly spread to use in marketing, advertising, retail, and logistics due to its overwhelming benefits over a barcode. QR Codes can hold significantly more data than a barcode.

Barcodes also cannot be read by scanners if they are partially damaged. A QR code, with an error correction function, can be read accurately even if a code is unreadable or missing. QR Codes have a margin of error of up to 30%. This means that

even if a QR code is damaged by 30%, it can still be scanned and decoded successfully.


The widespread adoption of smartphones equipped with cameras and QR code reader apps further contributed to the popularity of QR codes. Users could easily scan QR codes with their smartphones to access websites, make payments, redeem coupons, and interact with digital content.


QR codes have come a long way since the days of factory work. Now they include more features, such as dynamic content generation, enhanced security measures, and customization options. QR codes are generally safe to use, However, as with any technology, there are potential risks. Be sure you trust the source of the code!

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DARK WEB MONITORING: ESSENTIAL SAFEGUARD OR WASTED SPEND?

By Megan Poljacik • June 26, 2025
With growing concerns about data breaches and stolen credentials, many businesses feel pressured to invest in services that claim to scan the dark web for leaked information. But before committing resources, it's worth asking whether these tools actually provide meaningful information or if they are an unproductive expenditure. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that you can’t reach with standard browsers or search engines. It operates using a system called Tor, which stands for The Onion Router. Tor keeps users anonymous by sending their internet traffic through several different servers around the world, encrypting the data each time. This makes it extremely difficult to trace who someone is or where they’re connecting from. Unlike regular websites that end in .com or .org, dark web sites usually end in .onion and require the Tor browser to access them. While some people use the dark web for legitimate reasons like protecting their privacy or avoiding censorship, it’s mostly associated with hosting illegal activities like online black markets, where stolen corporate data is sold.

PENETRATION TESTING VS VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT

By Megan Poljacik • May 29, 2025
When it comes to protecting your company’s infrastructure, two commonly used terms often cause confusion: vulnerability management and penetration testing. While they both serve the same purpose of keeping your data secure, they work very differently. Think of your company’s IT infrastructure like a museum that stores priceless artifacts. To keep it secure, you wouldn’t just install locks and hope for the best. You’d want to routinely check those locks, ensure windows are closed properly, and perhaps even hire someone to test how easy it is to break in. This is basically the difference between vulnerability management and penetration testing.

MICROSOFT COPILOT: REVOLUTIONIZING SMALL BUSINESS OPERATIONS

April 29, 2025
This newsletter was written entirely by Microsoft Copilot in Word, simply by entering the following prompt: “Write a newsletter that is 300-400 words describing the value of Microsoft CoPilot to small businesses citing specific real world examples.” Microsoft CoPilot is a game-changer for small businesses, offering a suite of tools designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and foster innovation. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, CoPilot integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's suite of Office applications, providing businesses with a robust support system to navigate their daily operations with ease. Enhanced Productivity One of the primary benefits of Microsoft CoPilot is its ability to boost productivity. For instance, a small marketing agency can utilize CoPilot to automate routine tasks such as generating reports, scheduling social media posts, and even drafting content. By reducing the time spent on these repetitive activities, team members can focus on more strategic initiatives, ultimately driving growth and success. Streamlined Workflows CoPilot's integration with tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook ensures that communication and collaboration are more efficient than ever. Consider a small retail business that relies heavily on team coordination. CoPilot can help by organizing meetings, setting reminders, and managing email correspondence. This ensures that all team members are on the same page, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and errors. Fostering Innovation Innovation is crucial for the survival and growth of any business, and Microsoft CoPilot serves as a catalyst for creativity. For example, a small tech startup can leverage CoPilot to analyze market trends, brainstorm new product ideas, and even prototype designs. By providing valuable insights and recommendations, CoPilot empowers businesses to stay ahead of the competition and continuously evolve. Real-World Examples Several small businesses have already reaped the benefits of Microsoft CoPilot. A local bakery, for instance, used CoPilot to optimize its inventory management, reducing waste and ensuring timely replenishment of ingredients. This not only cut costs but also improved overall efficiency. Another example is a small consulting firm that employed CoPilot to automate its client billing process, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time. In summary, Microsoft CoPilot is an invaluable tool for small businesses, offering unparalleled support in enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, and fostering innovation. By leveraging the power of AI, CoPilot enables businesses to operate more efficiently and creatively, ensuring long-term success in a competitive marketplace.