Categories: Digital LifeNews

Maggi QR code fiasco: MCMC blocks access to problematic site

It was recently reported that QR codes on Maggi cup noodles were directing visitors to malicious sites instead of their respective product pages. To protect users from harm, MCMC has blocked the website responsible for the redirection. 

Image: MarketingMagazine

The affected QR code leads to MadLabs.com.my which is an R&D company that focuses on web, mobile, electronics and robotics tech. Instead of redirecting to the Maggi website, the QR code printed on the popular cup noodles was randomly directing users to download questionable apps that appear to be malware. QR codes on Milo products were affected as well but it leads to another website that’s also managed by MadLabs.

It was also reported that Nestle Malaysia had filed a report with the police and government authorities, claiming lack of cooperation from third parties involved in the issue. A Nestle spokesperson had mentioned to Marketing Magazine that their attempts to get the third party to link back the QR code to the correct website were unsuccessful.

MadLabs had explained in the same report that the QR code was generated when Nestle had engaged them for a campaign in 2014. Apparently, it was supposed to be a test run for a period of six months, however, the project was later canned and there was no further response. 

MadLabs was only informed by Nestle in October 2018 that the QR code was accidentally printed on 170,000 tonnes of packages across 38 products. 

MadLabs also claims that their servers were hacked multiple times in 2018 which is probably explains why the QR codes were hijacked recently. This whole Maggi QR code fiasco could have been avoided if Nestle had used QR codes that are linked directly to a URL on their own servers. 

[ SOURCE 2 ]

Recent Posts

GX 2.0: GXBank continues to offer unlimited cashback with some tweaks

GXBank turns one and they have revealed its latest features and initiatives for its next…

9 mins ago

MG ZS EV now available for RM99,999: The cheapest electric SUV in Malaysia

You can now get an MG ZS EV for as low as RM99,999, making it…

50 mins ago

Prime Minister’s Department: Over 1,500 cyberattacks launched at ministries’ infrastructure systems

There have been over 1,500 cases of cyberattacks launched against Malaysian ministries' infrastructure systems in…

6 hours ago

Malaysia’s largest DC charging hub is opening soon at Iskandar Puteri, Johor

DC Handal is expected to unveil what appears to be Malaysia's largest EV charging hub…

21 hours ago

Realme GT 7 Pro coming to Malaysia as first smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, launching 18th November

Realme has debuted its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 7 Pro in China, featuring…

22 hours ago

Malaysia to kill off NGVs in 2025 due to safety concerns

Malaysia will ban natural gas vehicles (NGVs) on 30 June 2025. Subsequently, no new natural…

23 hours ago

This website uses cookies.