The use of QR codes has become part of everyday life. From electronic payments to restaurant menus, these codes make accessing information and services easier. However, cybercriminals have found a new way to exploit them, deceiving unsuspecting users. Quishing—a combination of “QR” and “phishing”—is a fraud technique that leverages these codes to redirect users to malicious websites, where they may be tricked into entering personal data or downloading harmful software.
How fake QR codes become a cybersecurity threat
The danger of Qishing lies in its ability to bypass traditional security measures. Unlike suspicious links in emails or text messages, a QR code does not immediately reveal its destination URL, making it difficult for people to detect a scam before scanning it. Attackers place these codes in strategic locations such as posters, restaurant tables, receipts, and emails, making them appear as legitimate sources.
Once the user scans the code, they are redirected to a webpage designed to mimic a bank, a payment platform, or an online account. There, they are prompted to enter login credentials or financial details, which fall directly into the hands of cybercriminals. Other variations of this attack aim to install malicious applications on devices, compromising stored data security.
Read: The silent threat of voice cloning powered by Artificial Intelligence
Strategies to avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent QR code attack
Since QR codes do not allow users to verify a link’s authenticity at a glance, adopting safe browsing habits is crucial. Before scanning any code, it’s important to verify its source and consider whether accessing that content was expected.
Using QR scanner apps with preview functions can help identify potential threats before opening a link. It’s also essential to avoid entering credentials on websites accessed through a QR code, especially if they originate from unknown sources.
Businesses and establishments must ensure that the QR codes used in their marketing and operations are legitimate and protected against tampering. Continuous monitoring and educating customers about these types of fraud can significantly reduce the risk of incidents.
Cybersecurity measures to protect mobile devices from QR phishing
Beyond caution when scanning codes, strengthening mobile device security is fundamental. Keeping the operating system and security applications updated reduces vulnerabilities to malware attacks.
Enabling two-factor authentication on sensitive accounts adds an extra layer of protection, preventing unauthorized access even if an attacker obtains login credentials.
You can also opt for a Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solution, which provides advanced protection against these types of threats, ensuring that employee devices—whether personal or corporate—are safeguarded against malicious QR code-based attacks. These solutions detect and block suspicious links in real time, prevent the installation of unsafe applications, and monitor anomalous behavior that could compromise enterprise network security. By integrating MTD into their cybersecurity strategy, companies can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Quishing is a growing threat that exploits trust in QR codes to deceive users. Prevention and cybersecurity awareness are essential to minimizing the impact of these attacks and safeguarding valuable information.
