Quishing is a new trick where scammers use QR codes for phishing, and many people don’t even notice it.
Just by scanning a code, you can lose your personal or business data.
In this blog, you will learn how quishing works, why QR code phishing is so dangerous now, and simple ways to stay safe before scanning any QR code anywhere.
What is a Phishing Scam and How Does it Work?
Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick people into giving away sensitive information, like usernames, passwords, or financial details.
Phishing is when an attacker impersonates a trusted entity through fake emails, messages, or websites to trick a victim into providing sensitive information. When malicious-agent gain access to the information, they can use it for various nefarious actions.
How Does Quishing Work?
Quishing works by hijacking users trust in QR codes, making it act as delivery men for phishing attack. Fraudsters create QR codes with bad intentions that, when scanned, are sent to fake sites where they can take the username or password, personal details or even start a malware download.
Quishing is effective because it evades the security protections (like email filters and web gateways) designed to protect you and your organization from these threats; the QR code that is used looks innocuous until scanned.
QR Codes as a Phishing Tool
Cybercriminals can make a decent QR code using a sharp QR code and embed it in an email, flyer, or poster.
Users who scan these codes are led to websites that look like legitimate services, where they are duped into providing sensitive information such as passwords or payment details.
How Scammers Bypass Traditional Security
Unlike your prototypical phishing emails that depend on dubious links, quishing hides hostile URLs in the QR code itself.
This evasion technique makes it possible for attackers to evade URL scanners and firewalls because the harmful website is not disclosed until the scanning process happens, making it difficult for a business to detect and block such attacks at the outset.
Real-World Examples of Quishing Attacks
Real-world scenarios of quishing attacks are as varied as sophisticated, targeting users unsuspecting of these phishing endeavors.
Scammers hide harmful QR codes in daily life, enhancing their odds of populating the phone with malware. Here are some examples of how quishing is used to abuse both people and businesses.
Fake Business Promotions
Cybercriminals circulate flyers, brochures, or online ads for false offers or discounted deals.
Users who scan the QR code are redirected to fake websites, where they are asked to provide personal and financial data to claim the offers.
Fraudulent Payment Requests
Threat actors impersonate a vendor or service provider and send a QR code with an immediate payment request. When victims scan the code, they are directed to a fake payment page, unwittingly transferring funds into the scammer’s own account.
Airport and Public Wi-Fi Scams
Scammers post malicious QR codes in high-traffic locations—such as airports or cafes —offering “free Wi-Fi.” When scanned, these codes redirect users to fake networks or phishing websites that steal sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information.
Why Businesses Are Prime Targets for Quishing
Businesses are prime targets for a quishing attack because they use QR codes everywhere for marketing, communication, and transactions.
Criminals take advantage of this familiarity by placing malicious QR codes in business communications and printed materials so that breaches are more likely to succeed.
QR Codes in Work Emails
Cybercriminals use email to send QR codes that link you to work-related content — like document access, event invites, or software updates.
Employees, thinking they are following instructions from a trusted source, scan the code and unwittingly expose their login credentials or download malware.
Print-Based Attack Strategies
Scammers place malicious QR code stickers over legitimate ones on flyers, menus, or event posters.
Once scanned, these stickers point to phony websites intended to harvest sensitive business information or install destructive software, endangering entire corporate networks.
Reducing the Risk of Quishing Scams for Businesses
Businesses can mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of a quishing attack by adopting a proactive approach.
Here are some key cyber hygiene measures that can reduce the chances of falling victim to such scams:
Employee Awareness Training
Ensure employees are trained about the dangers of scanning QR codes on company devices. Emphasize the importance of confirming the source before interacting with a QR code.
Use Trusted QR Code Scanners
We recommend using well-known QR code scanner apps with integrated security features. Never download random or generic QR code scanner apps; this greatly reduces the risk of malicious code.
Implement Network Security Measures
Protect your network security with firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. Adapt security practices to counter changes in the cyber threat landscape.
QR Code Policies
Create and enforce policies for the scanning of QR codes on company devices. Educate employees to report on suspicious QR codes, as well as provide best practices on using QR codes.
Regular Security Audits
Conduct regular security audits to find vulnerabilities in the company’s digital infrastructure. To ensure good protection against the ever-evolving cyber threats, it is important to deal with any possible vulnerabilities.