What Is Quishing? Protect Yourself From QR Code Phishing

Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but they have evolved with technology. Traditionally, phishing relied on email scams, but today, scammers are leveraging QR codes to deceive unsuspecting victims. With digital transactions becoming the norm, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant against these threats.

What is a QR Code?

A QR code is a kind of barcode that shows information. A QR code is designed as a barcode, which is square in nature. Unlike a barcode, which requires a barcode reader, these QR codes can be accessed through a smartphone’s camera.

These QR codes are linked to a website; thus, by scanning your smartphone’s camera, you get directed to a website, links to an app, payment gateway, pictures, a menu card, joining a WiFi network, and so forth.

As per research by Business Insider, more than 83.4 million US smartphone users scanned these QR codes in 2022. It has been estimated that these numbers will exceed 99.5 million by 2025.

What is Quishing?

Quishing, or QR code phishing, is a form of cybercrime where scammers trick users into scanning a malicious QR code. These codes often redirect users to fraudulent websites or install harmful software, leading to financial loss or identity theft.

Phishing comes in many forms, not just QR code scams. If you’re dealing with suspicious emails, check out Anatomy of a Phishing Email for an in-depth analysis.

How Does a Quishing Attack Work?

As QR codes become more prevalent, scammers are using them in two major ways:

• Physical Quishing Attacks:

1. Fraudulent QR code stickers are placed over legitimate ones at locations like parking meters, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations.

• Digital Quishing Attacks:

1. Scammers send malicious QR codes via emails, text messages, or social media.

 What Happens During a Quishing Attack?

Once a user scans a malicious QR code, several things can happen:

• They may be redirected to a fraudulent payment gateway that appears legitimate. When users enter their credentials, scammers steal the data and drain their accounts.
• The QR code may install malware that collects personal and financial data from the victim’s smartphone.
• Stolen data may be used for future scams or identity theft.

Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals and businesses to recognize the subtle tactics cybercriminals use to deceive their victims. 

These scams come in various forms, including deceptive emails, fake login pages, and fraudulent QR codes designed to steal sensitive information.

To stay ahead of these evolving threats, take the time to educate yourself on common phishing strategies and effective prevention measures. Our detailed guide on How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams provides valuable insights to help you safeguard your online security.

How to Protect Yourself from Quishing Attacks

Avoiding Quishing attacks requires vigilance. Here are some best practices:

Verify the Legitimacy of QR Codes

• Before scanning, check for suspicious stickers placed over original QR codes at public locations.
• Be cautious when scanning QR codes in unfamiliar locations, especially when buying event tickets or making online payments.

Be Cautious About Sharing Information

• If a website requests sensitive details that aren’t normally required, it could be a scam.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you are certain the website is legitimate.

Use Secure Payment Methods

• Avoid using Venmo, PayPal, or unprotected debit cards when scanning QR codes.
• Credit cards provide better consumer protection in case of fraudulent transactions.

Verify Before Proceeding

• When you scan a QR code, check the domain name that appears before clicking.
• Be cautious of extra characters or misspellings in the URL.

Add Extra Security Layers

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for financial accounts.
• Enable security features offered by trusted providers for added protection against phishing attacks.

Final Thoughts

QR codes have become an essential part of modern transactions, but they also present new security risks. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can protect yourself from Quishing attacks and keep your financial information secure. Always verify before scanning and educate yourself on the latest cyber threats to stay ahead of scammers.