Be aware before you scan any QR code!

We all know what QR codes are. They are the next word for convenience in a world that never stops embracing digital. Since QR or Quick Response codes have gained quick prevalence, they are leveraged by attackers to engage in phishing based on QR codes, also known as Quishing.  

Let us explore Quishing and some other QR code-based cyber threats and the steps you can take to secure yourself from these threats. 

What is Quishing? 

It is a phishing attack where an attacker uses social engineering methods to scan malicious QR codes through phishing emails on their mobile phone devices. When the recipient of the mail scans the QR code, it unloads the malicious software to the system, allowing the entry of attackers.  

Attackers pretend to be from a renowned company like Microsoft, asking their victims to scan QR codes to log into Microsoft 365. They use techniques to bait their victims into taking quick action. 

What threats do these attacks pose? 

One Check Point research found a 587% increase in quishing attacks in 2023. These attacks pose a significant threat because the victims are forced to use their phones to scan the QR codes, giving attackers access to multiple devices.  

The attackers can collect valuable information from the compromised devices to engage in further attacks or move laterally across the network leveraging on compromised credentials. 

Since systems deployed at the business level have endpoint protection in place to ensure security, attackers leverage Quishing to make way through mobile devices that are often less secure. 

Another way a QR code-based phishing attack is carried out is by luring the victims to a fake website that is meant to collect their personal information. 

Quishing attacks are also one of the attacks that are difficult to detect. As per keepnetlabs, only 36% of the QR code-based phishing attacks were identified and reported. 

Since QR codes can be placed anywhere, they are not dependent on online places. You may encounter a malicious QR code even in public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, etc. 

What makes QR codes a favorable attack method is that email gateways find it harder to detect and block QR codes compared to reused malicious links. Another big factor in their widespread use by attackers is that most people aren't aware of quishing making it easier for attackers to target more people. 

Who is the most targeted by Quishing attacks? 

As per one research, the energy sector was the most targeted in 2023 with more than 29% of organizations in the sector being targeted to quishing attacks.  

Sectors including financial services, insurance, and technology were also highly targeted by the attacks. 

How to stay safe from QR Code Phishing attacks? 

Now that you are aware of the risks associated with Quishing, it is essential to spread awareness about the same to others. Attackers take advantage of the lack of awareness in their victims so one of the foremost ways to be secured against them is by spreading awareness about these attacks. 

Here are some effective ways to secure yourself from quishing: 

• Always perform a verification of the source before scanning any QR code. 

• Stay aware and spread awareness by keeping up with the latest cybersecurity news and reporting any suspicious attempt while using the QR code.

• Know the best practices to identify phishing mail. 

• Use password managers to securely manage and store your sensitive credentials. 

Visit SharkStriker for more!!!!