The Rise of QR Code Phishing

In 2025, QR codes were scanned over 41.77 million times. While this technology is handy, it also presents a massive threat vector. In a world where online convenience is everything, these little black-and-white squares are becoming dangerous gateways for cybercriminals.

Let’s break down how QR code phishing works, why it’s so effective, and what you can do to stay secure.

What is QR Code Phishing and Why It’s Spreading

QR code phishing, also referred to as quishing, is a cyberattack where users scan malicious QR codes, leading them to fake websites or downloading malware. These attacks are often used in emails, printed materials, and even posters.

Theoretically, the number of unique QR codes is virtually limitless, and with the rise of QR codes for convenience, these attacks are becoming more and more prevalent. We see these QR codes in nearly every product nowadays, so these attacks are going to become more common in the near future.

The Psychology Behind QR Code Phishing

Unlike spear-phishing, which requires a considerable amount of time to plan and execute, quishing attacks rely heavily on trust and immediacy. Scanning a code feels intuitive and safe. It’s something you may have done in a restaurant, at an airport, or even to fill out a survey.

In the last couple of years, that may have been alright, but now cybercriminals are wising up and using QR code attacks in everyday places. With an increasing number of phishing campaigns that are utilizing QR codes, attackers can exploit everyday habits.

This builds a habitual blind spot for us as we continue to scan these codes. Most people have built biases, thinking that all QR codes are official and that there is little risk in scanning. So now they are stuck in the trap of using them for convenience without thinking of the consequences.

Now that we understand “why” these attacks are becoming more prevalent, let’s look at how attackers deploy these attacks in real-world situations.

Real-World Examples and How to Spot the Signs of Quishing

From fake parking meter codes to hiring posters, attackers are creating malicious QR codes and delivering them in physical spaces. The results? Stolen credentials, financial fraud, identity theft, and even breached networks.

An example may be that you are going out to a restaurant and scanning a QR code menu that you thought was legitimate. It may ask you to enter your card information to pay for your meal. But it turns out that was a malicious QR code, and now they have your card information. A real attack happened in Redondo Beach, where hackers put fake QR codes on parking meters to steal people’s data.

To spot a malicious QR code, you can look for the following:

• Unexpected codes in emails and texts

• Tampered or misaligned sticker codes

• Strange or shortened URLs after scanning and previewing

• Lack of branding or context

• Pressure tactics asking to “scan now” or “account at risk”

Awareness is key, but so is action. Let’s wrap it up with what you can do to protect yourself and your organization today.

Staying Ahead of QR Code Phishing

While QR codes are a convenient tool, they’re becoming a growing tactic by hackers to take advantage of our everyday trust in convenience technology. As more QR codes show up on more surfaces, the potential for falling victim to an attack increases.

These attacks also affect businesses, as they can lead to stolen credentials, data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage if scanned on a company device. The best defense from these attacks is to avoid them if you aren’t 100% sure of their destination and legitimacy.

Wondering if your business would fall for a QR code attack? Schedule a free cybersecurity and IT infrastructure assessment. We help to identify risks and strengthen your cybersecurity environment using our IronTech Framework™that focuses on cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and governance.

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