Cyber security has become one of the most important topics in today’s world, especially for companies that store large amounts of customer data and their own resources. One of the latest trends in the world of cybercrime is Quishing. While phishing has already been a threat for years, quishing takes these techniques to a new level, using QR codes as an attack tool. How exactly does quishing work and why is it a growing threat?
Table of Contents:
- Definition of quishing
- How does quishing work?
- Why is quishing becoming more and more popular?
- Examples of quishing attacks
- Who is most vulnerable to quishing?
- What are the risks of quishing?
- How to protect yourself from quishing?
- Why might traditional security measures not work?
- Quishing in business
- The future of quishing
- Frequently asked questions
Definition of quishing
Quishing is a new form of phishing attack that uses QR codes to direct victims to fake websites. It is a cross between the words “QR” and “phishing.” Traditional phishing involves sending fake e-mails or SMS messages designed to get users to click a link and provide their personal or login information. In the case of quishing, cybercriminals include QR codes in emails, which, when scanned by the victim, redirect to malicious websites.
The QR code may seem like a safe and convenient tool, as it is commonly used to quickly scan information, such as at restaurants, events or advertising campaigns. However, in reality, scanning an unknown code can be very risky.
How does quishing work?
Similar to traditional phishing attacks, the goal of quishing is to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data user, such as login credentials, credit card numbers and even bank account passwords. The attack process can be divided into several steps:
- Step one – sending an email
Cybercriminals are sending fake emails that look like authentic communications from banks, technology companies, online services or even government offices. Instead of the typical links, the messages contain a QR code. - Step two – scanning the QR code
When the victim scans the QR code with their cell phone, they are redirected to a malicious website. The site may look identical to a real login page or other trusted service, making it difficult for the user to recognize the scam. - Step three – data entry
The victim enters his or her login credentials or other sensitive information, not realizing that it has just been given to cybercriminals. Attackers can now gain full access to the victim’s account, often leading to identity or financial theft.
Why is quishing becoming more and more popular?
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of quishing is that users do not suspect QR codes of potential danger. Many people are aware of the dangers of clicking on suspicious links, but few expect that a simple QR code can be used for fraud.
QR codes have become commonplace in everyday life – they are used for everything from restaurant menus to advertising campaigns. People often scan them without thinking, which gives cybercriminals the perfect tool to launch attacks.
The popularity of remote work and the rise of mobile devices in business have also contributed to the increase in quishing attacks. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have moved to remote work models, which has naturally increased the number of digital interactions and the risk of cyber attacks.
Examples of quishing attacks
- Attack on banking sector
In one example of quishing, cybercriminals sent fake emails to bank customers claiming they needed to verify their accounts. The message contained a QR code that, when scanned, led to a page that looked like a bank login page. In reality, it’s a fake site, and the login information was intercepted by hackers. - Attack on technology companies
In another case, employees of a technology company received emails purportedly from the internal IT department asking them to update their company account passwords. A QR code contained in the message led to a phishing site, allowing cybercriminals to take over access to company resources. - Attack on social network users
Users of popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram have been attacked through fake account verification notifications. After scanning a QR code, users were taken to a fake login page where they entered their data, which was then stolen by cybercriminals.
Who is most vulnerable to quishing?
Quishing can affect anyone, but certain user groups and organizations are more vulnerable to this type of attack:
- Companies in the financial sector
Employees of banks, insurance companies and financial institutions are frequent targets of cybercriminals because they have access to critical financial and personal data of their customers. - Technology companies
Organizations that have access to sophisticated technology or manage the data of millions of users are attractive targets for quishing attacks. Hackers can use hijacked accounts to extract sensitive information or even steal intellectual property. - Private users
Although quishing attacks often target businesses, individual users can also fall victim to such attacks. They can be targeted through fake notifications from social networks, online stores or banking applications.
What are the risks of quishing?
Quishing is not only a threat to personal data, but also to the financial security and integrity of systems. Consequences can include:
- Identity theft: A victim who unknowingly provides his or her login credentials can be exposed to identity theft, which can lead to further fraud.
- Loss of funds: Entering bank information on a fake site can result in the loss of money from your account.
- Account takeover: Hackers can take over a victim’s social media or other accounts, which can lead to further attacks on the victim’s friends and associates.
How do you protect yourself from quishing?
User education
One of the most important steps in preventing quishing attacks is user education. Employees and end users need to be aware of the risks associated with unknown QR codes. They should be informed about what a typical quishing attack looks like and what warning signs may indicate a potential scam.
Securing mobile devices
Mobile devices, which are the main tool for scanning QR codes, should be properly secured. To this end, it is worthwhile:
- Use anti-virus software.
- Update system software and applications regularly.
- Disable automatic opening of websites after scanning a QR code.
Security software
Companies can implement security software at the network level that automatically scans the content of QR codes and identifies potential threats. Mechanisms can also be used to monitor user activity to detect unusual behavior.
Why might traditional security features not work?
One of the biggest challenges of quishing is that traditional security tools, such as spam filters and antivirus software, may not be able to effectively identify the threat. QR codes are more difficult to monitor, and many users are unaware of the risks of scanning them.
Quishing in business
With quishing attacks on the rise, companies need to take a proactive approach to cyber security. Implementing an information security policy and regular training for employees can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks. Well-trained staff can better recognize suspicious messages and react when they spot dangerous QR codes.
For example, organizations can put in place procedures that require additional verification when QR codes are scanned from unknown sources. The use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for system access can further secure corporate data, even if login credentials are intercepted by cybercriminals.
The future of quishing
Due to the growing popularity of QR codes and their integration into various areas of life, quishing is expected to become more common. As technologies develop and evolve, cybercriminals will look for new ways to exploit existing tools.
The threat of quishing may also increase regulations on the use of QR codes to increase user security. Companies may be required to use safeguards when generating and sharing QR codes, and users will need to become more aware of the risks associated with scanning them.
Frequently asked questions
1. what are the most important warning signs that a QR code may be dangerous?
- QR codes placed in suspicious or unknown emails.
- QR codes posted in public places that seem inappropriate, such as on advertisements or posters.
- Requests for personal or login information after scanning a QR code.
2. is there any way to check the security of a QR code before scanning it?
Yes, there are apps that allow you to scan the QR code and display the link before the user clicks on it. This allows you to see where the code leads before you decide to open it.
3 What should I do if I suspect I have been a victim of quishing?
Immediately change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised. Report the incident to your financial institution or service, and consider reporting the matter to the police. Monitor your bank accounts and other online services for unauthorized transactions.
4. What security measures should business owners put in place to protect themselves from quishing?
Companies should invest in regular cybersecurity training for employees, implement procedures for using QR codes, and use multi-component verification mechanisms for access to important systems.
