QR Code Phishing: The Threat Lurking Behind Convenience (and 10 Tips to Protect Your Business!)

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In an increasingly digital world, Quick Response (QR) codes have become indispensable for seamless interactions. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, these codes are more prevalent than ever.  From making payments to accessing websites, QR codes offer a convenient and efficient way to bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms.

However, despite this convenience, there lies a lurking threat known as QR code phishing, or “quishing”, a sophisticated cyberattack that exploits unsuspecting individuals by capitalizing on their trust in the technology. In fact, in January 2022, the FBI issued a warning regarding cybercriminals’ manipulation of QR codes.

Email Security Faces New Challenges

The rise of QR code phishing attacks has posed significant issues for email security systems, creating obstacles in detecting and preventing harmful content.

Traditional email filters rely on processes like link analysis and content scanning to identify malicious elements. However, QR codes act as a disguise for harmful website addresses, which can confuse these filters. As a result, deceptive phishing emails can slip through these defenses and potentially expose organizations to data breaches.

It’s also difficult to determine the victims of these attacks. Employees typically interact with QR codes on their personal devices, making it challenging for organizations to track who has been affected.

Ten Tips to Protect Your Organization from Quishing Threats

As with any phishing method, safeguarding yourself against quishing requires vigilance. To ensure your company’s digital safety, consider the following prevention measures:

  • Educate Yourself and Others

    The first line of defense against quishing attacks is awareness, and all organizations should prioritize security awareness training. This training should encompass key best practices, including those specific to quishing prevention.

  • Source Verification

    QR codes from unfamiliar sources should be treated with caution. Just as you would hesitate before opening an email attachment from an unknown sender, train employees to refrain from scanning QR codes from untrusted or unfamiliar locations.

  • Confirm via Separate Communication

    Train employees to consider confirmation when they receive a QR code from a trusted source via email or any other electronic medium. Verify the code’s legitimacy through a separate communication channel, such as a text message or a voice call.

  • Optimize Your Overall Email Security Posture

    As with many types of phishing attacks, email is a common delivery method. It’s more important than ever to ensure your company’s overall email security posture is up to par as this new attack method expands. This way, you can catch suspicious emails before they hit your employees’ inboxes.

  • Stay Skeptical of Urgency and Emotion

    Quishing attackers often play on your emotions and create a sense of urgency to manipulate your actions. Train employees to be cautious when encountering QR codes that evoke strong emotions, as these are red flags for potential quishing attempts.

  • Scrutinize the QR Code URL

    Before scanning a QR code, employees should carefully review the preview of the associated URL. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as the presence of “https://” in the URL, the absence of obvious misspellings, and a domain you trust. Be especially wary of unfamiliar or shortened links.

  • Beware of Information Requests

    QR codes that lead to websites asking for personal details, login credentials, or payment information should be treated as potential threats. Legitimate sources would not typically request such sensitive data through a QR code.

  • Practice Strong Password Hygiene

    Protect your online accounts by adhering to good password hygiene. Require regular changes to email passwords and encourage employees to avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  • Embrace HTTPS and Trusted Domains

    Train employees that any domain they access through a QR code should use the secure HTTPS protocol. Verify that the domain is trustworthy and legitimate before entering any personal information.

  • Report Suspicious Activity

    Ensure employees report quishing attempts (or any form of phishing) to your organization’s IT department immediately. Your IT department may also choose to report the incident to a cybersecurity authority. Reporting helps prevent future attacks and protects others from falling victim.

How to Move Forward

Incorporating these preventative measures into your daily online interactions can protect you and your organization against quishing attacks. Remember that staying informed and maintaining a healthy skepticism are paramount. With the right mindset and a proactive approach, your organization can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security.

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