Quishing: The New QR Code Phishing
Recently, a notable transformation in Phishing tactics has emerged, as cybercriminals are now integrating QR codes into email attachments to lure unsuspecting victims. This method of Phishing has been named as Quishing. This evolution represents a strategic shift from traditional Phishing methods, leveraging technology that many users may not fully understand. As individuals become more aware of conventional phishing attacks, the adoption of QR codes allows attackers to exploit new avenues for deception for phishing.
Quishing: QR Code Phishing in Email Attachments
One of the primary reasons for the increasing use of QR codes in Phishing campaigns is their ability to be scanned effortlessly by smartphones. Many individuals, while vigilant on their desktop devices, often overlook the security risks associated with their personal mobile devices. These machines tend to have less robust security measures, making them prime targets for attackers. Moreover, QR codes facilitate direct access to malicious websites, bypassing the need for attackers to rely on traditional hyperlinks that might appear suspicious to the user. With just a simple scan, users can quickly be directed to a fraudulent site designed to harvest sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.
There are several reasons why cybercriminal have started using QR codes for phishing activities or Quishing, especially through email:
The QR code is mostly scanned by people using a smart phone, which are often less well protected against malicious websites or in most cases phones are completely unprotected.
Smart Phones are more prone to Quishing of QR Code Phishing because they are personal devices which provide attackers with a direct path to sensitive personal accounts. For example, banking apps will be often be installed on the same device.
QR codes are impossible for humans to identify as malicious at first glance. This makes Quishing or QR Code Phishing easier for cybercriminals.
Links in emails are usually analyzed by email filters, whereas QR codes can be embedded as an image which many email filters will ignore. This is very important point and you need to something about it like installing a good anti-malware software like Malwarebytes which does behavioral analysis to find and remove malware, viruses, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware worms and more, before they do any harm to your computers, tabs or phones.
The use of QR codes in other applications like banking apps, may invoke a certain level of trust. This trust is misused for QR Code Phishing by cybercriminals.
Smartphones Are Vulnerable to Email QR Code Phishing or Quishing
A major factor contributing to the effectiveness of QR code-based Phishing or Quishing is that mobile phones are usually personal devices, often filled with sensitive information. Unlike computers that may be employed by multiple users within an organization, phones typically contain direct access to personal accounts and applications. Thus, by exploiting a QR code's convenience, cybercriminals trying to do phishing, creates a straightforward pathway to infiltrate personal accounts, making the impact of such attacks potentially far more severe.
As phishing tactics continue to evolve, the necessity of understanding these risks increases. Individuals must be trained to recognize potential threats, including suspicious email attachments that contain QR codes. Awareness of QR code phishing is critical in mitigating risks associated with this burgeoning trend.
To combat the rising trend of QR code phishing attacks or quishing, users must develop a cautious approach when dealing with unexpected email communications. It is advisable to verify the authenticity of the sender before scanning any QR code, as a simple precaution can prevent falling victim to such schemes.
In conclusion, the integration of QR codes in email attachments marks a significant shift in phishing tactics. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative for users to remain vigilant and informed about emerging threats. It is wiser to install an industry standard Anti-Malware in you PC, Laptop, Phones and Tabs to prevent QR Code Phishing or Quishing. Remember that Prevention is always Better than Cure. With the right awareness and precautions, individuals can protect themselves against these increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts.
Watch the Video below to understand QR Code Phishing or Quishing better.