Quishing: The Evolution of QR Code Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to new technologies and user behaviors. One of the latest and increasingly dangerous phishing techniques is Quishing - QR code phishing. This attack exploits the trust users place in QR codes, tricking them into visiting malicious websites, stealing credentials, or deploying malware.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Quishing works, real-world examples, how attackers bypass security measures, and most importantly, how to defend against this growing threat.

What is Quishing?

Quishing is a phishing attack that uses QR codes to deceive users into scanning a seemingly legitimate code, which then redirects them to a malicious site. Since QR codes are designed to be scanned quickly, often without verifying the URL they link to, this makes them an attractive attack vector for cybercriminals.

These attacks are particularly effective in environments where QR codes are commonly used, such as:

Business Emails – Attackers embed QR codes in phishing emails, bypassing traditional email security filters.
Public Places – Fake QR codes are placed over real ones in restaurants, airports, or posters to redirect users to malicious sites.
Payment Scams – Users are tricked into scanning fraudulent QR codes that steal payment information.

How Quishing Works: Attack Breakdown

Attackers Craft a Fake QR Code

The attacker generates a QR code that leads to a phishing website. This could be a fake Microsoft login page, a cloned banking portal, or a malware containing site.

Delivery Methods

The attacker distributes the QR code using various techniques, including:

Email Attachments – A PDF or image with a QR code, often impersonating a trusted organization.
Physical Stickers – Replacing real QR codes on public posters, menus, or transit stations with malicious ones.
Business Cards & Flyers – Spreading malicious QR codes disguised as contact info or promotional offers.

Victim Interaction

The victim scans the QR code, expecting a legitimate action (e.g., viewing a menu, logging into a work account). Instead, they are redirected to a phishing site that either:

Steals login credentials.
Downloads malware onto their device.
Requests payment details under false pretenses.

Exploitation & Credential Theft

If the victim enters their credentials, attackers immediately capture them. This often leads to further account takeovers, financial fraud, or business email compromise (BEC) attacks.

Why Traditional Security Measures Fail Against Quishing

Many email security tools focus on scanning links and attachments but often overlook QR codes, allowing Quishing emails to bypass filters. Additionally, because QR codes are visual (rather than clickable links), users tend to trust them more, reducing suspicion.

Common security challenges include:

Obfuscation of Malicious URLs – QR codes hide the actual destination, preventing users from spotting suspicious domains.
Mobile Device Vulnerabilities – Scans often happen on personal smartphones, which may lack corporate security protections.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Bypass – Some phishing sites prompt users to enter MFA codes, allowing attackers to log in before the real user notices.

How to Protect Against Quishing Attacks

For Individuals:

Verify QR Code Sources – Never scan QR codes from unsolicited emails or random posters.
Use QR Code Scanner Apps – Some apps show the destination URL before opening it.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Even if credentials are stolen, MFA can prevent account compromise.
Manually Type URLs When Possible – Instead of scanning a QR code for banking or login sites, enter the URL manually.

For Organizations:

Email Security Awareness Training – Educate employees on spotting Quishing attempts.
Deploy QR Code Scanning Security Tools – Some security solutions analyze QR codes in emails before allowing users to access them.
Monitor for Phishing Domains – Attackers frequently register lookalike domains. Continuous monitoring can detect fraudulent activity early.
Implement Conditional Access Policies – Restrict login attempts from unknown or suspicious devices, preventing stolen credentials from being used easily.

As an attempt to raise awareness and empower people to fight phishing scams proactively. I'm excited to share my new project PhishGuard. It’s not just another cybersecurity tool - it’s designed to empower users with advanced phishing detection capabilities to stay one step ahead of scammers.

Since it’s an open-source project, I’d love for my community to get involved! If you have suggestions for new features or improvements to the code, I’d be grateful for your input. Together, we can make this tool more robust and accurate.

Let’s protect ourselves and each other - one email at a time. Please feel free to connect, share feedback, or even contribute to the project!

Link to the project - https://github.com/akshayjain-1/PhishGuard/blob/main/README.md

Quishing is an emerging cyber threat that preys on users' trust in QR codes. As QR code usage continues to rise, cybercriminals will refine their tactics, making awareness and proactive security measures essential.

Happy cyber-exploration! 🚀🔒

Note: Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below - whether it's feedback, a topic you'd love to see covered, or just to say hi! Don’t forget to join the forum for more engaging discussions and stay updated with the latest blog posts. Let’s keep the conversation going and make cybersecurity a community effort!

-AJ