QR Code Phishing: The New Scam You Can't Afford to Ignore
QR codes are everywhere—from restaurant menus to office doors. But now they’re also a weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.
So-called “quishing” (QR code phishing) attacks are rapidly growing, and most employees don’t even know they exist. If your awareness training still focuses only on links in emails, it’s time to upgrade your program.
What Is QR Code Phishing?
QR code phishing involves embedding malicious links into QR codes that, when scanned, direct users to fake websites, credential stealers, or malware downloads. These attacks are highly effective because they:
Bypass email spam filters
Appear in places users don’t expect threats
Exploit a false sense of physical security (e.g. on printed materials)
A simple scan is all it takes. On mobile devices, where visibility and caution are reduced, users often don’t even see the full URL.
Real-World Examples of Quishing in Action
Cybercriminals are getting creative:
Parking meter scams: Fake QR stickers placed over legitimate meters direct victims to phishing sites requesting payment info.
Corporate phishing: Attackers include QR codes in emails or printed flyers to bypass email security controls.
IT credential harvesters: Scannable codes claim to redirect users to “multi-factor authentication” pages, but steal login data instead.
In 2024, several European companies reported HR job scams using QR codes in recruitment ads. Victims were tricked into uploading personal documents.
Why Quishing Works So Well
Several psychological and technical factors make QR code phishing uniquely dangerous:
Users trust physical signage more than digital messages
No visible link preview: Unlike emails, QR codes obscure the URL
Mobile-first behavior: People act fast and think later on phones
Security blind spot: Most awareness training doesn’t cover QR code risks
And unlike traditional phishing, these attacks can be launched in off-network, offline environments—posters, business cards, public transport, etc.
How to Defend Against QR Code Phishing
To reduce risk, organizations should act now:
Update phishing awareness training to include QR-based scams
Educate staff to preview QR links before opening (many apps allow this)
Discourage blind scanning of unknown or unofficial QR codes
Use secure QR code readers that validate destinations
Simulate quishing attacks as part of your phishing tests
Tip: Reinforce that even a printed QR code can be a phishing link—physical doesn’t mean safe.
Awareness Is Your Strongest Defense
Like every new phishing method, quishing preys on trust, haste, and gaps in training. But once your staff are aware of the tactic, it becomes far less effective.
Security isn’t just about blocking links—it’s about empowering people to recognize and resist manipulation in all its forms.
If your awareness program doesn’t include QR phishing, it’s time to scan your strategy.
Final Thoughts
QR code phishing isn’t a futuristic threat—it’s already here. As attackers evolve their tactics, they’re finding new ways to exploit the everyday tools we rely on, including the humble QR code.
This kind of phishing works precisely because it blends into modern workflows and bypasses traditional security controls. That’s why it’s critical to train your people—not just your technology.
The best defense is an informed workforce. By expanding your awareness training to include emerging threats like quishing, you ensure your team stays alert, even when the threat arrives in an unexpected form.
After all, in cybersecurity, what people don’t know can hurt you.
Please use our Contact us form, if you have any questions about how we can help you and your organization keep safe from Cyber criminals.
So, read more about the technical configurations at our WIKI here: QR Attack notes .
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