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QR Phishing: Understanding the Threat and Solutions

Writer's picture: Colin Mc HugoColin Mc Hugo

QR phishing, often referred to as “quishing,” is a growing cybersecurity threat that exploits QR codes to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. This article explores the rise of QR phishing globally, presents statistics illustrating its impact, and offers solutions to mitigate the risks associated with these attacks.

Examples of QR Phishing Worldwide

QR phishing incidents have been reported across various regions, highlighting its global reach:

• North America: In 2023, a significant spike was noted in QR code phishing attempts, particularly targeting executives. The Insikt Group reported a 433% increase in QR code phishing references during Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, indicating a shift in tactics among cybercriminals who are increasingly using sophisticated methods to bypass security measures.

• Europe: In the UK, QR codes have been used in scams involving fake charity donations. Scammers create QR codes that direct victims to fraudulent websites where they are asked for personal information or payment details. Reports indicate that these scams have increased by over 270% monthly in early 2024.

• Asia: Countries like India have seen a surge in QR code payment systems, which has unfortunately also led to an increase in fraudulent schemes. As QR code payments are projected to exceed $3 trillion by 2025, the potential for scams in this area remains high.

Statistics on QR Phishing

The statistics surrounding QR phishing reveal alarming trends:

• Increase in Attacks: There was a staggering 587% increase in quishing incidents from June to August 2023, with 8,878 detected cases during this period alone.

• Detection Rates: Only 36% of QR phishing incidents were accurately identified and reported by recipients, indicating a significant gap in security awareness.

• Targeted Industries: The retail sector has been identified as particularly vulnerable, with a high percentage of employees struggling to identify suspicious QR codes. Credential theft remains the most common goal of these attacks, targeting login information in approximately 89.3% of incidents.


Locally in my town of Malahide the QR phishing stickers are on parking machines, so you have to be ever vigilant.




Solutions to Combat QR Phishing


To mitigate the risks associated with QR phishing, organizations and individuals can adopt several strategies:

• Employee Education: Regular training sessions that include simulations of QR code phishing attacks can significantly enhance awareness and preparedness among employees. This training should focus on identifying red flags such as unsolicited codes or offers that seem too good to be true.

• Use Trusted Scanning Apps: Encourage the use of reputable QR code scanning applications that have built-in security features to detect malicious content. Users should always verify the source of a QR code before scanning it.

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if they manage to steal login credentials through a quishing attack.

• Advanced Security Measures: Organizations should employ advanced machine learning detection systems capable of identifying AI-generated phishing emails and other sophisticated threats. DNS filtering and email security solutions can also help block malicious links before they reach users.

• Clear Reporting Channels: Establishing clear procedures for reporting suspicious emails and QR codes ensures that employees know how to act when they encounter potential phishing attempts.


Testing QR codes in a controlled environment is essential for cybersecurity professionals. This practice allows for the safe evaluation of QR codes and their associated links without exposing users to potential threats. By utilizing sandbox environments, experts can analyze QR codes to ensure they do not lead to malicious content, thereby identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.


Testing QR Codes in Sandbox Environments


LambdaTest:

- Features: LambdaTest provides a cloud-based platform that enables testing of QR codes on real devices. Its camera injection feature allows for scanning QR codes directly from the cloud environment, providing a realistic testing scenario. For more details, visit [LambdaTest](https://www.lambdatest.com/blog/test-qr-codes/).

- Automation: The platform supports automation of QR code tests through its app test automation capabilities, which is beneficial for regression testing. More information on camera image injection can be found [here](https://www.lambdatest.com/support/docs/camera-image-injection/).


QR Code Scanners:


- Online Tools: Websites like [zxing.org](https://zxing.org ) allow users to upload QR code images for decoding, which is useful for extracting URLs from QR codes.


- VirusTotal: After obtaining the URL from the decoded QR code, it can be scanned on [VirusTotal](https://www.virustotal.com) to check for any malicious content.


CyberChef:

- This tool can decode QR codes and extract URLs, enabling further analysis using other security tools.


By leveraging these tools and methods, cybersecurity professionals can effectively review and analyze QR codes in a safe manner, minimizing risks associated with potential threats.


In summary, as the prevalence of QR phishing continues to rise globally, it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity practices. By implementing comprehensive training programs and advanced security measures, the risks associated with this emerging threat can be significantly reduced. Contact me if you want further advice triaining for your company or enterprise.

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