In the age of constant connectivity, cyberattacks evolve hand in hand with new technologies and digital habits. One of the most recent and sophisticated scams is the quishing, a form of phishing that uses QR codes as a gateway to compromise user security and steal personal or financial information directly from a mobile phone. This article delves into how quishing works, how to recognize it, how to prevent it, and what to do if you become a victim, integrating practical recommendations and advanced digital security strategies standardized by leading sources in online fraud prevention.
What is quishing? QR code phishing attack
The quishing, also known as QR phishingIs a social engineering technique In which attackers use seemingly harmless QR codes to redirect victims to fraudulent websites, download malware, or collect sensitive information. By scanning these codes with your phone or tablet, you may unwittingly give away your personal data, passwords, banking credentials, photos, or other valuable information.
The fundamental difference with the classic phishing The reason for this is that quishing leverages a physical vector (the printed QR code) that is often affixed to posters, menus, transport tickets, payment devices, vending machines, building walls and any other real-world element that we would normally trust. While traditional phishing reaches you via email, SMS or phone calls, quishing can be hidden in plain sight in any public or private space.
Once the user scans a fraudulent QR code, they are usually directed to a website very similar to that of a legitimate institution (bank, courier company, government entity, among others) where they are asked to enter private information, install an app, fill out a form, or perform some other type of action that, in reality, hides the theft of their data. In addition, malicious QR codes currently exist that download virus and malware automatically, gaining control over your terminal without you being aware of it.
How do quishing attacks work?
Quishing attacks typically occur in several phases:
- Preparing and placing the QR code: The cybercriminal generates a QR code with a malicious link, prints it, and strategically places it in frequented locations or over other legitimate codes to increase the likelihood of it being scanned.
- Deception and redirection: When the victim scans the code, they are taken to a deceptive website designed to look official (banking site, social network, shipping manager, etc.) or prompted to download a malicious application.
- Information theft or malware execution: By interacting with the website or downloading the app, the victim may voluntarily submit their credentials or unknowingly install spyware that captures their data.
- Use of stolen informationWith the data obtained, attackers can commit banking fraud, impersonate the victim, create fake accounts, access online services, extort money, or even sell the information on the dark web.
Quishing stands out for its ability to circumvent the traditional distrust that many users have developed toward suspicious emails or messages, since QR codes rarely raise suspicion, especially in contexts where their use is normalized (restaurants, airports, hotels, sporting or cultural events, etc.).
Types of QR code scams and quishing variants
Quishing isn't the only type of attack based on trust manipulation and social engineering. It's important to understand the main phishing variants and combinations to stay protected on all fronts:
- Traditional Phishing: Using emails, SMS messages, or calls impersonating known companies to obtain sensitive information.
- Smishing: SMS variant in which malicious links are sent that can lead to fraudulent pages or dangerous downloads.
- vishing: Phone calls in which the scammer poses as a trusted agent or entity to obtain data.
- Spear phishing and whaling: Attacks targeting specific individuals or companies, with highly personalized messages to increase the credibility of the deception.
- Malware and ransomware: After accessing the QR link, malicious software can be installed to steal data, spy on the device, or demand ransoms.
- Social media phishing and cloning: Impersonation of real profiles or duplication of legitimate messages to deceive the victim's contacts.
Each of these attacks can be seen powered by the use of QR codes, making the threat of quishing even more dangerous and global.
Why is quishing so dangerous and difficult to identify?
Quishing is particularly lethal for several reasons:
- QR codes are not readable with the naked eye., so it's impossible to anticipate their content before scanning them, unless you use an app that displays the destination URL before redirecting you. You can learn more about security apps at How to recover the digital certificate password.
- In public and everyday settings, we tend to trust that codes have been placed by legitimate officials, which reduces our level of alertness.
- Physical impersonation (stickers on QR menus, stickers on transport posters, etc.) allows criminals to exploit high-traffic locations to increase the reach of their attacks.
- Many mobile devices configure QR readers to open links directly in the browser, increasing the risk of receiving a malicious payload or accidentally landing on a fraudulent website.
- Classic antispam filters cannot intercept a printed QR code. as they do with suspicious emails, leaving the user as the only shield against the threat.
For all these reasons, quishing requires a proactive and critical approach from the user, in addition to the support of up-to-date security tools and systems.
Consequences of being a victim of quishing
The consequences of falling for a quishing attack can be as serious as those of any other type of phishing, but they are often magnified by the amount and criticality of the data exposed on mobile devices:
- Identity TheftAttackers can use stolen information to create bank accounts, make online purchases, purchase services, or impersonate you on social media.
- Economic lossesIf the scammer obtains your bank or card details, they can make fraudulent transfers, payments, or purchases without your permission.
- Malware Installation: Malware downloaded via QR code can spy on your conversations, steal personal files, intercept messages, and record your keystrokes.
- Extortion, blackmail and doxingIn the worst case, criminals may threaten to publish personal data or sensitive images if you don't comply with their demands.
- Business Account EngagementIf you scan a malicious QR code from a work device, the risks for your company, clients, and colleagues multiply.
Prevention is your best defense against these types of attacks.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Quishing: Advanced Prevention Guide
Although the surest way to avoid quishing would be to never scan a QR code, this is unrealistic in the digital age and can make our daily lives difficult. Therefore, the key is to develop safe habits and learn to identify potential fraud using a multifactorial approach.
- Always analyze the origin of the QR codeIf it's overlaid or appears recently added, be suspicious. Look for signs of tampering, such as poorly cut or poorly adhered stickers. You can also learn how to how to unlock a mobile without knowing the password.
- Use QR readers that display the URL before redirectingThere are applications that allow you to view the link before opening it, making it easier to verify the address and reducing the risk of accessing fraudulent websites.
- Look at the destination URLLearn to identify malicious addresses, typos, strange domains (e.g., .net or .xyz instead of the official domain), improper use of special characters, and more.
- Check the legitimacy of the websiteIf you have any questions, perform an independent Google search for the website you want to access or consult other users' experiences.
Guidelines for Businesses: Advanced Quishing Protection for Organizations and Employees
Companies, handling large volumes of sensitive data and people flows, are prime targets for quishing and phishing attacks. To minimize risks, it is vital to adopt a comprehensive protection strategy:
- Continuing Education in good cybersecurity practices for all employees, emphasizing fraud detection with QR codes and other channels.
- Developing a safety culture, which encourages communication and immediate reporting of suspicious incidents.
- Clear security policies on the use of devices, passwords, public networks, access control and processing of sensitive data.
- Implementation of corporate antivirus and antispam solutions with advanced threat detection and heuristic/behavioral analysis supported by artificial intelligence.
What to do if you've already been a victim of quishing or other phishing scams
No one is completely safe from a well-executed attack. If you think you've been a victim of quishing or phishing, act quickly by following these steps:
- Change your passwords immediately of all compromised accounts or those that share the same password. Prioritize banking and email accounts.
- Contact your financial institution to block suspicious cards or transactions and cancel unauthorized payments.
- Scan your device with an updated antivirus to detect and eliminate possible residual threats.
- Inform the competent authorities: Report the fraud by providing evidence and details. This helps prevent others from falling into the same trap.
Remember, if you want to add additional protection measures, you can learn how to recover your digital certificate password or how to open CBR files on your Android.
Additional tips and tricks for complete protection against quishing and phishing
- Stay informed on the latest digital fraud trends and techniques. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving to circumvent traditional measures.
- Develop critical thinking and reasonable distrust: When in doubt, always check through official channels before acting.
- Beware of overexposure: Avoid oversharing personal information on social media and public apps.
- Take care of your devices: Activate automatic screen lock, use biometrics if possible, and never leave your phone or tablet unattended in public places.
The sophistication and diversity of quishing and phishing attacks require not only protecting our devices and data, but also adopting proactive, informed, and critical behavior in all digital and physical environments. The best defense is ongoing education, the use of advanced tools, reinforcing security habits, and fostering cooperation between users and organizations to minimize risks and respond quickly and effectively to any threat.