What if a simple scan of a QR code can compromise your personal data or even your entire device? Although QR codes have simplified many everyday actions, such as accessing virtual menus, making payments or sharing information, their popularity has also sparked the interest of cybercriminals. They have found them an ideal tool to carry out phishing attacks, now known as «quishing».
The threat of «quishing», a term that combines «QR» y "Phishing", represents a new twist on social engineering strategies. Instead of text links in emails or text messages, attackers use malicious QR codes to redirect to fraudulent sites, steal sensitive data, or install malware. If you want to understand how this technique works, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself, read on.
The danger of QR codes: How does quishing work?
Quishing takes advantage of the ability of QR codes to hide links behind a graphic pattern. When scanned with mobile devices, these codes take users directly to sitios web or trigger commands without first displaying their content. This gives attackers a clear advantage, as victims scan without suspecting.
The typical procedure of a quishing attack begins with the creation of a malicious QR code. This code may be designed to take the user to a fake login page, download malware, or even activate commands that compromise the device. Attackers then distribute these codes in emails, text messages, social media, or even on stickers over legitimate codes in public places.
Once the user scans the code, one of these things happens:
- Redirection to a fake website: Many times the website copies the appearance of a trustworthy entity (banks, social networks, online stores) to steal credentials.
- Malware installation: The code may lead to a download automatic removal of malicious software that compromises the security of the device.
- Theft of sensitive data: Attackers collect personal or financial information entered by the victim on the fake portal.
What makes it so effective?
Quishing is especially effective because it combines several elements of persuasion and evasive tactics:
- Trust in technology: Users often think QR codes are secure because they are used to using them in everyday situations, such as accessing a restaurant menu or a payment app.
- URL Anonymity: Unlike clickable links, the content behind a QR code is not visible until after scanning, making it difficult to identify malicious intent.
- Strategic location: These codes are placed in places where the user does not suspect, such as parking meters, information screens or even stickers in crowded places.
Real cases and examples of quishing
Quishing attacks are not a hypothetical problem. There are numerous examples that illustrate how cybercriminals have used this technique:
- In cities in the United States, especially in Texas, there were reports stickers with fake QR codes at parking meters. Upon scanning them, victims were redirected to a portal that requested fraudulent payments.
- Attackers have also used the tactic in phishing campaigns targeting energy companies, where about 29% of emails containing QR codes were destined for a single organization in the United States.
- In Spain, stickers were detected with fake QR codes in bars and restaurants, aimed at collecting victims' banking data.
How to identify a quishing attack
Although quishing is a sophisticated threat, there are suspicious signs that can help you identify it:
- Suspicious urgency: Messages urging you to take immediate action, such as paying a fine or verifying an account, are often an attempt at manipulation.
- Lack of context: QR codes without a clear explanation of their purpose or unknown senders are cause for suspicion.
- Errors on the redirected page: Look to see if the URL contains spelling mistakes or if the page has an unprofessional design.
Preventive measures to avoid being a victim
Protecting against quishing requires a combination of common sense and security tools:
- Check the source: Before scanning a QR code, make sure it comes from a legitimate source. If you have any doubts, contact the organization directly.
- Use secure QR code readers: Some applications allow you to preview the URL before opening it, adding a extra layer of protection.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an additional barrier to keep your accounts protected, even if your credentials are compromised.
Over-reliance on QR codes and their apparent harmlessness has opened the door to new forms of cyberattacksHowever, being aware of the risks, applying good practices and educating ourselves and our environment gives us a huge advantage. Next time you scan a QR code, pay attention, verify the authenticity of the source and protect your personal information.