Quishing Is Still a Serious Problem. What You Need to Know.

Let’s talk about something many people (still) do without a second thought, scan QR codes in their emails. Yes, I know, they are everywhere, they are quick and convenient, but they are (still) a serious cyber risk. Why? Because it works. Let’s dive into what quishing is, how it fits into a bigger picture of image-based attacks, and what you can do to stay safe.

What Exactly Is Quishing?

Okay here’s the play. Attackers embed malicious URLs into QR codes into emails. Recipients scan the code, thinking it is a safe and easy way to get to a portal or some company form. Instead, it redirects them to a fake site designed to steal their credentials, bank details, or worse, install some nasty malware or ransomware on their mobile device.

The problem? You can't see the URL before scanning, so the danger is hidden in plain sight.

These attacks are often disguised as urgent or routine requests—account verifications, password resets, security alerts, or bill payments.

Quishing vs. Other Image-Based Attacks

Quishing is just one type of image-based attack, but it’s arguably one of the easiest to spot and avoid if you know what to look for. Unfortunately, not all image-based attacks are so obvious.

Take, for instance, phishing emails where the entire email body is an image. The image mimics a familiar company email template—like a performance review or open enrollment for benefits notification. If someone interacts with these regularly, they may not think twice about clicking (especially before lunch!). These advanced attacks are harder to detect because the content can bypass text-based scanning tools, and employees are more likely to trust what looks like business as usual.

While quishing might seem simple compared to these, it’s still highly effective because it preys on convenience.

Why Attackers Love Quishing

1. Moving the Attack to Personal Devices
   One of the sneakiest things about quishing is how it shifts the venue of attack. The QR requires you to open a link on your phone, pulling you away from a corporate-controlled and protected device to a personal mobile device. Mobile phones often lack enterprise-grade security, making them easier targets. Since just about everyone uses their mobile devices for work, it makes it easier for attackers to launch attacks or distribute malware from those devices.

2. Bypassing Traditional Defenses
   QR codes are just images, so they often slip past email filters and other traditional security measures.

3. Exploiting Routine Behavior
   QR codes are everywhere, and we’ve been trained to scan them without much hesitation. Attackers know this and exploit that trust.

Protecting Yourself and Your Organization

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to avoid falling for quishing attacks. A few simple habits go a long way:

1. Verify the Source
   Always question where a QR code comes from. If it’s unsolicited or out of context, think twice before scanning.
2. Use QR Code Preview Tools
   Many QR code scanners can show you the URL before opening it. If it looks suspicious, don’t proceed.
3. Train and Prepare Your Team
   Employees should know how to spot phishing attempts, especially image-based ones. Training is critical.
4. Keep the Attack on Corporate Devices
   Encourage employees to avoid scanning QR codes on personal devices unless they are certain of the source. Corporate protections are stronger for a reason.
5. Upgrade Your Security Tools
   Solutions that analyze both the visible and hidden content of emails—like embedded QR codes or images—are a must.

How We Approach Quishing Defense

At IRONSCALES, we take a holistic view of image-based attacks, including quishing. Here’s what we do:

• AI-Powered Multi-Modal Analysis
  Our platform analyzes not just text but also images within emails. Whether it’s a malicious QR code or an image pretending to be an email template, we spot it.
• Behavioral Insights
  We use natural language processing and behavior analysis to detect anomalies, like suspicious sender activity or mismatched domains.
• Deep Image Detection
  QR codes and hidden text don’t escape us. We preemptively block threats before they can reach you or your team.

This isn’t just about stopping one type of attack—it’s about being prepared for the constantly evolving ways attackers try to get through. If you’re curious about the details, check out our quishing solution page here.

Stay One Step Ahead

Because they are so common, quishing might not sound so scary compared to other attacks, but it’s a (still, really) a growing threat because it plays on habits and convenience. The next time you see a QR code, take a second to think before you scan. That small moment of caution could save you—or your business—a lot of trouble.

Got questions or want to strengthen your organization’s defenses? Let’s talk.