• Why IRONSCALES
    OUR VALUE
    • Protect Better
      Protect Better

      Gain protection against advanced email attacks like BEC, ATO, social engineering, and more

    • Simplify Operations
      Simplify Operations

      Turn hours-a-day to minutes-a-month combatting phishing with customizable security automation

    • Empower Your Org
      Empower Your Org

      Triple your org's email security awareness with real-world phishing simulation testing and training

    CUSTOMERS
    • Customers
      Customers

      Check out the benefits provided to our customers and their stories

    • flag
      Case Studies

      Explore inspiring success stories from our 13,000+ global customers

    • star
      Reviews

      Uncover honest reviews with authentic insights from Gartner, G2, Capterra, and more

    NEWS
    • mic
      Press

      Read our latest press releases, news publications, and media highlights

    • award
      Awards

      Explore our awards and industry recognition achievements

    Thumbnail-google-workspace-and-ironscales-a-complete-email-security-solution
    Press: New Research

    New Osterman study reveals orgs with high confidence still lack capabilities against QR code attacks

    header-card-image-3
    Case Study: Webhelp

    Learn how Webhelp saved over 450 SecOp hours and is protecting 36,000 mailboxes

    header-card-image-1
    Awards: INC. 5000

    IRONSCALES earns 'Fastest Growing Email Security Company' for 3rd straight year

  • Platform
    Spring '24 Software Release! Check out our new deep image-based detection, GWS capabilities, and more. Explore the new additions
    CAPABILITIES
    • Inbound Email Protection
      Inbound Email Protection

      Get Adaptive AI email security against advanced attacks missed by other security controls​

    • Account Takeover Protection
      Account Takeover Protection

      Eliminate the risk of ATO with advanced prevention, detection, and response

    • Image-Based Attack Protection
      Image-Based Attack Protection

      Protect your organization from image-based attacks like malicious QR codes

    • SOC Automation
      SOC Automation

      Put SecOps workloads on auto-pilot with automated email remediation and more

    • Phishing Simulation Testing
      Phishing Simulation Testing

      Send your employees customized simulations built from real-world threats

    • Security Awareness Training
      Security Awareness Training

      Build a security-centric culture with automated personalized awareness campaigns

    • Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence
      Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence

      Leverage insights from 20,000+ security analysts in our community for email remediation

    • Collaboration Tool Protection
      Collaboration Tool Protection

      Protect your collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams® from advanced threats

    Take an Interactive Platform Tour
    TECHNOLOGY
    • Adaptive AI Engine
      Adaptive AI Engine

      Learn how we level up our AI with advanced ML models and Human Insights

    • Human Insights
      Human Insights

      See how we uniquely enhance our adaptive AI with real-time Human Insights

    • Generative AI
      Generative AI

      Discover how we use Gen-AI, large language models, and techniques for email security

    • Ecosystem Integrations
      Ecosystem Integrations

      Maximize your existing security tools with our seamlessly integrated platform

    Take an Interactive Platform Tour
  • Solutions
    Introducing Weekly Demos! Join us for a live walkthrough of our platform and see the difference firsthand. Register Now
    USE CASE
    • BEC & Executive Impersonation
      BEC & Executive Impersonation

      Stop advanced attacks like BEC, VEC, and VIP impersonation

    • Advanced Malware/URL Attacks
      Advanced Malware/URL Attacks

      Continuously protect against malicious links and attachments

    • Credential-Theft
      Credential Harvesting

      Block attackers from stealing your sensitive business data

    • Account Takeover Attacks
      Account Takeover Attacks

      Prevent, detect, and respond to ATO attacks in real time

    • QR Code Attacks
      QR Code Attacks

      Decipher image-based attacks from weaponized QR codes

    • Generative AI Attacks
      Generative AI Attacks

      Safeguard your organization against GPT-crafted attacks

    • Phishing Simulation Testing
      Phishing Simulation Testing

      Test your employees with real-world email attacks

    • Security Awareness Training
      Security Awareness Training

      Build a security-first organization with integrated SAT campaigns

    Get A FREE Email Health Scan
  • Learn
    New Report! Osterman Research releases their 2024 findings on Image-based/QR Code Attacks. Read the report
    LEARN
    • Blog
      Blog

      Stay informed with our insights and updates

    • Guides
      Guides

      Explore our multi-chapter email security guides

    • bookmark
      Glossary

      Decode cybersecurity jargon with our glossary​

    • Resource Library
      Resource Library

      Rich content hub including whitepapers, reports, and more

    • Get Started
      Get Started

      Get started today with a 14-day free trial

    • Platform Tour
      Platform Tour

      Navigate our platform directly with an interactive guided tour

    • Engineering Corner
      Engineering Corner

      Explore articles and lessons from our R&D team members​

    CONNECT
    • Events
      Events

      View our upcoming in-person and virtual events

    • LinkedIn_icon-vector
      LinkedIn

      Join the evolving email security discourse with us on LinkedIn

    • Newsletter
      Newsletter

      Join our LinkedIn newsletter for security news and best practices

    See all resources
    FEATURED
    Email Security in the Age of AI
    Email Security in the Age of AI

    Understand the role of AI in fortifying defenses against evolving threats.

    QR Code Phishing
    QR Code Phishing

    QR codes serve as a new bypass method to evade detection.

    The ABCs of MFA
    The ABCs of MFA

    MFA is your digital doorman that keeps the malicious actors at bay.

    Phishing Prevention
    Phishing Prevention

    Dive into our complete 13-chapter guide on phishing prevention best practices

    Spear Phishing Thumbnail
    Spear Phishing

    Understand the inner workings of highly specialized phishing tactics and how to stop them

    Voice Phishing
    Voice Phishing

    See how attackers leverage new methods and channels to defraud businesses

  • Partner
    BY TYPE
    • Resellers
      Resellers

      Elevate your business with exclusive reselling opportunities

    • MSPs / MSSPs
      MSPs / MSSPs

      Unlock powerful email security capabilities for your end clients

    • Technology Partners
      Technology Partners

      View our industry-leading technology partners

    ENGAGE
    • Become Partner
      Become Partner

      Apply to become an IRONSCALES partner today

    • Partner Portal
      Partner Portal

      Check out valuable tools and resources for partners

    Become a Partner

    Partner with IRONSCALES Today
  • Pricing
  • headset_icon user Get a Demo
headset_icon user Get a Demo

What is a Quishing Attack?

Quishing attacks involve the manipulation of QR codes in deceptive messages, such as emails or text messages, to trick individuals into scanning the codes, which then redirect them to fake websites designed for data theft or malware deployment, posing a significant cybersecurity threat. These attacks exploit users' trust in QR codes and their often compelling content to achieve malicious objectives.

Defend against image-based phishing attacks

Quishing Explained

In the realm of cyber threats, quishing attacks, also known as QR code phishing, have emerged as deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals. These attacks manipulate QR codes to lure unsuspecting individuals into visiting fraudulent websites, with the ultimate aim of either extracting sensitive information or distributing malware. 

How Quishing Works

Quishing attacks leverage QR codes and deceptive messages to trick individuals into scanning the codes, ultimately leading them to fraudulent websites where sensitive information may be harvested or malware deployed. These attacks exploit trust and deception to achieve their malicious objectives. Below illustrates the various steps taken and what to look out for during an attack:

  1. Deceptive QR Code Message Delivery: Cybercriminals send deceptive messages, often appearing as emails or messages from trusted sources. These messages contain QR codes alongside persuasive content, encouraging recipients to take action.

  2. Recipient Interaction: Victims scan the QR code using their mobile devices, believing it to lead to a legitimate website. Attackers employ tactics like domain spoofing and convincing design to make the fraudulent site appear genuine.

  3. Fraudulent Redirection & Malicious Action: Instead of the expected site, the QR code redirects victims to a fraudulent website controlled by the attackers. On the fake website, victims are prompted to provide sensitive information or may unknowingly download malware.

  4. Exploitation & Fallout: If victims enter sensitive information or follow instructions, attackers achieve their goals, which may include data theft or malware distribution. Quishing attacks can result in financial losses, unauthorized access, or other damaging outcomes for victims.

 

Blog Post

Navigating a New Twist of Quishing

In the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, threat actors are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and trick individuals and organizations into divulging sensitive...

Read More

 

 

Exploiting Mobile Device Weaknesses

A distinguishing characteristic of quishing attacks is their focus on mobile devices. Attackers deliberately target these devices because they may possess weaker anti-phishing protections compared to traditional desktop or laptop systems. The use of QR codes serves as a clever tactic to lure users away from more secure environments to potentially vulnerable mobile platforms.

Recent Quishing Campaigns

Recent research by HP's malware analysts has unveiled a surge in email-based quishing activities. One noteworthy campaign involved emails that impersonated the Chinese Ministry of Finance, falsely informing recipients of their eligibility to receive government-funded subsidies. To access these supposed benefits, the email instructed users to scan a QR code, which, unbeknownst to them, led to an application form designed to collect personal and financial information. Another variant of this attack impersonated parcel delivery services, requesting payments via a QR code.

Pandemic-Related Increase in Quishing

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the rise of quishing attacks. The increased adoption of QR codes for low-contact transactions during the pandemic created an environment ripe for exploitation by cybercriminals. Scammers took advantage of this trend, employing QR codes in a range of fraudulent activities, from fake parking meter payments to email scams.

Targets and Vulnerabilities

Quishing attacks have primarily focused on individual consumers, but the threat extends to businesses and their employees as well. Email-based QR phishing campaigns, similar to those uncovered by HP and other security experts, pose risks such as credential theft and malware distribution, making enterprises vulnerable to these deceptive tactics.

Preventing Quishing Attacks

Effective prevention strategies against quishing attacks require both user education and organizational security measures. Individuals should be educated about the risks and best practices:

  • Users should avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources.
  • When receiving QR codes from trusted sources, verification through separate channels is essential.
  • Recognizing the hallmarks of phishing, including urgency and emotional appeals, can help users stay vigilant.
  • Before opening a QR code, users should examine the URL preview for legitimacy, HTTPS usage, and trusted domains.
  • Caution is advised when QR codes lead to sites requesting personal information, login credentials, or payments.

Organizations can enhance their defenses by implementing various security controls, including allowlisting and blocklisting, anti-spam filters, robust email security and password policies, multifactor authentication, anti-malware software, email security gateways, and leveraging threat intelligence services.

In conclusion, quishing attacks represent a formidable cyber threat, capitalizing on the widespread use of QR codes in today's digital landscape. Understanding these attacks and adopting comprehensive prevention strategies are vital steps in protecting individuals and organizations from falling prey to these deceptive schemes.

Platform-tour-glossary-side-panel-square
Explore Our Platform Tour

Immediately jump into an interactive journey through our AI email security platform.
Begin Tour

Featured Content

AI in Email Security

This comprehensive Osterman Research study explores the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats and innovative solutions implemented to stay ahead.

Download Report

Gartner® Email Security Market Guide

This guide gives email security experts an exclusive access to Gartner® research to ensure their existing solution remains appropriate for the evolving landscape.

Get The Gartner Guide

Defending the Enterprise from BEC

Data shows organizations deploy defense-in-depth approaches ineffective at addressing BEC attacks. Discover truly effective strategies in this report.

Download Report
Schedule a Demo

Request a demo to see what IRONSCALES AI-powered email security can do for you.
Get a Demo