Quishing: The Rising Threat Behind Innocent-Looking QR Codes

QR codes are everywhere—on menus, billboards, packaging, emails, even Super Bowl commercials. Once considered a harmless bridge between the physical and digital worlds, QR codes are now being weaponized by cybercriminals in a dangerous new twist on phishing called quishing.

Short for “QR phishing,” quishing is rapidly emerging as a powerful cyberattack vector that exploits our growing dependence on mobile devices and visual trust. In this article, we’ll explore what quishing is, why it’s so effective, and how businesses and individuals can stay protected.

What Is Phishing? The Foundation of Quishing

Phishing is one of the oldest and most effective cyberattack techniques. At its core, phishing uses deception to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information—such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal data. Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, highlighting how foundational this tactic is to broader cybercrime.

Traditional phishing often relies on emails or fake websites, but as user awareness grows and email filters improve, attackers are looking for more innovative and elusive delivery methods. That’s where quishing comes in.

Introducing Quishing: QR Code-Based Phishing

Quishing is the use of QR codes to carry out phishing attacks. These QR codes may direct unsuspecting users to malicious websites that mimic legitimate login portals or automatically trigger actions like downloading malware or sending personal data.

The danger lies in the illusion of safety. QR codes appear trustworthy and are often embedded in everyday places—marketing materials, restaurant tables, office posters, and email footers. Their very design prevents users from knowing exactly where they lead until they scan them.

This new phishing variant has seen a surge in popularity, as attackers find QR codes a clever workaround to bypass spam filters and gain access to mobile users.

Why Is Quishing So Effective?

Several factors make quishing particularly dangerous:

1. Ubiquity of QR Codes

QR codes are now a normal part of everyday life. From accessing digital menus to joining Wi-Fi networks or verifying identity, QR codes have become a trusted shortcut. That trust is exactly what attackers exploit.

2. Mobile Device Vulnerability

Mobile devices are three times more vulnerable to phishing than desktops. This is partly because smaller screens make it harder to identify fraudulent sites and users often don’t scrutinize links as closely on their phones.

3. Bypassing Traditional Filters

QR codes are image-based, making it difficult for traditional email filters and anti-phishing tools to detect them. Unlike URLs that can be flagged, QR codes slip through defenses unnoticed.

4. User Curiosity and Behavior

Humans are curious by nature. A QR code in an email or public space invites engagement—“Scan me!” sounds harmless, even fun. Unfortunately, that simple action can compromise entire systems.

Real Risks and Growing Threat

According to recent statistics:

• 92% of organizations have experienced phishing attacks in the past few years

• Quishing success rates are projected to surpass traditional phishing, which already boasts a 0.1% to 0.2% success rate

• 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, making even smaller organizations highly susceptible

The rise of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) culture has only exacerbated the risk, especially as employees mix personal and professional QR interactions.

Where Quishing Is Being Used

Quishing attacks often show up in:

• Emails: QR codes that claim to verify accounts or offer discounts

• Flyers and Posters: Public locations like cafes, airports, or lobbies

• Packages and Deliveries: Fake tracking updates or promotional materials

• Customer Service Scams: Redirecting users to phishing forms via QR

The broad accessibility of QR code generators makes it easy for attackers to launch large-scale campaigns quickly and cheaply.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization

✅ Be Skeptical of Random QR Codes

Don’t scan QR codes from unknown sources—whether online, printed, or in public spaces. If it’s unsolicited, question it.

✅ Verify QR Code Origins in Emails

If you receive an email with a QR code, verify the sender. Look for context: Did you request this QR code? Is it from a trusted domain?

✅ Use Mobile Security Solutions

Install security tools that can scan URLs after a QR code is opened. These tools can warn you about suspicious websites before you take further action.

✅ Train Employees on Quishing Awareness

Cybersecurity training should now include quishing scenarios. Simulated quishing attacks can help teams learn what to look out for.

✅ Implement Technical Safeguards

Businesses can prevent unauthorized QR code creation or distribution within their digital assets. Additionally, regular audits and monitoring can help detect anomalies.

Final Thoughts: Quishing Is Just Getting Started

Quishing is not a temporary trend—it’s the next evolution of phishing, exploiting a visual medium that is widely trusted but largely unregulated. As mobile usage rises and digital transformation accelerates, the risk will only grow.

For organizations, recognizing quishing as a real and present threat is the first step. Building security protocols and user education around this attack vector will be key to staying ahead.

Cybersecurity is no longer just about defending your firewall—it’s about defending your QR scans, too.