QR Phishing: Think Before Scanning
In an age of ever-increasing digital convenience, QR codes have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. From restaurant menus and payment portals to marketing materials and event tickets, these pixelated squares offer an instant bridge between the physical and digital worlds. However, this convenience comes with a burgeoning and often underestimated security risk: QR code phishing, or “quishing.” This deceptive practice is catching unsuspecting individuals off guard, turning a simple scam into a potential gateway for fraud and identity theft. Here are some tips to squish the quish:
Be Skeptical – If you receive a QR code unexpectedly, treat it with suspicion. Phishing emails or texts might contain QR codes embedded in documents like PDFs or images, bypassing traditional email filters. These can be disguised as two-factor authentication requests, shipping notifications, or unpaid invoices.
Look for Tampering – Believe it or not, stickers are a rising tactic. Scammers place stickers with a fraudulent QR code on top of real codes. This month, the city of Orlando found 200 fake QR code stickers placed on parking meters in their downtown area. Users were then directed to an unsecure website to input their financial information.
Inspect the URL – When scanning a code, most phones will show you a preview of the website’s URL. Before clicking the link, examine the URL for misspellings or odd domain names. If it looks suspicious, do not proceed.
Use a Security App – Consider using a mobile security application that can help detect and block malicious websites. These apps will block the malicious site from popping up before you have the chance to enter any information.
QR codes are incredibly convenient for our everyday lives, but with this convenience comes a lack of transparency. By fostering a greater understanding of how quishing works, individuals and businesses can continue to enjoy the benefits of this technology while mitigating the inherent risks of this insidious digital threat. Contact us at [email protected] to find out other ways to protect yourself and your sensitive information.