How to Secure Your Organization Against QR Code Phishing (Quishing)

What is “Quishing”?

Quishing—short for QR code phishing—is an emerging cyber threat where attackers use QR codes to trick users into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware.  QR codes are convenient and widely used for contactless access to apps, menus, or login pages.  But that same convenience can be exploited by cybercriminals to bypass traditional email filters and deceive unsuspecting users.

A quishing attack typically involves a QR code embedded in an email, printed flyer, or even a package label.  Scanning the code can redirect the user to a spoofed login page, a fake survey, or a malicious download link—often indistinguishable from legitimate resources.

Why Quishing is Effective

• Harder to Detect: Security software can scan links in emails, but QR codes are often rendered as images that bypass link scanners.
• Cross-Channel Use: QR codes are used everywhere—from email and web portals to physical signage—making them more likely to be trusted.
• Mobile Vulnerability: Most QR scans happen on smartphones, which often lack full endpoint protection or web filtering.

Steps to Protect Your Organization

1. Educate Employees
   Raise awareness about quishing in your cybersecurity training. Reinforce the risk of scanning QR codes from unknown sources—especially those received by email or found in public places.
2. Preview Before Opening
   Encourage users to preview the URL after scanning, if possible. Many QR scanners allow you to see the destination before clicking.
3. Verify Source Legitimacy
   If a QR code comes from an unexpected source (e.g., an email from IT or HR), encourage users to verify it through a known contact method before taking action.
4. Control QR Use Internally
   Establish guidelines for when and how QR codes can be used in the workplace. Require QR codes used for business operations to redirect only to approved, trusted domains.
5. Disable Auto-Scan Features
   Some apps and mobile platforms automatically open links from QR codes. Recommend disabling auto-launch settings where possible.
6. Watch for Physical Tampering
   In physical locations (offices, conference rooms, lobbies), inspect printed QR codes for stickers or overlays. Attackers have been known to place fake QR codes over legitimate ones.

Conclusion

QR codes can streamline workflows, but they also open the door to a new class of phishing attacks.  By increasing awareness, enforcing usage standards, and applying layered defenses, organizations can stay ahead of quishing threats and reduce the risk of compromise.

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