Are your employees prepared for the hidden risks lurking in QR codes? QR codes started as a simple tool to help with tasks. Now, they are prime targets for cyber criminals. You can find them everywhere in the workplace.
Hackers have turned to phishing with QR codes, weaponising each scan as a potential threat.
In fact, last year, 22% of phishing attacks in October used QR codes to deliver malicious payloads. And as we know, these threats aren’t slowing down. QR code phishing, or ‘quishing,’ is only getting more sophisticated. That’s why it’s crucial for IT security leaders to stay one step ahead.
The good news? We have gathered 4 real-world examples of QR code attacks. This will help you recognise the signs and protect your organisation. Let’s break them down and spread the knowledge to keep your team secure.
QR Codes Explained: The Essentials for IT Leaders
Quick Response (QR) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone or QR reader to quickly pull up information. Originally developed for manufacturing, they’re now widely used in business settings to link to websites, digital content, payments, and more.
The appeal is simple: a single scan connects a user directly to the information they need. But with convenience comes risk – and cyber criminals are quick to exploit it. Understanding how QR codes work is the first step in recognising how they can be misused.
QR Phishings attack and Your Business: What’s at Stake?
We see QR codes every day. But what happens when a simple scan turns into a Cyber Security risk for your business?
Even a single fake QR code phishing scams can lead to serious threats, from malware infections to unauthorised access. Here are some of the key risks businesses need to watch out for:
- Malware Infection
- Phishing Attacks
- Financial Losses
- Unauthorised Access
- Data Theft
These scams are often subtle, making it easy for both businesses and employees to miss the warning signs. And it’s not just random attacks – cyber criminals are specifically targeting certain individuals within organisations:
- C-Suite executives face QR code phishing attacks 42 times more often than other employees.
- Senior leaders, such as executive VPs and department heads, are also at risk. They are 5 times more likely to be targeted than non-executive staff.
- Smaller firms, pay attention: businesses with fewer employees face up to 19 times more QR code attacks than larger ones.
These stats show that QR code scams are planned. They often target key decision-makers and smaller businesses, which are easier targets. Recognising these patterns is the first step in protecting your organisation.
Quishing in the Workplace: Real-Life QR Code Phishing Examples You Need to Know
Example 1: The 2FA Phishing Scam that Almost Compromised an Energy Company
In November 2023, a company in the energy sector received what appeared to be an urgent, official email. The message said that the recipient’s two-factor authentication (2FA) was about to expire. It urged them to act quickly to renew it. The email included a QR code that promised a quick and “secure” process.
Here’s how the scam unfolded:
- When employees scanned the code, they were directed to a counterfeit website designed to capture their login credentials.
- The email’s sense of urgency and official tone made it feel authentic, but there were subtle signs it was a scam.
- Red flags that were missed in the QR code phishing Microsoft attack:
- Microsoft doesn’t send 2FA expiration notices – a small but crucial detail.
- The email contained grammatical errors, a common hallmark of phishing attempts.
Scammers bank on urgency and the convenience of QR codes to breach your defences. Even sectors with robust security measures can be vulnerable when familiarity and urgency mask a threat.
This example shows that security breaches can happen in simple ways. They don’t always come from complex hacks. Sometimes, they happen through basic tools, like a QR code in an email.
Example 2: The Lunchtime Food Scam
At a UK-based company, someone in a local restaurant’s uniform walked in, handed a stack of flyers to the receptionist, and asked if they could be shared around the office. The offer was a tempting one: 50% off online orders with a quick scan of the QR code.
With lunchtime approaching, a few employees scanned the code, expecting a great deal.
- But here’s what happened instead:
- Employees placed their orders, entering payment details on what seemed to be the restaurant’s website.
- After a long wait, they called the restaurant, only to hear, “We don’t have any such offer.”
It was a scam. By then, their payment details had been compromised, leading to a scramble to contact banks, freeze accounts, cancel cards, and update passwords.
The takeaway? Next time a flyer promises a great deal, take a second look. A quick scan can lead to more than a lost lunch.
Example 3: The Parking Scam that Stung a Client Meeting
An Irish firm had just landed a significant client and decided to celebrate with a dinner out. Two senior project managers met the client at a popular restaurant, ready to kick off the partnership. Before heading inside, they needed to pay for parking at a nearby car park.
They found a sign taped over the parking machine: “Out of Order – Please Pay Online.” A QR code directed them to a payment page that looked legitimate, so they scanned it, entered the company card details, and headed to dinner.
- But the real surprise came days later:
- The accounts team noticed suspicious charges on the company card.
- After investigating, it became clear the QR code they scanned wasn’t legitimate. It was a cleverly disguised scam designed to steal payment details.
The company responded by rolling out Cyber Awareness training, particularly for employees with access to company cards, so they could recognise red flags like suspicious QR codes.
It’s a reminder that security isn’t just about sophisticated hacks – sometimes, it’s as simple as a fake sign in a car park.
Example 4: The Government Grant Scam
In 2022, a QR phishing campaign in China targeted individuals by impersonating the Ministry of Finance. The email looked official and invited recipients to apply for a government grant. To start the process, they were instructed to scan a QR code embedded in an attached document.
- Here’s how the scam worked:
The QR code directed users to a fake government website where they were asked to fill out a detailed form.
The form requested sensitive information, including credit card and bank account details.
- Why did this work?
Bypassing email security filters – QR codes can often evade traditional email filters, making them a favourite tool for phishing.
Targeting mobile devices – Scanning required users to use mobile devices, which usually lack the same level of security as computers, making them more susceptible to phishing.
This example shows how attackers use authority and familiarity to gain trust. By imitating a government body and offering financial assistance, they convinced many unsuspecting recipients to engage.
Equilibrium’s Top Tips: How to Spot a Fake QR Code
Dodgy QR codes can be easier to spot than you think. Here are some ways to tell if a QR code is safe before you scan:
- 1. Check For Tampering: Look for any signs of tampering on the QR code. Are there stickers or overlays? If it looks like it’s been messed with, it’s best to avoid it.
- 2. Verify The Source: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Be extra cautious with codes found in public spaces and take a moment to look for irregularities.
- 3. Use a Trusted QR Code Scanner App: A reliable QR scanner app with security features can detect malicious links, adding an extra layer of protection.
- 4. Double-Check URLs: Preview the URL before scanning, if possible. Does it look familiar or match what you expected? If not, it’s best to avoid it.
Stay Vigilant with QR Code Security
QR codes have become everyday tools, but as we’ve seen, they also bring hidden Cyber Security risks. For businesses, staying vigilant and educating teams about these threats can make all the difference. You can lower the risk of quishing attacks by taking simple steps. Check the source of a QR code. Be careful with unexpected requests.
If you want to strengthen your organisation’s defences, Equilibrium Security can help. We will make sure your team is ready to spot these evolving threats. Let’s work together to protect your business from unexpected vulnerabilities. Reach out to us today at 0121 663 0055 or email enquiries@equilibrium-security.co.uk.
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