Quishing: The Rising Threat of QR Code Phishing Attacks

Threat Spotlight: QR Code Phishing Attacks

Key Findings

Barracuda Networks researchers detected over 500,000 phishing emails featuring Quick Response (QR) codes embedded in PDF documents from mid-June to mid-September. This method represents a shift from embedding QR codes in the email body to attaching them in PDFs. The primary goal of these attacks is to capture sensitive login credentials.

Understanding the Threat

QR code phishing, or "quishing," exploits the trust people have in QR codes. Cybercriminals trick victims into scanning codes that lead to malicious websites. Barracuda has identified that 51% of these phishing attempts impersonate Microsoft, with DocuSign and Adobe being the next most common targets. This change in tactics complicates detection since traditional email filters often overlook the risks when direct links are absent.

Quishing Email Characteristics

Phishing emails typically contain a simple PDF with a QR code, directing recipients to scan it for access to essential documents or messages. This method bypasses many corporate defenses, making it particularly effective against small-to-medium businesses lacking advanced security tools.

Defense Strategies

To combat these attacks, companies should implement multilayered email security, utilize AI-powered technology to detect targeted phishing efforts, and educate employees on the dangers of scanning QR codes from unknown sources.

1. Multilayered Email Security: Deploy robust spam and malware filters like Barracuda's Email Protection.
2. AI and Advanced Technology: Supplement existing defenses with AI-driven solutions for heightened detection capabilities against sophisticated phishing attempts, such as Barracuda's Phishing Protection.
3. User Education: Conduct regular training sessions focused on recognizing and reporting suspicious QR code activity.

Malicious QR Code Attack for Compensation Fraud

In a recent cybersecurity incident, Proofpoint identified a sophisticated QR code attack embedded in an innocent-looking PDF attachment. Attackers used a Cloudflare CAPTCHA to hinder detection by traditional security measures.

The attack sequence included:

1. Deceptive Lure: Emails masquerading as legitimate requests prompted users to open attachments.
2. Hidden Malicious QR Code: The QR code was embedded within the PDF, making it less suspicious.
3. Cloudflare CAPTCHA: This additional layer made it difficult for standard detection tools to identify the threat.

Recommendations for Organizations

Organizations must adopt comprehensive security measures that include:

• Advanced Email Security: Employ solutions capable of analyzing embedded URLs within attachments, such as Proofpoint's URL sandboxing.
• Behavioral Analysis: Leverage AI and machine learning to analyze user behavior and detect anomalies that may indicate phishing attempts.
• Security Awareness Training: Regularly educate employees on the risks associated with scanning QR codes.

Protecting Your Business

Gopher Security specializes in AI-powered, post-quantum Zero-Trust cybersecurity architecture. Our platform converges networking and security across devices, apps, and environments—from endpoints and private networks to cloud, remote access, and containers—using peer-to-peer encrypted tunnels and quantum-resistant cryptography.

Explore how Gopher Security can enhance your organization's defense against emerging threats. For more information, visit Gopher Security.