QR Code Security & "Quishing" Attacks: How to Protect Your Brand & Customers

1. What is "Quishing" (QR Phishing)?

Quishing is a social engineering attack where malicious actors replace legitimate QR codes with deceptive codes that route victims to credential-harvesting phishing pages or malware download sites.

2. Real-World Attack Scenarios

• Parking Meter Sticker Overlays: Scammers place counterfeit stickers over city parking meter barcodes, stealing credit card details.
• Email Gateway Evasion: Phishing emails include an image QR code rather than text links to evade automated corporate email filters.

3. Technical Countermeasures & Physical Auditing

Always inspect physical signs for unauthorized sticker overlays. When scanning, verify the domain on your camera preview before tapping. Use tools like the QRPoint Scanner which perform domain reputation inspection before opening links.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Can a QR code automatically hack my phone?
No. A QR code is purely text data. Simply pointing your camera at a code cannot install viruses without your explicit confirmation.