Redazione RHC : 15 November 2025 15:39
Quishing is an emerging form of cyberattack that combines traditional phishing with the use of QR codes , tools now familiar to many. The term ” quishing ” is a portmanteau of “QR code” and “phishing,” underscoring the deceptive nature of this practice.
Attackers exploit users’ trust in QR codes, often used to quickly access links, download documents, or make payments. However, behind a seemingly innocuous QR code can be a scam designed to steal sensitive data . This data could include login credentials, financial information, or even install malware on the user’s device.
This threat is particularly insidious because QR codes, being composed of a matrix of dots, cannot be visually deciphered by the user. This makes it nearly impossible to detect malicious code without the use of special tools. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of QR codes in contexts such as restaurants, marketing, and digital payments has created fertile ground for cybercriminals.
In this article, we’ll delve into what Quishing is, examining its definition and key characteristics. We’ll analyze how it works, studying the mechanisms behind this scam, and present practical examples of attacks to better understand the phenomenon. We’ll also provide useful tools and tips for protection and discuss the future of this threat, exploring emerging risks and its potential evolution.
Quishing , as mentioned in the introduction, is a relatively new form of cyber attack. This attack exploits the popularity and growing use of QR codes to deceive victims. A QR code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode. It can be easily scanned using a smartphone or other device with a camera.
These codes typically contain information that links to a website, app, or specific action, such as paying for a product or service . Attackers then create fake QR codes that, when scanned, direct the victim to malicious websites. These sites can have various purposes, including collecting sensitive data such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
They can also distribute malware to devices or compromise systems through more advanced phishing techniques. For example, a fraudulent QR code could appear on an advertising brochure, on a billboard at a train station, or even in an email. Once scanned, the user could be taken to a website asking for personal information or prompting them to download a malicious application.
Quishing, therefore, relies on deceiving users through the use of fraudulent QR codes, exploiting the trust many people place in this technology. As QR codes become increasingly used, the risk of falling victim to a quishing attack is likely to increase.
Quishing exploits the inherent deception of QR codes to lead victims to malicious actions, albeit with a more subtle approach. Analyzing how quishing works helps us understand its mechanisms and how to defend ourselves.
The process of a quishing attack can be broken down into several phases. Each of these relies on sophisticated deception strategies that aim to exploit the user’s trust and curiosity.
The first step in a quishing attack is creating a QR code that appears legitimate. Fraudsters generate QR codes that point to malicious websites or apps, but which are visually indistinguishable from authentic ones. Creating these codes is very simple and doesn’t require advanced skills. Numerous online tools allow you to generate custom QR codes, which are easily accessible even by cybercriminals themselves.
Once created, the fraudulent QR code is distributed through various channels. This can happen in different ways:
When a user scans a QR code using their smartphone, they are automatically redirected to a web page. This page often appears legitimate but is actually designed to deceive the unfortunate victim. In many cases, the website may appear to be a login page for a bank, payment gateway, or social media platform.
Once the user lands on the fake page, they’re asked to enter sensitive information. Typically, they’re asked for a username, password, credit card numbers, or bank details. In some cases, the site may appear so convincing that the user doesn’t notice the discrepancy between the legitimate and the fraudulent site.
Besides stealing sensitive data, another common goal of quishing is installing malware . Scammers can trick victims into downloading malicious software that compromises the device, stealing personal information or allowing remote access. This type of malware can include viruses, Trojans, or spyware. Such malware allows hackers to monitor activity or even take complete control of the compromised device.
Quishing works by creating a visual deception and exploiting people’s automatic behavior, which means they trust QR codes without question. Once the victim scans the QR code, the scam is over. The scammers are in control and can steal sensitive data or damage the device. Recognizing these mechanisms is the first step to defending yourself.
To better understand the scope of this threat, it is useful to examine some examples of real-world attacks .
One of the most common examples of quishing occurs through QR codes placed on billboards or flyers. A prime example is advertising discount offers or special promotions in high-traffic locations. Fraudsters create QR codes that link to legitimate e-commerce sites or payment platforms. However, when scanning the code, victims are redirected to fake web pages that ask for bank details , passwords , or credit card numbers .
The impact of this type of attack is significant: in addition to financial theft, some users have suffered identity theft and financial fraud . Furthermore, some devices have been infected with malware , further compromising personal security.
Another example involves restaurants and bars that have begun using QR codes to display menus contactlessly. This system, which initially seemed like a convenient way to reduce physical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been exploited by cybercriminals.
In one documented case, fake QR codes were placed on restaurant tables, seemingly directing customers to online menus. However, the customer was redirected to a page requiring them to enter personal information and payment information to “complete the order.” In other cases, the user was prompted to download a fraudulent app. Once installed, the app allowed criminals to monitor device activity.
Another significant example of quishing has been documented in email phishing campaigns . Attackers, impersonating well-known companies or banks, sent emails that included QR codes. These emails contained urgent messages such as “Your account has been compromised, click to confirm your identity.” Once the QR code was scanned, victims were directed to a site that perfectly mimicked the bank’s portal or company website. This site asked for login credentials, security codes, or even credit card numbers. The deception was so successful that many victims didn’t notice the scam and entered their sensitive information.
Another quishing case occurred on online payment systems and mobile apps that use QR codes for quick transactions. Fraudsters created fake QR codes that, once scanned, directed victims to fake login pages. Victims were then prompted to enter sensitive information to complete a transaction. These attacks exploit the speed and convenience of digital payments, creating a false sense of security in victims.
For example, a user wishing to make a payment using their digital wallet scanned a QR code that appeared legitimate. However, they were redirected to a page that mimicked a payment platform. On this page, they were asked to enter their banking information or PIN. Victims of this type of attack saw significant sums of money disappear from their bank accounts. In some cases, attackers even blocked access to victims’ accounts, further complicating fund recovery.
Beyond immediate financial losses, quishing can also have long-term consequences for victims. For example, identity theft can involve a lengthy process to recover stolen credentials and secure bank accounts or credit cards. Furthermore, users may become more vulnerable to further attacks. Criminal hackers often sell stolen data on underground marketplaces, increasing the risk that other criminals could exploit the compromised information.
Quishing is a growing threat, but fortunately, there are several measures we can take to protect ourselves and our personal information. Here are some helpful tools and tips to defend yourself from this insidious form of scam.
One of the first lines of defense against quishing is carefully scanning QR codes we encounter. Before scanning a code, it’s always important to do a visual check . If the QR code is in a public or suspicious place, or if its appearance seems unusual (for example, distorted or poorly printed), it’s best to avoid scanning it . Furthermore, when scanning a QR code, it’s crucial to check the URL that appears on your device’s screen. If the link looks suspicious or doesn’t match what you expect, don’t interact with the site . Furthermore, some criminals paste malicious QR codes over legitimate QR codes. If you see pasted QR codes, avoid interacting with them.
There are security apps that can help protect you from malicious QR codes. Some of these apps can analyze the QR code URL before the user accesses the website. These apps, for example, can warn you if the URL is suspicious. They can also warn you that the site you are trying to visit has been reported for fraudulent activity. Many modern antivirus and privacy protection software also include features to detect and block malicious QR codes .
Another key step to protect yourself from quishing is to avoid entering sensitive information such as banking information or credit card numbers. This applies generally, not just to quishing attacks . It’s important not to provide login credentials via links from suspicious QR codes. If a QR code redirects to a page requesting sensitive information, it’s important to stop and check before continuing. Banks, for example, never ask you to enter personal information via QR codes. If you receive such a request, it’s a clear sign it could be a scam.
When you receive a QR code via email , text message , or social media , it’s crucial to verify the source before proceeding. If the email or message is from an unknown sender, it’s best to avoid scanning the QR code. Legitimate companies rarely send QR codes via email or text message without a clear reason. If in doubt, contact the company or service directly through official channels to confirm the QR code’s legitimacy.
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts is another effective way to protect yourself from quishing. Even if a criminal hacker manages to obtain your credentials through a fraudulent QR code, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. This requires a second code, usually sent via SMS or generated by an app. This makes it much more difficult for an attacker to access your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your username and password.
Continuous training and cyber risk awareness are among the most powerful weapons in combating quishing. Users must be educated about the dangers of using QR codes and how to identify signs of phishing and quishing attacks. Corporate awareness programs and tutorials on how to defend against online threats can make a huge difference in preventing these types of scams. Individual and collective awareness plays a crucial role in reducing the effectiveness of quishing attacks.
Another key preventative measure is to regularly monitor your banking transactions and statements. If someone is the victim of a quishing attack and unwittingly provides their banking information, prompt monitoring can help detect suspicious activity before it’s too late. If you notice any unfamiliar transactions, it’s important to immediately report the fraud to your bank to try to block any unauthorized payments.
Whenever possible, use only verified and secure QR codes . Some services and applications offer QR codes protected by advanced security measures. For example, some online payment platforms use dynamic QR codes . These QR codes are encrypted, reducing the possibility of a code being compromised or used for fraud. Additionally, some payment apps or digital wallets allow you to verify the QR code’s security before proceeding with a transaction.
Finally, it’s crucial not to click on QR codes attached to suspicious messages or messages from unverified sources. Scammers frequently use these methods to attempt to obtain personal or financial information. It’s always best to avoid clicking on links or scanning codes sent through unofficial channels, especially when the message in question contains urgent or alarming requests.
By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to quishing. Protecting against this type of scam requires vigilance, awareness, and the adoption of appropriate security technologies.
The future of quishing looks increasingly complex and sophisticated. As technology evolves, fraudsters are perfecting techniques to make fraudulent QR codes harder to detect. This evolution could lead to an increase in attacks that evade traditional detection systems, exposing users to greater risks.
Furthermore, quishing is expected to be integrated with other forms of cyberattack. Fraudsters could combine quishing with phishing, smishing, and social engineering techniques, making the attack even more insidious. A user could receive an email containing a fraudulent QR code, followed by social media messages further encouraging them to perform risky actions. This multichannel approach could confuse victims and make the attack difficult to detect before it’s too late.
The sectors most vulnerable to quishing, such as finance and healthcare, will continue to be prime targets. Fraudsters could use quishing to steal sensitive data, such as banking or medical information. In the cryptocurrency context in particular, fraudulent QR codes could direct victims to fake digital wallets, exploiting the anonymous nature of transactions to conduct large-scale scams. The increasing automation of attacks will allow criminals to target an ever-increasing number of users quickly.
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