Scan with Caution - The Growing Menace of QR Code Fraud

Did you know that something as innocent-looking as a QR (Quick Response) code could be a wolf in sheep's clothing? Imagine you're walking down a street, and every QR code is like a doorway. Most lead to where they say they will – a cafe, a website, a deal. But some? They lead straight into the lair of a cyber crook.

This is the essence of "quishing," the clever mashup of 'QR code' and 'phishing'. Here's how it plays out: You receive an email, polished and professional, from what seems like a trustworthy source. It urges you to scan a QR code, often with a hint of urgency. It's like receiving a beautifully wrapped gift – but inside, there's a trap.

The artistry of these quishing emails is something to behold. They mimic real companies or banks with such skill that it's like looking at a reflection in a mirror. Sometimes, the scammers don't even need to put on a disguise; they could have already sneaked into a company's email system, sending their bait from an address that's as genuine as it gets.

QR code scanners, those digital detectives on our phones, usually give us a peek at where a QR code will take us. But here's where the scam artists show their cunning. They reroute you to sites that are the spitting image of the real thing or use URLs that are a mere letter away from the legitimate ones.

Here's a startling number: ReliaQuest, a cybersecurity firm, noticed a 51% jump in these quishing cases in just one month, September 2023. It’s likely because these days, our smartphones are like Swiss Army knives, equipped with QR scanners we use without a second thought.

Image: DIW

The favorite costume for these quishing scammers? Microsoft security notifications. Over the past year, more than half of these scams have masqueraded as urgent messages from Microsoft, asking users to scan a QR code for security reasons. But the only thing secure about this is the way it locks onto your personal details once you fall for it.

It's not just Microsoft in the crosshairs. About 18% of these scams have used online banking as their façade, leading victims to fake banking sites through QR codes. In 12% of cases, the QR code is like a hidden trapdoor, tucked away in a PDF or JPEG file, sneaking past email filters that usually catch suspicious links.

This trend of QR code phishing is like a shadow growing longer as the sun sets – it's new, but it's expanding and getting more complex. It's a slippery fish for security folks to catch.

So, what can you do to steer clear of these digital pitfalls? For starters, treat QR codes from unknown sources like strangers offering candy – it's safer to just say no. If a QR code comes from someone you know, take a moment to verify it. And if it's supposedly from a government body, pick up the phone or fire off an email for confirmation.

For the leaders managing teams, it's time to arm your crew with knowledge. Run drills, set up email alerts, and remember, a little skepticism can be healthy. Add that extra layer of protection with multifactor authentication – it's like having a guard dog at the gate.

In this digital age, QR codes can be more than just gateways to convenience; they can be a Trojan horse. Stay alert, verify before you trust, and remember, not every door should be opened.

Read next: Would You Prefer a Root Canal or a Year of Scam Messages? 57% of Americans Chose the Former
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World