Phishing just leveled up. Now it's using QR codes — and it’s slick.
Quishing (QR + phishing) is when attackers slap malicious URLs inside QR codes. Victims scan them thinking it's a payment prompt, login page, or legit doc… but it silently redirects them to a phishing site.
Real-world examples:
- Fake parking meter QR codes
- Job offer flyers with malicious onboarding links
- Office printers displaying QR codes for "updates"
The hook? People trust QR codes — they’re visual, simple, and quick. But attackers know that trust is their weapon.
How to defend:
- Train users to think twice before scanning random QR codes
- Use mobile security tools that preview URLs from QR scans
- Validate and sign QR-based comms internally
- Report and remove suspicious public QR placements
Quishing is low-effort, high-reward — exactly what threat actors love.
Stay aware. Stay protected.
— Cyber Protection Academy bringing heat to the surface