Quishing is new Phishing for Hackers

QR codes have become a convenient tool for sharing information quickly and easily, but this convenience also makes them a target for malicious activities by threat actors. Here are some ways in which QR codes are being used for hacking and other malicious purposes:

1. Phishing Attacks: QR codes can direct users to phishing websites that mimic legitimate sites. Unsuspecting users might enter sensitive information like login credentials, thinking they are on a legitimate site. Quishing is new Phishing
2. Drive-By Downloads: A QR code can lead a user to a site that automatically downloads malware onto their device. This malware could be used for a range of malicious purposes, including data theft and ransomware.
3. Redirects to Malicious Sites: Scanners might be redirected to websites hosting malware or inappropriate content. This is particularly dangerous because users might not notice the URL change after scanning the QR code.
4. Wi-Fi Network Compromise: QR codes can contain details for automatic connection to Wi-Fi networks. Hackers might create QR codes that connect devices to malicious Wi-Fi networks, enabling them to monitor traffic or launch attacks.
5. Data and Identity Theft: Malicious QR codes can lead to forms or apps that request personal information, leading to identity theft or unauthorized access to accounts.
6. Exploiting Scanner Vulnerabilities: Some QR code scanners have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by specially crafted QR codes. These vulnerabilities could allow for execution of malicious code or other security breaches.
7. Payment Fraud: QR codes are used for cashless payments, and creating fraudulent QR codes can redirect payments to the hacker’s account instead of the intended recipient.

To protect against these threats, it's important to:

• Use a trusted QR scanner that checks for malicious links.
• Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
• Pay attention to the URL a QR code directs you to.
• Be cautious about entering personal information after scanning a QR code.

Remember, while QR codes themselves are not malicious, they can be used as a tool to direct users to harmful content or actions.