In the age of convenience, QR codes provide quick access to information, but they also introduce vulnerabilities. Ray Spangler, chief technology officer at Barge Design Solutions, says the proliferation of QR code phishing, known as “kissing,” makes understanding and vigilance a key defense against data theft.
When technology makes something faster, easier, and simpler to do, it's more likely to stick. Take QR (quick response) It is literally a code that enables “quick response.” By simply scanning the code, users can access the information they need directly. No bookmarks, links, or hard copies required. However, it is not only easy to use but also simple to operate, linking casual victims to pages where they can easily steal passwords, personal information, corporate data, etc.
Unfortunately, users cannot easily recognize or distinguish between real and fake codes, making them vulnerable to fraud. As a result, QR code phishing, known as “kissing,” has become a serious threat to individuals and businesses whose data becomes vulnerable every time they scan a QR code. By understanding how these scams have evolved, increasing awareness, and increasing diligence and security measures, users can reap the benefits of QR codes without unwittingly enabling data theft. You can continue to enjoy it.
The rise of QR codes
QR codes have been around for decades, but their use has exploded in recent years as a convenient and environmentally friendly way to seamlessly access paperless menus, websites, tickets, parking, and more. . The number of smartphone users who scan at least one her QR code per year is From 52.6 million people in 2019 to almost 95 million people in 2024. In fact, nearly 40% of smartphone users scan at least one QR code per week, showing just how ubiquitous smartphones have become. However, this convenience comes at a cost if your QR code isn't what it seems.
new fraud tools
While computers have sophisticated software to protect against hacking and phishing, smartphones are much more vulnerable. Coupled with the rise of QR code scanning, fraudsters have found new ways to access valuable data. Scammers simply replace the real girlfriend QR code with a fake girlfriend QR code and ask for sensitive information like account passwords, addresses, credit card numbers, dates of birth, and even social security numbers. Connect users to your site. Because Quiche is relatively new, victims never consider the possibility that the code they scanned is anything other than legitimate.
a Recent research by ReliaQuest found that QR code phishing increased by 51% by September 2023 compared to January 2023. But what impact does quiche have on the corporate world?
According to a study by mobile software company Syntonic, 87% of U.S. workers report using their personal mobile devices to access work-related applications in 2023. research from unusual security found that erasure attempts targeting business emails increased by 108% from 2022 to 2023, and C-level employees were 42 times more likely to be targeted. Fake Microsoft two-factor authentication (2FA) requests are the most commonly reported digital kissing scenario targeting executives, accounting for nearly 25% of all attacks.
How Quishing targets businesses
QR codes are useful, but they can be easily manipulated to steal company email files and personal information. For example, attackers could use popular technologies such as DocuSign or Microsoft to trick employees into providing their credentials. The attacker emails the unsuspecting employee an image that resembles her real DocuSign image. The email states that they have documents and her QR code ready for employees to access immediately. Scammers also create a sense of crisis by claiming that a user's multi-factor authentication (MFA) is about to expire. In both cases, the email contains her QR code, which the user can use to easily access documents or update MFA. These Her QR codes direct users to a fake Her Microsoft sign-in page.
Examples of more sophisticated quiche attacks targeting employees include images of company logos or those impersonating internal departments such as human resources by claiming to have urgent information. These also contain QR codes that allow easy access to fake documents. This technique is used to collect username and password information. Once scammers obtain these credentials, they attempt to access the employee's email account and ultimately the company's internal network.
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avoid getting into trouble
Employees in certain industries are more vulnerable to quiche, so extra care is recommended when handling QR codes. For example, construction and engineering industries are at the highest risk of bankruptcy, up to 19 times more likely, due to their reliance on computer-aided design (CAD) and other cloud-based tools for collaboration.possibility The second line of defense for these individuals is to verify the source of the QR code. Before scanning, check whether the QR code is from a legitimate company or an official website.
To combat quiche, ultimately all users need to be aware of how to detect fraudulent QR codes in their daily lives. Look for design irregularities such as inconsistent fonts or pixelation. For physical QR codes, it's especially important to scan for signs that the sticker has changed. Are the edges of the sticker peeling off? Is the color different from nearby ones? Is it installed crooked?
Another tip to keep in mind when protecting your information is the importance of password variation. Nearly 40% of people admit to reusing their passwords, making it a bigger entry point for fraudsters using QR codes to commit fraud. So if your scenario requires you to create an account with a username and password, make sure to create something completely unique.
Securing both business and personal information stored on mobile devices requires critical thinking. According to a recent Twire study, more than 30% of people If you're not confident in spotting a fake retailer's website, scrutinizing the URL can reveal the truth. Most QR code scanners allow you to preview the URL before actually opening the extension, so when in doubt, cross-reference it with the actual website. If the URL is another domain name, that's usually a sign of a scam. for example, http://google.com/maps, The domain is Google COM. Scammers try to imitate real domains, but cleverly insert additional characters, symbols, or hyphens to redirect users to fraudulent platforms.. Please think twice before scanning.
Ultimately, technology that can identify fraudulent QR code links will contribute to more secure personal and business communications on mobile devices. But until then, increasing security awareness in daily life remains the most important defense. Simple measures like checking the design of your physical QR code for irregularities and verifying the origin of your digital code can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a quiche scam. Being cautious can effectively protect you from the growing threat of quishing in the digital age.
remain vigilant
As we navigate our digital landscape, the prevalence of QR code scams such as Quishing highlights the critical importance of vigilance and heightened security measures. By fostering a culture of awareness, carefully verifying the authenticity of QR codes, and implementing rigorous security measures, we can effectively prevent phishing attempts in today's rapidly evolving technological environment and protect personal data and businesses. You can protect both your data. This proactive approach helps combat phishing scams and ensures a safer online environment for everyone.
How can businesses check the authenticity of QR codes? And why is it important to be careful when scanning QR codes? Let us know Facebook, Xand linkedin. We look forward to hearing from you!
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