Another day, another phishing scam… and this one could catch anyone off guard.
Have you ever scanned a QR code with your phone? It’s become such a convenient way to access information instantly. But did you know that there’s a new form of phishing out there that’s using QR codes to hide harmful links? It’s called ‘quishing”.
What’s the deal?
QR codes are everywhere nowadays, and we often scan them without thinking twice. They’re on parking meters, in text messages, emails, and even on product packaging. We’ve all just accepted QR codes as harmless tools to access information quickly. But cyber criminals are counting on this trust we have in them.
In a quishing attack, scammers create fake QR codes that look innocent, yet they’re anything but. They can trick you into scanning these codes for various reasons – maybe they claim it’s to reschedule a parcel delivery, confirm account information, or address suspicious activity. The key here is urgency; they want you to act fast without thinking.
Imagine scanning a QR code on a parking meter, thinking it’s just for payment, but instead, it leads you to a malicious site. Scary, right?
So, why is this a big problem? Well, for one, mobile devices are particularly vulnerable to these attacks. Unlike most desktop operating systems, phones often lack built-in phishing protection. And that’s what makes them an easy target for cyber criminals.
How can you protect yourself and your business from this type of attack?
First, avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources. If you spot a QR code in an unexpected place, take a moment to inspect the URL it leads to. Look for misspellings or odd characters in the URL – these are telltale signs of a scam.
If you receive an unexpected email or text with a QR code urging you to act immediately, don’t scan it. Instead, verify the legitimacy of the sender using a confirmed phone number or website. Legitimate companies will provide clear instructions without asking you to scan a QR code for verification.
And if you receive an email claiming to be from a company but the sender’s email is from Gmail or some random, unknown domain, be suspicious. It could very well be an attack.
Lastly, strengthen your phone and online account security. Keep your phone’s operating system up to date, use strong passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. These simple steps can go a long way in keeping your sensitive business data safe from quishing attacks.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting yourself – it’s also crucial to inform your employees about scams like quishing. Awareness and vigilance are our best defences against these digital tricksters.
#CyberSecurity #Quishing #StaySafeOnline
https://www.zdnet.com/article/quishing-is-the-new-phishing-why-you-need-to-think-before-you-scan-that-qr-code/
