QR Phishing Attack Targets C-Suites & Senior Executive

C-level executives and high-ranking managers are prime targets for phishing attacks using malicious QR codes, termed "quishing." In the fourth quarter of 2023, C-suite members were 42 times more likely to receive such attacks compared to non-executive employees. These attacks aim to gain access to valuable company systems and data by compromising the email accounts of executives. Hackers exploit the trust associated with executive emails to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

Quishing campaigns involve sending fraudulent QR codes that lead to seemingly legitimate websites, typically resembling Microsoft or Google login pages. The widespread adoption of QR codes during the COVID-19 pandemic has made recipients more comfortable scanning them, making it easier for attackers to deceive victims. Using QR codes helps attackers bypass traditional email security measures and evade detection, as they can redirect targets to phishing pages without triggering suspicion.

Also Read: Reasons Behind Successful Phishing Attacks

The rise in quishing attacks has been significant, with a 50% increase reported in recent months. Attackers commonly use QR codes to steal login credentials, often masquerading as multifactor authentication notices or shared document notifications. Construction and engineering firms, as well as professional service providers, are frequent targets due to their slow adoption of robust security measures and the valuable information they possess. Smaller companies with fewer mailboxes are particularly vulnerable to these attacks.

What is QR Phishing and How Does It Work?

QR Phishing, also known as "quishing," is a phishing attack that utilizes QR codes (Quick Response codes) to trick victims into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware. These seemingly harmless codes, often found on posters, advertisements, or even packaging, can lead to significant security breaches and financial losses.

Here's how QR phishing works-

Malicious Code Creation: Attackers create QR codes that, when scanned, redirect users to fraudulent websites instead of the intended ones. These websites can closely resemble legitimate ones, like bank login pages or popular online stores.

Code Placement: The attackers strategically place the malicious QR codes in various locations, including:

Physical locations: Posters, flyers, product packaging, public transportation stops, etc.

Digital platforms: Social media posts, emails, online advertisements, etc.

Deceptive Content: The QR code is designed to lure the target into scanning it by promising something enticing or urgent, such as a password reset, access to important documents, or a special offer.

Scanning the QR Code: The target scans the QR code using their smartphone or other QR code scanning device. Since QR codes are commonly used for various purposes, the target may not initially suspect anything malicious.

Redirect to Malicious Website: When the QR code is scanned, it redirects the user to a fraudulent website controlled by the attacker. This website is often designed to mimic legitimate sites, such as login pages for popular services like Microsoft or Google.

Collection of Information: The fake website prompts the user to enter sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal details, or financial information. Alternatively, it may automatically download malware onto the user's device.

Exploitation: Once the attacker obtains the information entered by the victim, they can use it for various malicious purposes, such as unauthorized access to accounts, identity theft, financial fraud, or further phishing attacks.

The Dangers of QR Phishing

• Loss of sensitive information: By entering credentials on a fake website, victims risk exposing their personal data, financial information, and even account access to attackers.
• Financial losses: Stolen financial information can be used for unauthorized purchases or fraudulent transactions.
• Malware infection: Downloaded malware can compromise devices, steal data, damage systems, or spread further through networks.

You can Also Check Out: Phishing Attacks: Biggest Menace for Organizations Globally

How to Protect Yourself from QR phishing?

• Tailored Awareness Training: The employees should be trained about QR phishing by running a similar simulation campaign.
• Be cautious: Don't scan QR codes from untrusted sources or those appearing suspicious.
• Manually verify the link: Before scanning, try typing the encoded URL into your browser to see where it leads.
• Use a QR code scanner with security features: Some scanners can warn you about potentially malicious links.
• Be vigilant: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the relevant authorities. Never enter sensitive information on websites accessed through QR codes.

How can Threatcop Assist CISOs in Defending QR Phishing Attack?

Threatcop and its Security Awareness Training solution can help prevent QR phishing attacks in several ways:

Educating Employees

Raising awareness: Threatcop's training modules educate employees about QR phishing tactics, explaining how attackers use them and the potential risks involved. This empowers employees to be more cautious when encountering QR codes.

Identifying red flags: The training equips employees with the knowledge to identify suspicious elements associated with QR codes, such as:

• Unfamiliar or poorly designed codes.
• URLs that appear different from what they claim to be.
• Offers or messages that seem too good to be true.
• QR codes placed in unusual or unexpected locations.

Also Read: Benefits and Purpose of Security Awareness Training

Simulating Real-World Scenarios

QR Phishing simulations: TSAT can simulate QR phishing attacks as part of its training program. This allows employees to practice identifying and responding to these threats in a controlled environment, improving their preparedness for real-world situations.

Real-time feedback: The simulations provide employees with immediate feedback on their choices, helping them learn from their mistakes and refine their decision-making skills.

Encouraging Best Security Practices

Building a security culture: Threatcop's phishing incident response tool (TPIR) provides employees with a one-tap threat reporting mechanism. TPIR is an email threat checker and phishing incident response solution aiming to empower employees to combat phishing attacks.

With TPIR, organizations can evaluate the employee’s ability to identify threat emails and report them to prevent further contagion. TPIR equips employees to:

• Identify suspicious emails
• Report them easily
• Empower security teams to take action.

Benefits of Having TPIR in the Organization-

• Improves overall security posture
• Reduces risk of email-based threats
• Enables employees to put security training into practice.

Why Should Organizations Choose TPIR?

• Threat intelligence platform
• Keyword & language-based mail control
• Header analysis
• Advanced attachment & URL protection
• Human-driven full email scan
• Sender reputation reports

Must Check Out: Threatcop Phishing Incident Response