What is quishing in cybersecurity?

Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and businesses are falling victim to an attack vector that bypasses traditional security measures: quishing. This QR code phishing technique is surging, tricking employees into handing over credentials, downloading malware, and exposing critical business data. If your company isn’t prepared, you’re a prime target.

What is quishing?

Quishing is a phishing scam that uses QR codes to deceive victims into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware. Cybercriminals embed fraudulent QR codes in emails, SMS messages, and even physical locations like parking meters or restaurant menus. These codes look legitimate, but a single scan could expose your entire network to cyber threats.

Unlike email phishing, which relies on users clicking a suspicious link, quishing exploits trust in QR codes, making it harder for traditional security tools to detect and block the attack.

How does quishing work?

A quishing attack typically follows this pattern:

1. The bait – A fake QR code is sent via email, SMS, or placed in a strategic location. It appears to link to a trusted site.
2. The scan – The victim scans the code, unknowingly connecting to a fraudulent website or malware server.
3. The attack – The victim is prompted to enter credentials, approve a fake login, or unknowingly install malware.

From there, attackers can gain access to corporate networks, steal financial details, and even bypass two-factor authentication (MFA) by redirecting users to a fake login page.

The two biggest quishing attack methods

1. Redirecting to malicious websites

Hackers replace legitimate QR codes with their own, tricking users into logging in to counterfeit banking sites, business portals, or cloud applications. Once credentials are stolen, attackers infiltrate corporate networks, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate sensitive data without triggering traditional phishing defences.

2. Malware installation via QR codes

Scanning the wrong QR code can immediately install spyware, keyloggers, or remote access trojans (RATs) onto your device. Once inside, hackers can monitor activity, steal passwords, and take control of critical systems, all from a single scan.

How does quishing spread?

Quishing is alarmingly easy for cybercriminals to scale. Attackers exploit multiple entry points, including:

• Email attachments – PDFs, images, or fake invoices containing malicious QR codes.
• Compromised websites – Fake QR codes embedded in phishing pages designed to bypass email filters.
• Physical stickers – Fraudsters replace legitimate QR codes in public places with their own, leading unsuspecting users to malicious sites.
• Social engineering – Attackers impersonate IT support or executives, urging employees to scan a QR code for "urgent security updates."

Common quishing scams targeting businesses

Fake login pages

Hackers disguise fake Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or banking login pages as real. Once employees enter their credentials, attackers gain access to internal systems, emails, and sensitive business data.

Payment fraud

Cybercriminals swap legitimate payment QR codes (such as invoice portals or online checkouts) with fraudulent ones, redirecting funds into their own accounts. Victims never realise they’ve been scammed until it’s too late.

Corporate impersonation

Hackers pose as IT support, HR, or even the CEO, urging employees to scan a QR code for a fake security update, bonus, or policy change. With a single scan, they gain access to login credentials and infiltrate company systems.

Why is quishing a major threat to businesses?

If your company isn’t actively defending against quishing, it’s only a matter of time before an attack slips through. Here’s why this threat is so dangerous:

• Bypasses email security – Since QR codes don’t contain traditional phishing links, most security tools fail to detect them.
• Steals credentials without detection – Employees don’t realise they’ve handed over their login details until hackers have already gained access.
• Compromises financial transactions – Attackers divert payments, steal customer information, and cause irreversible financial damage.
• Destroys business reputation – Once hackers breach your company, customers lose trust, and regulatory fines can cripple your business.

How can businesses defend against quishing?

Most businesses aren’t prepared for this evolving cyber threat. To stop quishing attacks before they succeed, we strongly recommend:

• Employee awareness training – Educate staff on how to verify QR codes before scanning. Never trust an unsolicited QR code.
• Phishing-resistant MFA – Use authentication methods that don’t rely on passwords alone, like hardware security keys.
• Endpoint protection – Deploy security software that detects malware installation from QR scans.
• Penetration testing – Simulate real-world quishing attacks to identify vulnerabilities before hackers do. At OnSecurity, our phishing testing services help businesses uncover weak points and strengthen their defences against phishing, quishing, and emerging socially engineered threats.

Quishing isn’t a future threat- it’s already happening. Hackers are bypassing traditional cybersecurity measures and targeting businesses. If you’re not proactively defending against quishing attacks, you’re leaving your employees, customers, and critical data wide open to cybercriminals. Fortify your business against quishing and emerging cyber threats today with regular penetration testing.