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How to Protect Yourself Against "Quishing": The Rise of QR Code Phishing

In recent years, QR codes have gained popularity as quick and convenient tools for sharing information, making payments, and accessing websites. However, this same ease has been exploited by cybercriminals to carry out phishing attacks, known as quishing. This blog is designed to help you understand the risks and how to protect yourself.


What is quishing?


Quishing is a form of phishing that uses QR codes to trick people into stealing sensitive information. Attackers generate malicious QR codes that, when scanned, redirect to fraudulent websites or download malware onto a device. These codes can be distributed via email, text messages, social media, or even pasted over legitimate codes in public places.


How the attack works

As 2025 begins, one cybersecurity threat that will dominate the landscape is quishing, a tactic that exploits QR codes to steal credentials and sensitive data.
As 2025 begins, one cybersecurity threat that will dominate the landscape is quishing, a tactic that exploits QR codes to steal credentials and sensitive data.

According to the latest statistics from Juniper Research, QR payments will exceed $8 trillion by 2029.

A new study from Juniper Research, the leading experts in financial technology and payments markets, has found that the value of QR code payments will grow 50% globally from $5.4 trillion by 2025.

Key Statistics

$5.4 trillion Total expenditure in 2025

$8 trillion

Total spending in 2029

48% Market growth from 2025 to 2029

2025 - 2029 Forecast period

Risks associated with quishing

The main attack is credential theft by spoofing two-factor authentication reset emails.
The main attack is credential theft by spoofing two-factor authentication reset emails.

How to protect yourself

Check before scanning

  • Do not scan unknown QR codes or those from untrusted sources.

  • Check the URL the code redirects you to before providing any information.


Use secure applications

  • Some apps offer scanners that detect suspicious URLs before you open them.


Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

  • Add extra layers of security to your accounts to make unauthorized access more difficult.


Educate your employees and customers

  • Awareness of the risks of quishing is essential to prevent successful attacks.


Constant monitoring

  • Businesses should monitor their QR code campaigns for tampering or misuse.


Quishing represents a growing threat in today's digital landscape. You can protect yourself by taking preventative measures such as verifying the authenticity of QR codes, using secure tools, and staying informed about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals.


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