Quishing: How to Protect Your Business from this Cyber Threat

Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, and a new method known as quishing is on the rise. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), staying ahead of these threats is critical to maintaining a strong security posture. At Manx Technology Group, we’ve seen first-hand how businesses can fall victim to phishing tactics, and quishing is the latest iteration.

What is Quishing?

Quishing is essentially QR code phishing. Cybercriminals embed malicious links within a QR code, which users scan with their phones or other devices. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, personal data, or even download malware. Unlike traditional phishing emails, quishing can be harder to detect, as QR codes appear legitimate and are now widely accepted in many industries.

QR code as an image within an attachment sent via email attempting to redirect to a phishing website. (Quishing) — **QR code as an image within an attachment sent via email attempting to redirect to a phishing website.**

How Quishing Works

The mechanics of quishing are simple but effective. A user scans a seemingly innocent QR code, which redirects them to a malicious website. This site can mimic a login page, prompting the user to input their credentials, or it can automatically initiate a download of malware onto their device. The damage can be severe—compromised data, breached networks, or ransomware attacks that halt your business operations.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 blocks QR Code Phishing (Quishing) at Scale — **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 blocks QR Code Phishing at Scale**

How to Protect Your Business from Quishing

Security Awareness Training

One of the best defences against quishing is to educate your employees about the risks. Security Awareness Training can teach your team to be cautious when scanning QR codes, particularly those received from unknown sources. We offer comprehensive training solutions to ensure your team is up-to-date on the latest phishing techniques and quishing attacks.

Microsoft 365 Defender

Microsoft 365 Defender can help block quishing attacks by leveraging its advanced threat protection features. M365 Defender scans emails, attachments, and other communication channels for malicious QR codes that can lead to harmful websites or downloads. The platform uses AI and machine learning models to detect suspicious patterns, block these codes before they reach users, and alert administrators.

Regular System Updates and Patches

Keeping your systems up to date is a simple yet effective way to prevent cyberattacks. Quishing often exploits known vulnerabilities in outdated software. By regularly updating and patching your systems, you reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. We provide ongoing Managed IT Support to ensure your infrastructure remains secure and up to date, and managed IT security to safeguard against cyber threats.

As cyber threats evolve, quishing shows us that no technology, not even QR codes, is immune to exploitation
Sophos Cybersecurity Report

Actionable Recommendations for SMEs

Train employees on the risks associated with scanning QR codes from untrusted sources.

Implement MFA on all critical accounts to prevent unauthorised access.

Ensure that your devices are protected with strong endpoint security, especially for remote teams (i.e. MDR)

Use an e-mail security product that can detect malicious QR codes, impersonation and phishing attacks.

Regularly update and patch your systems to close any security vulnerabilities.

Next Steps

Are your business’s cybersecurity defences strong enough to withstand quishing attacks? We offer comprehensive Managed IT Security, and Security Awareness Training to protect your business from evolving threats. Contact us today to learn more.