Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — QR Phising or Quishing, despite its rapid rise as a cybercrime, public is still unaware of its threat. Since QR code usage for transactions and payments increases due to its convenience, the threat of quishing also continues to grow. The lack of awareness makes users particularly vulnerable to quishing, as they may not consider the risks would come with scanning an unfamiliar QR code.
QR phishing, is an emerging cybersecurity threat where attackers use QR codes to redirect victims to malicious websites or trick them into downloading harmful content. The goal is to steal sensitive data, such as passwords, financial information, or personally identifiable information (PII), which can then be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or even ransomware attacks.
As QR codes gain popularity and are widely used, especially by young people, many are still unaware that the QR code can be used for crime. QR codes for phishing can be disguised in various forms, such as in emails, messages, social media posts, printed materials, or even in the process of payment and transaction.
What makes quishing particularly dangerous is its ability to bypass traditional security defenses, such as secure email gateways. These gateways often view QR codes in emails as harmless images, allowing attackers to slip past security measures.
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QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes easily scanned with a smartphone camera or a QR reader app. They can store vast amounts of information, such as URLs, product details, or contact information, making them useful but also susceptible to misuse.
In a quishing attack, cybercriminals generate a QR code linked to a malicious website. They often embed these codes in phishing emails, social media posts, or even printed flyers, using social engineering tactics to lure victims.
Once the victim scans the QR code, they are directed to a website that asks them to provide personal details, such as login credentials, financial information, or other private data. In such cases, the site may ask for a name, email address, birthdate, or account login, which the attackers can then exploit for malicious purposes.
To avoid falling prey to QR Phising attacks, it is crucial to verify the destination URL before scanning any QR code. Refrain from entering personal information, making payments, or downloading content from untrusted sources. By following these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of quishing.
(Raidi/Agung)
