A Texas cybersecurity firm has published a primer on quishing, a novel QR-code phishing tactic, designed to help businesses minimize security risks.
-- Function-4, a provider of managed IT, print, and VoIP services serving Southeast Texas, has published a guide breaking down quishing, a form of phishing that conceals malicious links in QR codes. The guide explains how these attacks work and what businesses can do to protect their employees and systems.
More information is available at https://function-4.com/what-is-quishing/
A Function-4 representative explained that quishing presents a distinct security challenge because QR codes can evade email filters designed to detect conventional phishing links. Since the malicious destination is embedded in an image, text-based scanning may not identify the threat. The risk increases when employees scan codes using mobile phones that lack the web filtering and monitoring protections applied to their work computers.
"QR codes have become so common that people often scan them without giving much thought to where they might lead," the representative added. "That creates an opportunity for attackers to hide malicious links in places employees would not normally associate with phishing."
According to the guide, these codes can arrive through emails, PDF attachments disguised as invoices or HR notices, printed mail, and text messages. They can also appear in public places, where attackers sometimes place fraudulent stickers over legitimate QR codes on parking meters and restaurant menus.
The guide recommends checking the destination address displayed in a phone's camera preview before opening a link. Misspelled domains, unfamiliar addresses, and unexpected QR codes accompanied by urgent messages, such as password expiration warnings, are potential indicators of fraud. Employees can also avoid scanning questionable codes by visiting a known website or application directly.
Function-4's spokesperson further explained that businesses can address these risks through a combination of employee awareness and technical safeguards. "Training employees to recognize suspicious QR codes is important, but businesses also need security measures that account for how these attacks actually work," they added.
The company's recommendations include simulated phishing exercises, email security solutions capable of decoding images, and mobile device management policies that extend web filtering to work phones. Multi-factor authentication also provides an additional layer of protection if an attacker manages to obtain an employee's password.
The guide reflects the cybersecurity services Function-4 provides to businesses across Southeast Texas, including assessments of email filtering systems and mobile device policies.
Those interested in learning more about Function-4's managed IT and cybersecurity services may visit https://function-4.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Function-4
Email: Send Email
Organization: Function-4
Address: 13025 Stiles Ln Suite 100, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, United States
Website: https://function-4.com/
Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 89209116
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