If you run a small or medium-sized business (SME) in the UK, you most likely use QR codes for various purposes, such as payments, check-ins, or marketing. However, it’s important to be aware that QR codes have become a popular tool for cyber criminals. This tactic, known as "Quishing" (short for QR phishing), is an increasingly common cyber threat where fraudsters utilise malicious QR codes to deceive employees and customers into disclosing sensitive information.

While QR codes are intended to simplify tasks, hackers are taking advantage of this convenience by embedding counterfeit QR codes in emails, invoices, and even printed materials. When these fake codes are scanned, they redirect users to phishing websites, initiate downloads containing malware, or lead to fraudulent payment portals.

For SMEs, Quishing is especially dangerous because it bypasses traditional security measures like spam filters and link scanners. With employees and customers scanning QR codes daily, it only takes one bad scan to put SME's cyber security at risk.

Quishing Is on the Rise – The Alarming Numbers

If you think Quishing is merely a fleeting trend, it's time to reconsider. QR code scams have evolved significantly, becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated over the past year. With more than 60% of businesses in the UK now utilising QR codes for a wide range of operations, from marketing to payment processing, these codes have become inviting targets for cyber criminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in business systems.

The statistics paint an alarming picture, Quishing is gaining momentum, and SMEs, which often lack the resources to maintain dedicated cyber security teams, find themselves particularly at risk. Many SMEs are unaware of the potential threats posed by malicious QR codes, which can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.

As businesses continue to incorporate QR codes into their daily practices, it is crucial to be vigilant and proactive in cyber security measures.

How Does Quishing Work? And Why Is It So Hard to Spot?

Quishing attacks can take multiple forms, but the most common methods include:

• Fake QR Codes in Emails - A hacker sends an email pretending to be a supplier, bank, or even HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs), asking you to scan a QR code to update payment details or verify an account.
• Tampered QR Codes on Invoices & Posters - Cyber criminals replace legitimate QR codes on printed materials with their own. This is often seen in public places, restaurants, and even business invoices.
• Social Engineering Scams - Employees may receive messages urging them to scan a QR code for "urgent security updates" or "exclusive offers" that lead to fake login pages.

Unlike traditional phishing attacks, Quishing is harder to detect because you can’t hover over a QR code to check its link before scanning. Once scanned, a malicious QR code can instantly:

• Redirect you to a fake website that steals login credentials
• Download malware onto your device, compromising your entire business network
• Extract sensitive financial data, leading to fraudulent transactions

How SMEs Can Protect Themselves From Quishing

Since we have answered ‘what is QR code phishing’ let’s talk about how you can protect your business from it. Here are some easy-to-implement cyber security tips for SMEs:

• Train Your Employees Because Awareness Is Key: Your staff is your first line of defence, educate them on how to identify suspicious QR codes and verify their legitimacy before scanning. Run regular cyber security awareness training, including simulated Quishing attacks.
• Use QR Code Scanning Apps with Security Features: Standard smartphone cameras will open any QR code, good or bad. Instead, encourage employees to use QR code scanning apps that provide previews before opening a link.
• Verify QR Codes from External Sources: If you receive a QR code in an email, invoice, or website, always double-check its legitimacy. Never scan QR codes in emails from unknown senders or embedded in PDFs unless you can verify the source.
• Generate Your Secure QR Codes: If your business relies on QR codes for marketing or payments, generate them internally rather than using third-party tools that could be compromised.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Accounts: Even if an attacker gets hold of a password via a Quishing attack, MFA can act as an extra layer of security and prevent unauthorised access.

The Future of Quishing & Why It’s Not Going Away

As more businesses transition to digital platforms and the use of QR codes continues to rise, cyber criminals are likely to enhance their Quishing techniques. Experts anticipate that deepfake QR phishing scams, where AI-generated voices or videos prompt users to scan a QR code will be the next significant wave of attacks.

This makes it essential to take action now. By educating employees, securing QR code usage, and staying updated on emerging threats, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can reduce their risk of falling victim to QR code scams.

Stay Cautious, Stay Secure

Quishing may be a relatively new cyber security threat, but it’s growing fast and evolving rapidly. SMEs can no longer afford to overlook this attack vector. The key to staying safe is awareness, verification, and proactive cyber security measures.

Protect your business today, share this guide with your team and make cyber security a priority!