Understanding Quishing: Protecting Scottish Businesses in the Age of QR Code Phishing
In recent years, the digital landscape has become an ever-evolving battleground between cyber criminals and cyber security experts. Among the latest threats to emerge is the practice of “quishing,” a horrible word for a horrible practise! Quishing is a form of phishing that uses QR codes to deceive individuals and bypass corporate cyber defences. As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in Scotland, Jera IT is dedicated to helping local businesses navigate and mitigate these emerging threats. This blog will explore the rise of quishing, its impact on businesses, particularly in Scotland, and how companies can protect themselves.
The Rise of Quishing
Quishing, a play on “QR code” and “phishing,” has gained traction as cyber criminals seek new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in digital security systems. In essence, quishing involves sending fraudulent QR codes to unsuspecting victims, often through emails or other means. When scanned, these QR codes direct users to malicious websites designed to steal their financial information or install malware on their devices.
Banks and regulators have increasingly sounded the alarm about this growing threat. Institutions such as Santander, HSBC, and TSB, along with the UK National Cyber Security Centre and the US Federal Trade Commission, have highlighted the rise of quishing scams and the sophisticated fraud campaigns that utilise them.
How Quishing Works
One of the reasons quishing is so effective is its ability to bypass traditional cyber security measures. Typically, a business’s cyber security filters are designed to detect and block malicious website links within emails. However, these systems often do not scan images within attachments, such as QR codes embedded in PDFs. This oversight allows quishing scams to slip through undetected.
Criminals exploit this vulnerability by sending emails that appear legitimate, often mimicking trusted organisations or well-known brands. The emails contain attached PDFs with QR codes that, when scanned, direct the user to a fraudulent website. Once on the site, users are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, which the criminals then harvest.
Chester Wisniewski, a senior adviser at security software company Sophos, points out the appeal of quishing for cyber criminals: “The appeal for criminals is that it’s bypassing all of the [cyber security] training and it’s also bypassing our products.”
The Impact on Scottish Businesses
For Scottish businesses, the threat of quishing is particularly concerning. As companies increasingly rely on digital tools and remote work environments, the potential for cyber attacks has expanded. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland are especially vulnerable, as they may lack the robust cyber security infrastructure of larger organisations.
According to a recent report by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), cyber crime is estimated to cost Scottish businesses millions of pounds each year. The rise of quishing adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging cyber security landscape. SMEs, in particular, must remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to protect sensitive information and maintain the trust of their customers.
Protecting Your Business from Quishing
To safeguard against quishing and other cyber threats, Scottish businesses should implement a comprehensive cyber security strategy. Here are some key steps to consider:
- Employee Training and Awareness
Educating employees about the dangers of quishing and other phishing schemes is crucial. Regular training sessions can help staff recognise suspicious emails and attachments, reducing the likelihood of falling victim to scams.
Consider deploying advanced security solutions that can scan images within attachments and detect malicious QR codes. This additional layer of protection can help prevent quishing emails from reaching employees.
- Regularly Updating Security Protocols
Cyber security is an ever-evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest threats and defence mechanisms is vital. Regularly review and update your company’s security protocols to ensure they are effective against emerging threats.
- Encouraging a Culture of Vigilance
Foster a culture of vigilance within your organisation. Encourage employees to double-check the authenticity of emails and attachments before taking any action. If in doubt, they should verify the sender’s identity through alternative means, such as a phone call.
- Utilizing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to sensitive information. This can help prevent unauthorised access even if login credentials are compromised.
Conclusion
The rise of quishing presents a significant challenge for businesses worldwide, and Scottish enterprises are no exception. By understanding the mechanics of quishing and taking proactive steps to enhance cyber security, companies can better protect themselves and their customers from this growing threat.
At Jera IT, we are committed to supporting Scottish businesses in their cyber security efforts. Our team of experts is here to provide guidance, training, and advanced security solutions tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can build a safer digital environment and ensure the continued success of your business.
For more information on how Jera IT can help protect your business from quishing and other cyber threats, please contact us today.