{"id":96369,"date":"2026-06-10T06:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T00:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/au\/blog\/auto-draft"},"modified":"2026-06-09T14:47:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T09:17:59","slug":"qr-code-phishing-quishing-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/blog\/qr-code-phishing-quishing-threat","title":{"rendered":"QR Code Phishing Is Now the Fastest-Growing Cyber Threat: What Australian Businesses Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>QR codes have become part of everyday business life.<\/p>\n<p>Employees use them to access documents, complete payments, register for events, verify accounts, and interact with digital services. Because they have become so familiar, most people scan them without hesitation.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, that trust is now being exploited.<\/p>\n<p>QR code phishing, commonly known as <strong>quishing<\/strong>, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cyber threats facing businesses. Attackers are increasingly using malicious QR codes to bypass traditional security controls, steal credentials, and gain access to corporate systems.<\/p>\n<p>For organisations using Microsoft 365 and mobile devices extensively, the risk is growing rapidly.<\/p>\n<p>At Exigo Tech, we help organisations strengthen their security posture as their <strong>Managed Intelligence Partner<\/strong>, helping businesses identify emerging threats and implement practical security controls before incidents occur.<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is QR code phishing or quishing?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Quishing is a phishing attack that uses malicious QR codes to direct users to fraudulent websites designed to steal credentials or sensitive information.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why is QR code phishing increasing?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Attackers use QR codes because users often trust them, and the embedded links can bypass traditional email security and filtering tools.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How does quishing bypass email security?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"QR codes hide URLs inside images, making them harder for email security tools to inspect compared to traditional text-based links.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the risks of scanning a malicious QR code?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Users may be redirected to fake login pages, malware downloads, payment scams, or sites designed to steal business credentials.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How can organisations protect against QR code phishing?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Organisations should provide security awareness training, implement mobile security controls, verify QR code destinations, and monitor phishing threats.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"latest-blog\"><div class=\"latestblognpost\"><em><b>Read More: <\/b><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/blog\/it-health-check-for-real-estate-businesses\">IT Health Check for Real Estate: Improving System Performance, Security, and Operational Confidence<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Why Quishing Is Becoming a Major Security Concern<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While organisations have invested heavily in email security, multi-factor authentication, and phishing awareness training, attackers have found a new path that many traditional controls struggle to detect.<\/p>\n<p>Microsoft&#8217;s Threat Intelligence team reported that QR code-based phishing threats increased from 7.6 million in January 2026 to 18.7 million in March 2026 alone.<\/p>\n<p>The FBI has also warned about state-sponsored threat actors using QR codes as part of targeted phishing campaigns.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What Is QR Code Phishing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Quishing is a phishing technique that hides malicious links inside QR codes.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of sending a traditional hyperlink, attackers encourage users to scan a QR code using their mobile device.<\/p>\n<p>Once scanned, the QR code redirects the user to a fraudulent website designed to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Steal credentials<\/li>\n<li>Capture sensitive information<\/li>\n<li>Install malware<\/li>\n<li>Redirect financial transactions<\/li>\n<li>Compromise Microsoft 365 accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike traditional phishing links, users cannot see the destination before scanning the code.<\/p>\n<p>This lack of visibility is one of the reasons quishing is so effective.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why Traditional Security Tools Often Miss It<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many email security solutions are designed to analyse:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Text-based links<\/li>\n<li>Email content<\/li>\n<li>Attachments<\/li>\n<li>Known malicious domains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>QR codes create a challenge because the malicious URL is embedded within an image.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, attackers can bypass traditional scanning technologies that focus on text-based threats.<\/p>\n<p>The attack often moves from the corporate environment to a personal mobile device, where security controls may be far weaker.<\/p>\n<p>This creates a security blind spot for many organisations.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How Quishing Attacks Typically Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Although campaigns vary, most follow a similar pattern.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The Initial Email<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Attackers send an email that appears legitimate.<\/p>\n<p>Common examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>MFA reset requests<\/li>\n<li>Payroll notifications<\/li>\n<li>Shared document alerts<\/li>\n<li>Account verification requests<\/li>\n<li>Microsoft 365 system messages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The email contains a QR code rather than a traditional link.<\/p>\n<p>Because QR codes are now common in business communication, users are less likely to view them as suspicious.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The Scan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The user scans the QR code using a smartphone.<\/p>\n<p>The QR code redirects them through one or more URLs before displaying a convincing login page or payment portal.<\/p>\n<p>The page may closely resemble:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Microsoft 365<\/li>\n<li>SharePoint<\/li>\n<li>Banking platforms<\/li>\n<li>Internal corporate applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because the interaction occurs on a mobile device, it can be harder for users to spot warning signs.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The Compromise<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Once credentials are entered, attackers can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access Microsoft 365 accounts<\/li>\n<li>Monitor email communications<\/li>\n<li>Launch business email compromise attacks<\/li>\n<li>Steal sensitive information<\/li>\n<li>Spread phishing attacks internally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In some cases, malware or spyware may also be installed on the device.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"cta-container border-gradient border-gradient-purple only-top\">\r\n                    <div class=\"cta-image\">\r\n                <div class=\"cta-mainimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/avd-blog-cta-1.webp\" alt=\"Assess Your Microsoft 365 Security Posture\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"cta-logobg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/divi-child\/images\/logo_epurple.svg\"><\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"cta-content\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"cta-title\">Assess Your Microsoft 365 Security Posture<\/h3>\r\n            <p class=\"cta-description\">Identify gaps in email security, mobile device protection, and conditional access policies before attackers do.<\/p>\r\n            <a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"\/in\/contact\">\r\n                Book a Free Consultation            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \n<h3><strong>Who Is Most at Risk?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While any organisation can be targeted, certain environments face greater exposure.<\/p>\n<p>This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Businesses heavily reliant on Microsoft 365<\/li>\n<li>Organisations without mobile device management<\/li>\n<li>Companies using personal devices for work<\/li>\n<li>Businesses with limited phishing awareness training<\/li>\n<li>Industries where QR codes are frequently used operationally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Industries commonly targeted include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Healthcare<\/li>\n<li>Construction<\/li>\n<li>Logistics<\/li>\n<li>Retail<\/li>\n<li>Hospitality<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Research has also shown that executives are targeted significantly more often than general employees because of their access to sensitive information and financial authority.<\/p>\n<div class=\"latest-blog\"><div class=\"latestblognpost\"><em><b>Read More: <\/b><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/blog\/ai-powered-security-for-microsoft-365\">AI-Powered Security for Microsoft 365: Why SMBs Need Stronger Protection Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><strong>The Business Impact of a Successful Attack<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-96378\" src=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/business-impact-qr-code-phishing-blog-062026.webp\" alt=\"The Business Impact\" width=\"1025\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/business-impact-qr-code-phishing-blog-062026.webp 1025w, https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/business-impact-qr-code-phishing-blog-062026-980x381.webp 980w, https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/business-impact-qr-code-phishing-blog-062026-480x186.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1025px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many organisations assume a phishing attack only affects a single user.<\/p>\n<p>In reality, the consequences can be far broader.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Credential Theft<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Compromised Microsoft 365 credentials can provide access to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Email<\/li>\n<li>OneDrive<\/li>\n<li>SharePoint<\/li>\n<li>Teams<\/li>\n<li>Business documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This can give attackers significant visibility across the organisation.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Business Email Compromise<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Once attackers gain access to email accounts, they can monitor conversations and insert fraudulent payment instructions into existing invoice or supplier discussions.<\/p>\n<p>This remains one of the most financially damaging cybercrime categories in Australia.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Mobile Security Exposure<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Because many attacks occur on personal devices, malicious activity may take place outside the visibility of corporate security teams.<\/p>\n<p>This can make detection and response more difficult.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Compliance and Regulatory Risk<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Unauthorised access to personal or sensitive information may trigger regulatory obligations, including potential reporting requirements under Australia&#8217;s Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.<\/p>\n<p>The reputational impact can often be as significant as the technical consequences.<\/p>\n<div class=\"latest-blog\"><div class=\"latestblognpost\"><em><b>Read More: <\/b><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/blog\/oauth-consent-phishing-in-microsoft-365\">OAuth (Open Authorisation) Consent Phishing in Microsoft 365: How Attackers Are Bypassing MFA Without Stealing Passwords<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><strong>How Organisations Can Reduce Their Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Defending against quishing requires a combination of technology, policy, and user awareness.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Strengthen Email Security<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Organisations should ensure their email security platform can analyse image-based threats, including QR codes embedded in emails and attachments.<\/p>\n<p>Traditional text-only scanning is no longer enough.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Implement Mobile Device Management<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Because mobile devices are frequently used in these attacks, organisations need visibility and control over devices accessing corporate resources.<\/p>\n<p>Mobile device management can help enforce security policies and improve protection.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Strengthen Conditional Access Controls<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Conditional access policies can help reduce risk by controlling how users access Microsoft 365 resources.<\/p>\n<p>This may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Device compliance requirements<\/li>\n<li>Risk-based authentication<\/li>\n<li>Location-based restrictions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These controls can help limit the impact of compromised credentials.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Update Security Awareness Training<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Many phishing awareness programmes focus only on suspicious links and attachments.<\/p>\n<p>Employees should also be trained to recognise QR code-based threats.<\/p>\n<p>Users should be encouraged to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid scanning QR codes from unsolicited emails<\/li>\n<li>Verify QR codes before use<\/li>\n<li>Exercise caution with public QR codes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Awareness remains one of the most effective defences.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Monitor for Suspicious Activity<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Organisations should monitor for indicators such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unusual sign-in activity<\/li>\n<li>Impossible travel events<\/li>\n<li>New device registrations<\/li>\n<li>Unexpected account behaviour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Early detection can significantly reduce the impact of a successful attack.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why Choose Exigo Tech as Your Managed Intelligence Partner<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At Exigo Tech, we help organisations stay ahead of emerging cyber threats through a combination of technology, expertise, and ongoing support.<\/p>\n<p>As your <strong>Managed Intelligence Partner<\/strong>, we provide:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Microsoft 365 Security Health Checks<\/li>\n<li>Managed Security as a Service (MSaaS)<\/li>\n<li>IT security consulting<\/li>\n<li>Mobile and endpoint security solutions<\/li>\n<li>Threat monitoring and incident response support<\/li>\n<li>Guidance from experienced IT security consultants and specialists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our goal is to help organisations strengthen security without adding unnecessary complexity.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>QR Code Security Must Become Part of Your Cybersecurity Strategy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>QR codes have become a normal part of business operations.<\/p>\n<p>That is exactly why attackers are using them.<\/p>\n<p>As quishing continues to grow, organisations need to extend security beyond traditional email protection and recognise that mobile devices are now a critical part of the attack surface.<\/p>\n<p>The organisations that adapt early will be better positioned to reduce risk, protect credentials, and strengthen their overall security posture.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"cta-container border-gradient border-gradient-purple only-top\">\r\n                    <div class=\"cta-image\">\r\n                <div class=\"cta-mainimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/avd-blog-cta-2.webp\" alt=\"Strengthen Your Defences Against Modern Phishing Threats\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"cta-logobg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/divi-child\/images\/logo_epurple.svg\"><\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"cta-content\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"cta-title\">Strengthen Your Defences Against Modern Phishing Threats<\/h3>\r\n            <p class=\"cta-description\">Learn how our Managed Security as a Service (MSaaS) can help protect your organisation from evolving cyber threats.<\/p>\r\n            <a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"\/in\/solutions\/managed-security-as-a-service-msaas\">\r\n                Explore MSaaS Here            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>QR codes have become part of everyday business life. Employees use them to access documents, complete payments, register for events,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":96382,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[55],"class_list":["post-96369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cybersecurity","tag-cybersecurity"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96369"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":96389,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96369\/revisions\/96389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exigotech.co\/in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}