QR codes, used almost everywhere in our society, are increasingly misused by unscrupulous individuals who want to trap you. If in doubt, the rule is simple: never scan the code.
At charging stations, on vehicles, on television, in restaurants or even in your neighborhood, you can no longer escape the madness of the QR code, it’s impossible. The problem is that the tool is as convenient for its users as it is easy to circumvent by malicious individuals. We then speak of “ quishing », that is to say phishing based on the famous QR codes. Like any trap, there are solutions to avoid falling into it. One of them is the most obvious.
Cases of quishing, or fraudulent QR codes, are increasing in all areas
No later than Thursday, the town hall of 13e district of Paris has alert its administrators about a post-parking pass scam, one of the many cases of quishing.
Here, the crooks slip under the windshield of a vehicle a false information notice, which indicates that a parking infraction has been noted, and that to resolve it, it is obviously necessary to scan the fraudulent QR code, and This ” as quickly as possible “. As is often the case, the urgency argument constitutes the small trigger which contributes to the sad success of the scam.
It is worth remembering that quishing is a real variant of phishing. Because behind this social engineering technique, the scammers’ idea is to push trapped people to go to an obviously fake site, on which they will provide identifiers, sensitive information and banking data. Scammers can also send malicious SMS messages, push for mobile payment or call a premium rate number.
Essential tips for protecting yourself against malicious QR codes
The basic rule for protecting yourself against fraudulent QR codes may seem vague to you, but it is so useful to remember it: if you have the slightest doubt, you should definitely not scan the code. Other signals can and should alert you.
Among these, there is the form. On a charging station, for example, a sticker with a QR code may have been incorrectly stuck on top of another model. Likewise, it is important to check the text and URL associated with the sticker or what is written on your phone, if you are using your camera to scan the two-dimensional barcode.
If a QR code ever redirects you to an application from Google Play or the AppStore, be vigilant and check all the details. And if the QR code directs you to security software to download, flee too, the same goes for all QR codes that you will see appearing in improbable places and which could arouse your curiosity.
With this, you should be sufficiently protected to combat the phenomenon of quishing.
0