QR codes cybercriminals Archives

Quishing trends take off as smartphone users increasingly scammed by QR code scans

11/15/202311/14/2023 Stephanie Beck

A new report suggests that the number of attacks using quick response barcodes is up 587 percent. Quishing, that is, the practice of launching a cybersecurity attack by way of a QR code scan, is a trend that is rising much more rapidly than many smartphone users realize, placing them at risk of falling victim to one of these scams. According to a recent report, the rise in instances from August to September 2023 alone was a staggering 587 percent. Researchers from Check Point’s Harmony Email team observed thousands of…

FBI issues alert over spiking QR codes security problems

02/01/202201/31/2022 Sam Lambert

As malicious uses of the popular barcodes sharply rise, the FBI is warning the public to be cautious. QR codes found their place as the pandemic handed the world a sudden need to complete many tasks in a contactless way. However, according to a new FBI warning, cybercriminals are using the popularity of these barcodes to do what they do best: steal, damage and harm. The warning cautions people regarding certain uses that can leave them open to threats. Today, QR codes are so common on menus, event tickets and…