Quishing Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Business
If you thought phishing emails were bad, meet quishing (and yes, it’s as gross as it sounds!). Hackers are now mailing physical letters containing QR codes. When someone scans the code, they’re prompted to enter sensitive information, giving criminals full access to personal or business accounts.
What is Quishing?
Quishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals use QR codes to trick users into revealing sensitive information, downloading malware, or visiting fraudulent websites. Unlike traditional phishing, quishing is tangible: you can hold it, pass it around, and—if you’re not careful—hand over your data without realizing it.
How Quishing Works
A hacker sends a physical mailer to your office or employees.
The mail contains a QR code that looks official or legitimate.
When scanned, it leads to a website asking for personal or banking information.
Once entered, the hacker has full access to accounts or can install malware.
Even the most cautious employees can fall for quishing if they don’t know what to look for.
How to Spot a Quishing Attempt
Watch for these red flags:
Unexpected letters or packages: Especially ones with QR codes and urgent calls to action.
Requests for sensitive info: Banks, vendors, or government agencies will never ask you to submit credentials via a QR code in the mail.
Suspicious URLs: Hover or preview the code before scanning. If it looks weird or shortened, it’s probably malicious.
Pressure to act immediately: Any letter urging immediate action is a warning sign.
Why Quishing is Dangerous for Businesses
Data Breaches: Hackers gain access to employee or company accounts.
Financial Loss: Fraudulent transactions or ransomware can cost thousands—or more.
Operational Disruption: Malware introduced via quishing can halt systems or critical workflows.
Reputational Damage: Breaches erode client and partner trust.
How IT TechPros Protects Your Business
Quishing may be new, but the solution is classic IT hygiene and proactive monitoring:
Employee Training: Educate and empower staff to recognize suspicious emails or correspondences.
Advanced Threat Monitoring: IT TechPros monitors networks for unusual activity 24/7.
Secure Systems & Policies: Limit exposure by enforcing secure login protocols and verification processes.
Rapid Incident Response: If something slips through, our team acts fast to contain and remediate.
Takeaway
Quishing is a reminder that cybercriminals will try anything to exploit businesses. The physical mail angle is new, but vigilance, training, and proactive IT management remain your best defense.