Introduction
QR codes are everywhere—on menus, invoices, ads, even your office’s printer. They’re quick, convenient, and contactless. But in 2025, that convenience is being weaponized. A new wave of phishing attacks called “quishing” uses QR codes to trick employees into visiting malicious sites, entering credentials, or downloading malware. For small business owners, this emerging threat is a serious concern.
What is Quishing?
Quishing is phishing delivered through QR codes. Instead of clicking a suspicious link in an email, victims scan a code that leads them to a fake website designed to steal data.
These codes can appear:
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Embedded in emails or PDFs
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Printed on invoices, flyers, or business cards
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Placed on stickers in public spaces (e.g., covering real payment codes with fake ones)
Once scanned, the code redirects to phishing sites, fake login portals, or malware downloads. Because QR codes are opaque—just a jumble of dots—users can’t preview where they’re going until it’s too late.
Why Quishing is on the Rise
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Widespread adoption of QR codes in restaurants, payments, and business processes makes them a trusted technology.
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Security tools struggle to detect them—most email filters are trained to spot suspicious links, not embedded QR images.
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Hybrid attacks: Quishing is often paired with social engineering (“Your account has been locked, scan this code to verify!”).
According to recent reports, QR-based phishing is growing rapidly, with security researchers warning that attackers are embedding malicious codes in corporate emails and documents (TechRadar, Arxiv).
Real-World Examples
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Email attacks: Scammers send “security alert” emails with QR codes that appear to come from Microsoft or Google. When scanned, they direct employees to fake login pages to steal usernames and passwords.
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Physical attacks: Hackers print malicious QR codes on stickers and place them over legitimate ones at parking meters or restaurants. Victims unknowingly scan the fake code and pay into a criminal’s account.
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Business invoice fraud: Fake QR payment codes on invoices have been used to redirect supplier or customer payments into scammer accounts.
Why Small Businesses Should Worry
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because:
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Employees trust QR codes without second thought.
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Email filters and antivirus tools often don’t scan embedded QR images.
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Busy staff may scan a code on their phone, bypassing corporate security protections.
With limited IT teams, SMBs often have fewer layers of defense, making quishing a low-effort, high-reward tactic for cybercriminals.
How to Protect Your Business from Quishing
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Train Employees on QR Code Risks
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Teach staff to treat QR codes like suspicious links.
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Encourage them to inspect the source before scanning.
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Preview Before Opening
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Many modern phones allow a link preview when scanning. Train employees to double-check the URL.
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Look for HTTPS, correct spelling, and known domains.
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Use a QR Scanner with Security Features
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Apps and mobile security software can check URLs before opening.
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Verify Before Paying or Logging In
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If a QR code requests login credentials or payment details, confirm its authenticity through another channel.
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Block Malicious Sites
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Use endpoint security solutions and DNS filtering to catch malicious destinations—even if scanned on a phone.
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Test Your Team
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Just as phishing simulations work for emails, consider quishing simulations to build awareness.
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Conclusion: Don’t Let a Square of Dots Sink Your Business
Quishing is a growing threat precisely because it exploits trust and convenience. For small business owners, the stakes are high: one careless scan could expose passwords, financial data, or customer information.
The good news? With training, smart verification practices, and the right security tools, your team can enjoy the benefits of QR codes—without falling victim to cybercriminal tricks.
📌 Sources:
