QR Code Phishing: How Australian Small Businesses Can Spot Quishing Attacks

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: QR Code Phishing: How Australian Small Businesses Can Spot Quishing Attacks. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quishing, or QR code phishing, is a growing threat to Australian small businesses. Attackers place malicious QR codes in emails, invoices, or physical signage to trick employees into visiting fake login pages. Once a user scans the code and enters their business credentials, attackers can gain unauthorised access to email, accounting software, and customer data. This guide explains how to spot quishing attempts and protect your organisation.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Do not scan QR codes from unexpected emails or unknown senders.
2. Verify the sender through a separate communication channel before scanning.
3. Inspect the destination URL before entering any login credentials.
4. Report suspicious QR codes to your IT support provider.

Detailed Instructions

How Quishing Attacks Work

Unlike traditional phishing links that appear as clickable text, quishing uses a QR code to hide the malicious destination. Because security filters often cannot read the content inside an image, these emails may bypass spam protections. When scanned with a smartphone camera, the code directs the user to a fake website that mimics a legitimate service such as Microsoft 365, MyGov, or a banking portal.

Spotting Suspicious QR Codes

• The QR code arrives in an unsolicited email claiming to be from a supplier, government agency, or service provider.
• The message creates urgency, such as "unpaid invoice" or "account suspended," to pressure you into scanning quickly.
• The QR code appears on physical signage, flyers, or stickers placed in public areas or on business premises.
• The email asks you to scan the code to verify your identity, update payment details, or access a shared document.

Safe Scanning Practices

1. Treat every QR code with caution, even if it appears to come from a known contact.
2. Use your smartphone's native camera app to preview the URL before opening it. Most modern iOS and Android devices display the link at the top of the screen.
3. Check that the domain matches the organisation it claims to represent. Be wary of misspelled domains or unfamiliar extensions.
4. Never enter business credentials, payment details, or sensitive data on a page reached via a QR code unless you have independently verified the destination.
5. If the QR code claims to be from a supplier or government body, contact them directly using a phone number or website you already trust—not details provided in the message.

What to Do If You Scanned a Suspicious Code

1. Close the browser window or app immediately if you have not entered any information.
2. If you entered credentials on a suspicious page, change those passwords immediately from a trusted device.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all business accounts where available.
4. Check your email and banking accounts for unauthorised activity.
5. Notify your IT support provider so they can check for signs of compromise.

Protecting Your Business

• Train staff to recognise quishing and other social engineering scams.
• Implement multi-factor authentication across Microsoft 365, accounting software, and other critical business services.
• Establish a policy that financial changes or invoice payments are never authorised solely via QR code or email.
• Keep all operating systems, browsers, and mobile apps updated with the latest security patches.

If you suspect your business has been targeted by a quishing attack, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services for assistance.

Still Having Issues?