In a bid to combat the escalating use of QR codes in cyberattacks, SlashNext, a pioneer in SaaS-based Integrated Cloud Messaging Security, has unveiled an innovative solution: QR Code Phishing Protection. This robust security offering is designed to thwart not only Quishing and QRLJacking but also a broad spectrum of scams disseminated via malicious QR codes across various channels.
QR codes have witnessed widespread adoption, particularly during the pandemic, for a myriad of legitimate, contact-free purposes. However, this adoption has inadvertently opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit QR codes for malicious activities, including phishing and credential theft. SlashNext's QR Code Phishing Protection sets itself apart from other security solutions by leveraging patented computer vision technology alongside a state-of-the-art QR code natural language processing (NLP) classifier.
This unique combination empowers the solution to analyze both the QR code itself and the accompanying message, providing a comprehensive defense against QR-code based attacks. It's a multi-channel defense system that effectively blocks malicious QR codes in email, mobile, web, and popular messaging platforms like Slack, iMessage, Microsoft Teams, and more.
"In recent months, Quishing and QRLJacking have contributed to the huge growth we have observed in phishing," stated Patrick Harr, CEO of SlashNext. "As a security company dedicated to phishing protection, we allocate resources to continuously monitor emerging threats, attack patterns, and technology innovations leveraged by cybercriminals. SlashNext's commitment is to stay ahead of the curve in addressing evolving threats and providing proactive solutions. We are pleased to extend this critical protection to all existing and new customers."
SlashNext Threat Labs recently shed light on the escalating threats associated with QR codes in a blog post published in October 2023. The blog detailed how threat actors exploit QR codes for a range of attacks, including Quishing—a blend of QR code and phishing techniques. In Quishing attacks, malicious QR codes are embedded with phishing links or malware downloads and distributed to victims via phishing emails, digital advertisements, social media, or physical posters. Unsuspecting victims scan these QR codes, believing them to be legitimate.
QRLJacking, on the other hand, is a social engineering method used by cybercriminals to gain control over victims' accounts by exploiting the "login with QR code" feature found on many legitimate apps and websites.
"Without proper protection, it is nearly impossible for the average user to distinguish a legitimate QR code from a malicious one," continued Harr. "Expecting employees and everyday users to avoid QR codes entirely is unreasonable, especially as they become increasingly ubiquitous in many legitimate service industries and for login purposes. Cybercriminals are well aware of this trend, which is why we anticipate heightened reliance on Quishing and QRLJacking as attack techniques."
SlashNext's QR Code Phishing Protection stands as a vital shield against these emerging threats, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the QR code landscape securely and confidently.