Quishing: A New Cyber Security Challenge
Cyber security firm Sophos has identified a novel attack vector dubbed ‘quishing’ or QR code phishing. This method involves the use of fraudulent QR codes hidden within PDF attachments sent via email. These PDFs often mimic legitimate documents such as payroll or employee benefits, which are commonly circulated within businesses.
How Quishing Works
Quishing attacks exploit a gap in email security where QR codes, not being text-based, bypass traditional email filters. These codes lead unsuspecting employees to scan them using their mobile devices, which are generally less secure than corporate computers. Upon scanning, the QR code directs users to a malicious site designed to capture their login credentials and multi-factor authentication (MFA) tokens.
Sophos Research Insights
Andrew Brandt, a principal researcher at Sophos X-Ops, notes a significant increase in both the frequency and sophistication of quishing attacks. “Our research has revealed that attacks that exploit this specific threat vector are intensifying both in terms of volume and sophistication, especially when it comes to the appearance of the PDF document,” says Brandt. He further explains that these attacks are becoming more organized with enhanced social engineering tactics, improved email quality, and sophisticated QR code graphics.
Impact and Trends
Brandt highlights that between 2%-10% of spam emails with PDF attachments in Sophos’s repository contain quishing QR codes. The impact is particularly severe because the attack moves the credential entry to mobile devices, which often lack the robust security measures found on corporate desktops or laptops.
Targeting and Prevention
So far, quishing attacks have been directed solely at corporate email addresses, aiming to infiltrate enterprise networks directly with stolen credentials. The targets span various business types, with attackers showing some level of research into the organizations they target. To mitigate these risks, Sophos recommends:
- Employee Awareness: Educating staff on the dangers of scanning QR codes from emails, especially those from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Mobile Security: Implementing comprehensive security strategies for mobile devices, considering they might not be shielded by corporate firewalls.
- Social Media Caution: Advising employees not to disclose their precise roles on platforms like LinkedIn, which could be used by attackers to pinpoint valuable targets within an organization.
Conclusion
As quishing continues to evolve, businesses must adapt their cybersecurity measures to protect against this sneaky and growing threat. Awareness, education, and advanced mobile security are key to safeguarding enterprise data and credentials.