What is Quishing and how to stay safe
Agent Alias reporting.
Welcome back, recruits! Today’s mission is all about one of the sneakiest phishing tricks out there — Quishing (a fancy word for QR-code phishing).
You’ve seen QR codes everywhere: on menus, posters, parking meters, delivery packages… even your coffee shop’s tip jar. They look innocent — black and white little squares of convenience.
But sometimes, those squares bite back.
What is Quishing
Quishing is when attackers hide malicious links or files inside a QR code. You scan it, thinking you’re opening a menu or payment site — but instead, you’re stepping into a trap.
Attackers count on one thing: trust.
If a QR code is sitting in a “safe” place (like a restaurant or office), people assume it’s legit. That’s exactly what the bad guys want.
How does it work?
The Bait:
A fake QR code appears in the wild — stuck on a wall, over a parking meter sticker, or even printed on a “delivery update” email.
The Hook:
You scan it. The QR code opens what looks like a real login page, payment screen, or form.
The Catch:
You type in your login details or card info… and just like that, the attacker has it.
How to Protect Yourself
- Preview the Link First
- Most phone cameras show a URL preview before opening it.
- If it looks weird or unfamiliar, don’t tap it.
- Use a Secure QR Scanner
- Some apps and browsers include safety scanners that inspect links before opening them.
- Try trusted tools like Kaspersky QR Scanner, Trend Micro, or even WebQR (my personal favorite).
- Avoid Random Stickers
- A QR code on a pole, wall, or flyer could be a fake pasted over a real one.
- If it’s not clearly official, walk away.
- Verify Before You Act
- Got a “payment” or “account login” QR code? Don’t scan it.
- Go directly to the company’s website or use their app instead.
- Scan the Link Safely (Optional)
- Copy the decoded link (without opening it!) and paste it into VirusTotal.
- This lets you see if the site has been flagged before you even touch it.
Why This Matters
Quishing is dangerous because it looks harmless — the attack is inside the square, not around it.
But with a few smart habits, you can dodge the trap entirely.
Remember your White Hoodie principles:
- Look before you click.
- Think before you scan.
- Share your intel with others — knowledge is contagious.
Share our QR code
We’ve designed a special QR code that leads to our official warning page — a PSA from Everyone’s Intel about QR safety.
If you see it, scan it, and share it to help spread awareness. Let’s turn curiosity into caution — together.
Mission complete.
Stay curious, stay skeptical, and remember — not every square deserves your scan.
Alias out.
