malicious QR codes Archives

Top US energy company customers targeted in QR code phishing scam

08/21/202308/18/2023 Jorge Gonzalez

Over 1,000 emails were issued with security-related lures and containing malicious barcodes. Cyberattackers took aim at a major US energy company with emails including a malicious QR code and a massive phishing campaign seeking to obtain the recipient’s Microsoft credentials. The massive and highly misleading campaign was first discovered in May by Cofense. The email scam campaign used image attachments in PNG format as well as redirect links associated with well-known business applications such as Microsoft Bing, Salesforce and CloudFlare’s Web3 services. They included an embedded QR code that functioned…

FBI issues alert over spiking QR codes security problems

02/01/202201/31/2022 Sam Lambert

As malicious uses of the popular barcodes sharply rise, the FBI is warning the public to be cautious. QR codes found their place as the pandemic handed the world a sudden need to complete many tasks in a contactless way. However, according to a new FBI warning, cybercriminals are using the popularity of these barcodes to do what they do best: steal, damage and harm. The warning cautions people regarding certain uses that can leave them open to threats. Today, QR codes are so common on menus, event tickets and…

QR code spam threat rises as most device users remain fully unaware

12/02/201912/01/2019 John Montgallo

New research shows that 74 percent of internet users have no idea of the risks from quick response codes. Seventy four percent of internet users have absolutely no idea that QR code spam exists, according to a G.M.X. commissioned survey. This lack of awareness has occurred despite the fact that the problem is becoming worse. Security experts from G.M.X., a European email provider, has detected a stark rise in the amount of QR code spam. The survey was commissioned in order to better understand whether or not device users understand…

3 Steps To Protect Yourself From Malicious QR Codes

12/15/201304/13/2014 Guest Post

Ninety-one percent of American adults own a cell phone, and 56 percent own a smartphone as of May 2013, according to Pew Internet Project research. Compare that against the 43 percent who report using QR codes for discounts, 23 percent who use QR codes to purchase an item and 18 percent who report using QR codes to learn more about a brand, details the Chadwick Martin Bailey Consumer Report, and you have a major activity rife for exploitation. QR codes are increasingly common, but they leave opportunities for malicious software…

Mobile commerce is growing and so should security

09/28/201309/28/2013 Note From The Editor

Editorial – Mobile commerce and security should go hand-in-hand Mobile technology has become an integral part of society. People around the world are using their smartphones and tablets to connect to one another in a dynamic way. These devices are also being used by people to connect with businesses, creating new ways to shop and purchase products. The advent of mobile technology has led to the emergence of mobile commerce. While mobile commerce has been met with favor from people the world over, it is not a paradise free from…