QR codes are becoming a staple in everyday transactions—from restaurants to retail to parking meters. For insurance agents and carriers, the widespread use of QR codes also brings a heightened risk. Quishing, a new type of phishing that uses QR codes to trick users into compromising their devices and data, is on the rise. As the use of mobile devices in business interactions grows, it’s crucial to understand how this threat works and how to help clients mitigate the risks.
What Is Quishing and How Does It Work?
Quishing involves scammers creating fake QR codes that direct users to malicious websites or applications. These fraudulent QR codes are often placed in legitimate-looking environments, such as retail products, business flyers, or even branded marketing materials. This makes them look credible and trustworthy to unsuspecting individuals.
The ease of creating QR codes, combined with the impulsive nature of scanning them, makes quishing an effective attack vector. Users may scan a QR code and unwittingly grant permissions or download malware, leading to compromised devices and potentially severe data breaches.
How Quishing Poses a Risk for Insurance Clients
Quishing exploits user convenience, and attackers can create these codes in minutes using free online tools. Fraudulent QR codes can be pasted over legitimate ones, making them appear to come from trusted sources. This deception can lead to identity theft, data breaches, or financial loss—risks that insurance clients need to be aware of.
For insurers, the risk extends beyond individual policyholders. If a business’s employees or executives fall victim to a quishing attack, it can result in substantial data breaches, impacting operations, client information, and financial stability. This raises potential claims for cyber insurance and liability policies.
Who Is at Risk? A Breakdown for Insurance Professionals
Understanding who is at risk from quishing can help agents and carriers better educate their clients. Some of the most common targets include:
- Elderly individuals: Less familiar with phishing tactics and often more trusting, making them easier targets for fraudulent QR codes.
- Online shoppers: Scanning QR codes to track packages can lead them to malicious websites.
- Job seekers: Providing personal information during fake application processes through QR codes.
- Business executives: Typically having high-level access to banking and sensitive data, making them high-value targets.
- Frequent users of paid parking apps: Scanning QR codes at parking meters without verifying authenticity.
Public areas like restaurants and retail stores are prime targets for quishing attacks, particularly as QR codes have become more popular since the pandemic as a contactless solution.
How Insurance Agents Can Help Clients Stay Protected
Insurance agents and carriers have a crucial role in helping clients understand and mitigate the risks associated with quishing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has offered strategies that can help minimize exposure to these scams:
- Educate clients to think before scanning: Encourage clients to verify the source of codes before scanning. Only scan codes from reputable and known sources.
- Teach clients to inspect for tampering: Advise clients to look for signs of tampering in public QR codes. Issues like misalignment or pixelation can indicate fraud.
- Promote URL review practices: Ensure clients know how to use mobile device features to preview URLs before accessing them. This small step can prevent many attacks.
- Warn against unsolicited QR requests: Remind clients to be cautious with unsolicited emails containing QR codes, especially when the context is unclear.
- Encourage disabling NFC: Advise clients to turn off NFC when it’s not needed to prevent automatic scans and reduce impulsive scanning.
Why Quishing Should Be on Every Insurer’s Radar
Quishing is a growing threat that exploits the convenience of QR codes, targeting both individuals and businesses. For insurance professionals, understanding this evolving risk is vital—not just for protecting your clients but for safeguarding your own operations as well. Cyber liability, identity theft, and even business interruption claims can stem from successful quishing attacks.
By staying informed and proactively educating clients on best practices, insurance agents and carriers can help mitigate the impact of quishing and strengthen overall cyber resilience.
Remain vigilant, and remind your clients that convenience should never come at the expense of security. Together, we can help policyholders enjoy the benefits of technology without falling victim to the hidden threats.