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- QR Code Scams Are Exploding Stop Before You Scan
QR Code Scams Are Exploding Stop Before You Scan
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📸 QR Code Phishing: The Scam That Hides in Plain Sight
QR codes are back—and hackers are using them to sneak past email filters and physical security measures. Known as quishing, these attacks trick users into scanning malicious codes that lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Real-World Examples:
Fake parking meter QR codes redirecting to phony payment portals.
“IT password reset” flyers with malicious codes left in office break rooms.
QR codes in emails pretending to link to MFA setups or document previews.
Why It’s Working:
QR codes are visual and can't be previewed at a glance.
They bypass traditional link scanners and email protections.
Users often trust printed materials more than digital links.
How to Defend:
Train staff to treat QR codes like unknown links—verify before scanning.
Disable QR auto-opening in mobile browsers.
Post physical security alerts for commonly exploited spaces (e.g., lobbies, elevators).
🔍 If it looks out of place, it probably doesn’t belong there.
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🌩️ Cloud Misconfigurations: The #1 Threat You’re Probably Overlooking
A single misconfigured S3 bucket or exposed environment file can put your entire organization at risk—and it happens more often than you think.
Common Pitfalls:
Public buckets with sensitive client data.
Over-permissive IAM roles granting full-access.
Unrestricted APIs or ports left open after testing.
Quick Fixes:
Run scheduled cloud security audits (use tools like Wiz, Datadog, or ScoutSuite).
Enforce least-privilege policies and role-based access.
Monitor for anomaly spikes in cloud usage or file access.
☁️ The cloud is powerful—but unforgiving when misconfigured.
👋 Final Word
Not every cyberattack comes with red flags and flashing warnings. A QR code on the wall or a minor cloud permission error could be your weakest link. Vigilance is your best firewall.
If this newsletter helps your team, forward it to your head of IT or Ops.
Got a tip or breach trend you want us to cover? Hit reply.
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Stay alert. Stay resilient.
Team Cybersafety