For organisations using Microsoft 365 and mobile devices extensively, the risk is growing rapidly.<\/p>\n
At Exigo Tech, we help organisations strengthen their security posture as their Managed Intelligence Partner<\/strong>, helping businesses identify emerging threats and implement practical security controls before incidents occur.<\/p>\n \n While organisations have invested heavily in email security, multi-factor authentication, and phishing awareness training, attackers have found a new path that many traditional controls struggle to detect.<\/p>\n Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence team reported that QR code-based phishing threats increased from 7.6 million in January 2026 to 18.7 million in March 2026 alone.<\/p>\n The FBI has also warned about state-sponsored threat actors using QR codes as part of targeted phishing campaigns.<\/p>\n Quishing is a phishing technique that hides malicious links inside QR codes.<\/p>\n Instead of sending a traditional hyperlink, attackers encourage users to scan a QR code using their mobile device.<\/p>\n Once scanned, the QR code redirects the user to a fraudulent website designed to:<\/p>\n Unlike traditional phishing links, users cannot see the destination before scanning the code.<\/p>\n This lack of visibility is one of the reasons quishing is so effective.<\/p>\n Many email security solutions are designed to analyse:<\/p>\n QR codes create a challenge because the malicious URL is embedded within an image.<\/p>\n As a result, attackers can bypass traditional scanning technologies that focus on text-based threats.<\/p>\n The attack often moves from the corporate environment to a personal mobile device, where security controls may be far weaker.<\/p>\n This creates a security blind spot for many organisations.<\/p>\n Although campaigns vary, most follow a similar pattern.<\/p>\n Attackers send an email that appears legitimate.<\/p>\n Common examples include:<\/p>\n The email contains a QR code rather than a traditional link.<\/p>\n Because QR codes are now common in business communication, users are less likely to view them as suspicious.<\/p>\n The user scans the QR code using a smartphone.<\/p>\n The QR code redirects them through one or more URLs before displaying a convincing login page or payment portal.<\/p>\n The page may closely resemble:<\/p>\n Because the interaction occurs on a mobile device, it can be harder for users to spot warning signs.<\/p>\n Once credentials are entered, attackers can:<\/p>\n In some cases, malware or spyware may also be installed on the device.<\/p>\n Identify gaps in email security, mobile device protection, and conditional access policies before attackers do.<\/p> Book a Free Consultation →<\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n While any organisation can be targeted, certain environments face greater exposure.<\/p>\n This includes:<\/p>\n Industries commonly targeted include:<\/p>\n Research has also shown that executives are targeted significantly more often than general employees because of their access to sensitive information and financial authority.<\/p>\n \n Many organisations assume a phishing attack only affects a single user.<\/p>\n In reality, the consequences can be far broader.<\/p>\n Compromised Microsoft 365 credentials can provide access to:<\/p>\n This can give attackers significant visibility across the organisation.<\/p>\n Once attackers gain access to email accounts, they can monitor conversations and insert fraudulent payment instructions into existing invoice or supplier discussions.<\/p>\n This remains one of the most financially damaging cybercrime categories in Australia.<\/p>\n Because many attacks occur on personal devices, malicious activity may take place outside the visibility of corporate security teams.<\/p>\n This can make detection and response more difficult.<\/p>\n Unauthorised access to personal or sensitive information may trigger regulatory obligations, including potential reporting requirements under Australia’s Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/exigotech.ethub.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1200-x-675px-secure-copilot-agents-with-m365-blog-26102026-768x432.webp\")
How to Secure Microsoft Copilot Agents with Microsoft 365 E5<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n
Why Quishing Is Becoming a Major Security Concern<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What Is QR Code Phishing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Why Traditional Security Tools Often Miss It<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How Quishing Attacks Typically Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Initial Email<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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The Scan<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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The Compromise<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Assess Your Microsoft 365 Security Posture<\/h3>
Who Is Most at Risk?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Agentic AI for Operations Leaders: Turning AI into Action<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n
The Business Impact of a Successful Attack<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/exigotech.ethub.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/business-impact-qr-code-phishing-blog-062026.webp\")
<\/p>\nCredential Theft<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Business Email Compromise<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Mobile Security Exposure<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Compliance and Regulatory Risk<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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