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Emerging Phishing Threat: QR Codes Target Major US Energy Company and Other Sectors, (from page 20230819.)

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Summary

A significant phishing campaign targeting a major US energy company has emerged, utilizing QR codes to deliver malicious emails and evade security measures. Approximately 29% of the 1,000 emails in this campaign were directed at the energy sector, with other sectors like manufacturing, insurance, technology, and financial services also impacted. Cofense, which identified the campaign, noted it as the first large-scale use of QR codes in phishing attempts, indicating a potential trend among cybercriminals. The phishing emails falsely prompt recipients to update their Microsoft 365 settings, urging them to scan embedded QR codes that lead to phishing pages. While QR codes can bypass email security tools, user awareness and verification steps on smartphones may mitigate risks. Cofense recommends organizations implement image recognition tools to enhance phishing protection.

Signals

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Increased Use of QR Codes in Phishing QR codes are increasingly being used as an attack vector in phishing campaigns. Phishing tactics are evolving from traditional links to QR codes, enhancing evasion techniques. QR codes may become a standard feature in phishing attacks, necessitating advanced detection methods. The need for more sophisticated phishing methods to bypass existing security measures. 4
Targeting of Major Companies Phishing campaigns are now focusing more on large, notable companies. Shift from individual targets to large corporations as primary phishing goals. Increased security measures will evolve within major companies to combat targeted phishing. High-profile targets yield more significant rewards for cybercriminals. 5
Use of Urgency in Phishing Tactics Phishing emails are increasingly incorporating urgency to prompt quick victim action. Phishing tactics are becoming more psychologically manipulative, leveraging time pressure. Phishing strategies may evolve to include more psychological manipulation techniques. Understanding of behavioral psychology aids in creating more effective phishing schemes. 4
Evasion Techniques in Phishing Phishing actors are employing advanced evasion techniques to bypass security. Phishing strategies are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced evasion tactics. Security technologies will need to adapt continuously to keep pace with evolving phishing tactics. The ongoing technological arms race between cybercriminals and security professionals. 5
Increased Awareness of QR Code Risks There is a growing recognition of the risks associated with QR codes among users. From ignorance to awareness regarding the potential dangers of scanning QR codes. Users may become more cautious and educated about the risks of QR codes, reducing susceptibility. Rising awareness and educational efforts about cybersecurity risks related to QR codes. 3

Concerns

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Rise of QR Code Phishing Attacks Phishing campaigns utilizing QR codes represent an escalating threat vector as attackers evade traditional email security methods. 4
Increased Sophistication of Cyber Threats The evolving tactics, such as using legitimate services for redirection, indicate a concerning trend in the sophistication of cybercriminal strategies. 5
Vulnerability of Major Industries to Phishing The targeting of critical sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and finance highlights their ongoing vulnerability to phishing attacks. 4
Inadequate Security Awareness There remains a significant risk due to potential lapses in security awareness and training among employees regarding phishing tactics. 4
Variety of Attack Vectors The use of multiple methods, including urgency tactics and base64 encoding, complicates detection and protection protocols. 3

Behaviors

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Use of QR Codes in Phishing Phishing campaigns are increasingly utilizing QR codes to bypass traditional email security measures and trick users into scanning malicious links. 5
Urgency Tactics in Phishing Emails Phishing emails leverage urgency, prompting users to act quickly to avoid account issues, enhancing the likelihood of victim compliance. 4
Abuse of Legitimate Services Attackers are redirecting victims through legitimate platforms like Bing and Salesforce to obscure malicious intent and evade detection. 5
Integration of Image Recognition Tools Organizations are encouraged to adopt image recognition technology for phishing detection, highlighting a shift towards more advanced protective measures. 3
User Education on QR Code Risks Training users to recognize QR code threats is becoming essential as QR codes in phishing gain traction, emphasizing the importance of user awareness. 5

Technologies

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The use of QR codes in phishing attacks to bypass email security tools and trick users into revealing sensitive information. 5 ccc796127756c12c57ce4db1a2014946
Tools that utilize image recognition to enhance phishing protection by identifying malicious QR codes and other visual threats. 4 ccc796127756c12c57ce4db1a2014946
Utilizing Web3 services like Cloudflare for redirecting users in phishing schemes, complicating detection efforts. 4 ccc796127756c12c57ce4db1a2014946

Issues

name description relevancy
Use of QR Codes in Phishing The increasing use of QR codes in phishing campaigns poses new challenges for cybersecurity, as they can bypass traditional email security measures. 5
Evasion Techniques in Cyber Attacks Threat actors are developing sophisticated evasion techniques, such as using legitimate services and base64 encoding, to avoid detection by security tools. 4
Urgency Tactics in Phishing Phishing emails that create a sense of urgency, compelling victims to act quickly, are becoming more prevalent and effective. 4
Training and Preparedness for Cyber Threats The importance of employee training in recognizing phishing attempts is crucial as cyber threats evolve, particularly with new attack vectors. 5
Legitimacy Abuse in Cybersecurity The trend of abusing legitimate services for malicious purposes highlights a growing concern in cybersecurity practices. 4