QR Code Phishing (Quishing) Test: Emerging Threat QR Security & Phishing Test
HumanShield’s QR code phishing (quishing) test helps organisations detect and reduce risk from this emerging threat. Our platform delivers a realistic phishing test focused on QR phishing behaviours and strengthens QR security across your workforce through measured, repeatable simulations and just-in-time coaching.
What is QR Code Phishing (Quishing)?
Quishing is a QR code phishing technique that lures users to malicious destinations by embedding links in scannable codes. This section gives a clear definition and explanation of how attackers package pretexts (parcel deliveries, payment updates, MFA resets) inside QR images to sidestep traditional URL scrutiny and trick users into unsafe actions.
How Quishing Attacks Bypass Email Security
Many QR-based attacks bypass security layers because the payload is an image, not a clickable link. Images glide through email filters, and the final open occurs on a mobile device after scanning. Our training shows employees how to validate destinations before scanning, avoid public QR codes from unknown sources, and use approved apps that warn about suspicious redirects.
HumanShield Quishing Simulation
HumanShield’s simulation and testing approach reproduces the end-to-end user journey: see-scan-act. We deliver controlled, real-world scenarios to build awareness, gather risk metrics, and trigger targeted reinforcement — without exposing your users or systems to harm.
Realistic QR Code Attack Scenarios
We craft realistic scenarios that mirror current attack vectors: refund prompts, delivery changes, parking fines, bank alerts, and office visitor check-ins. Each test varies difficulty, branding and urgency so users learn to pause, verify, and report before scanning.
Physical & Digital QR Testing
Run physical, digital and hybrid campaigns: posters and tent cards in office spaces, PDF notices, intranet posts and emails with embedded QR images. Blended testing validates behaviour in the environments where staff actually encounter codes.
Multi-Platform QR Scanning Detection
Measure outcomes across multi-platform mobile ecosystems. Our detection logic records scanning events from common mobile camera apps and QR readers to build a reliable picture of susceptibility by cohort and device mix — without collecting personal content.
Test Employee QR Code Awareness
Assess and improve employee testing outcomes with progressive challenges and instant feedback. Build awareness testing into your onboarding and quarterly exercises to keep safe scanning habits fresh.
Educational Content on QR Threats
Post-event education provides concise training and awareness tips: verify sources, avoid scanning unknown public codes, preview destinations, and use sanctioned apps. Micro-lessons are tailored to the exact lure a user encountered.
Integration with Phishing Training
Quishing tests connect seamlessly with your broader phishing training program. This integration routes repeat offenders to deeper modules and aligns QR lessons with email/SMS simulations for consistent behaviour change.
Quishing Simulation Features
Everything needed to run governed quishing programs at scale — realistic content, controlled redirects, analytics and governance outputs. These features and capabilities give security, risk and compliance teams the tools to manage a fast-moving threat category.
Compliance Reporting for Emerging Threats
Produce compliance evidence tailored to emerging threats: timestamped participation, outcomes by cohort, corrective actions and re-test results. Audit-friendly reporting supports internal reviews and demonstrates continuous improvement to stakeholders.
Ready to test QR phishing resilience?
Request a Quishing Demo or launch a pilot to run physical & digital QR tests and track real-time results.
