QR codes are everywhere now — restaurant menus, parking meters, posters, packages. But that little square of black and white could be hiding a big danger: quishing.

Quishing is a rising cybersecurity threat where criminals create fake QR codes that lead users to malicious websites. Once there, unsuspecting victims may enter login credentials, download malware, or unknowingly give hackers access to sensitive data.

What’s Happening in Stroudsburg?

Recently, legitimate QR codes have been removed from parking meters in Stroudsburg due to rising concerns. Criminals have been placing fraudulent QR code stickers over the real ones — tricking drivers into scanning them and visiting lookalike payment sites to steal credit card info.

Where Else Are Fake QR Codes Showing Up?

Quishing isn’t just happening in parking lots. We’re seeing it in:

  • Event posters and flyers
  • Delivery boxes and packaging
  • Restaurant tables and public bulletin boards
  • Email attachments or printed invoices

Because we’re trained to “trust the physical world,” many people don’t expect a sticker on a lamppost or flyer to be dangerous — and that’s exactly what attackers are counting on.

How to Protect Your Business from Quishing

  • Train your team not to scan unknown or suspicious QR codes — especially in public areas or from unverified emails.
  • Stay alert for tall tale signs of phishing campaigns, such as a sense of urgency and appeals to user emotions — e.g., sympathy, fear, etc.
  • Check and double-check the beginning of the URL shown when scanning the QR code for domain legitimacy.
  • Review where your own QR codes are posted — attackers often place fakes over legitimate ones.

Why Firewalls Matter More Than Ever

Small businesses are increasingly targeted in creative attacks like quishing because they often lack strong protections. A business-grade firewall acts as your first line of defense — filtering out suspicious traffic before it reaches your employees’ devices.

At NEPA Business Technologies, we help businesses secure every layer — from your network edge to employee behavior. Our managed cybersecurity services include:

  • Firewall setup and 24/7 monitoring
  • Employee security awareness training
  • Threat detection and response
  • DNS filtering and web protection

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
…especially if you’re dealing with ransomware.

Don’t Let a QR Code Be Your Weak Link

Protect your business before you get quished. Reach out to NEPA Business Technologies for a cybersecurity consultation that’s built for small businesses.

Call us: 272-201-6201
Contact us: https://www.nepabiztech.com/contact/