Quishing & QR Code Threats
What is quishing and how does it work?
Quishing (QR + Phishing) is a cybersecurity attack where malicious QR codes redirect victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, credentials, or financial data. Here's how quishing attacks typically work:
- Fake QR codes: Attackers place malicious QR codes on legitimate-looking materials (posters, menus, parking meters)
- URL redirection: The QR code leads to a phishing website that mimics trusted brands or services
- Data harvesting: Victims enter sensitive information thinking they're on a legitimate site
- Financial fraud: Stolen credentials are used for unauthorized transactions or identity theft
QRsafer's multi-API detection specifically targets quishing campaigns by analyzing URLs before you visit malicious links, protecting you from this growing threat.
How common are quishing attacks?
Quishing attacks have increased dramatically with the widespread adoption of QR codes post-pandemic:
- 681% increase in QR code-related cybercrime since 2021
- Restaurant menus & parking meters are common attack vectors
- Banking and payment scams represent 45% of quishing attempts
- Social engineering tactics make these attacks highly effective
The convenience of QR codes makes them perfect for attackers—people scan them without thinking, bypassing their usual online security caution.
What does each Threat Assessment category check?
QRsafer's comprehensive threat assessment analyzes QR codes through multiple security engines:
- 🛡️ Quishing Detection: Identifies QR phishing websites and social engineering attempts targeting QR code users
- 🔍 Phishing Intelligence: Real-time phishing detection using machine learning to catch zero-day attacks
- 🌐 IP Reputation Analysis: Analyzes hosting infrastructure reputation and identifies compromised servers
- ⚡ Live Threat Feeds: Community-driven threat intelligence with real-time feeds of newly discovered threats
- 📊 URL & Domain Analysis: Comprehensive domain reputation and website safety classification
- 🦠 Malware Detection: Advanced behavioral analysis and file scanning for malicious content
This multi-layered approach catches quishing attempts that single-API scanners miss while eliminating false positives.
Security & Accuracy
I know a QR code is safe, why is it marked risky or dangerous?
QRsafer's multi-source detection prioritizes your safety over convenience. A code may be flagged because:
- Recent threat intelligence: The domain was recently compromised or flagged by security researchers
- Suspicious patterns: The URL structure matches known malicious campaigns
- Reputation scoring: The destination has a poor security reputation across multiple threat feeds
- Behavioral analysis: The code exhibits characteristics common to phishing attempts
Our cross-verification system would rather warn you about a potentially safe site than miss a genuine threat. You can always proceed with caution if you trust the source.
How accurate is QRsafer compared to other scanners?
QRsafer achieves superior accuracy through multi-source cross-verification that single-API scanners can't match:
- 99.8% threat detection rate vs ~85% for single-source scanners
- 90% fewer false positives through intelligent cross-validation
- Real-time threat intelligence from multiple security engines
- Behavioral analysis that catches zero-day threats
While other apps rely on one data source, we verify threats across multiple engines before making a determination—catching what others miss while eliminating false alarms.
What makes QRsafer different from my phone's built-in scanner?
Built-in scanners simply decode QR codes—they don't analyze security threats. QRsafer adds multiple layers of protection:
- Threat analysis before opening: We check for malicious content before you visit
- Multi-source verification: Cross-reference multiple threat intelligence feeds
- Real-time protection: Updated threat data protects against latest campaigns
- Detailed reporting: Understand exactly why a code was flagged
Your phone's scanner is like opening every door without checking who's behind it. QRsafer is your security guard.
Can QRsafer scan all types of QR codes (WiFi, contacts, etc.)?
Yes! QRsafer scans all standard QR code formats while adding security analysis:
- URLs & websites: Full threat analysis and reputation checking
- WiFi credentials: Validates network safety and encryption standards
- Contact information: Scans for suspicious data or malformed content
- Text & messages: Checks for embedded threats or social engineering
- App store links: Verifies app legitimacy and developer reputation
We maintain full QR code compatibility while adding the security layer that built-in scanners lack.
Technical Support
Can this be used offline?
QRsafer requires an internet connection for security analysis, but here's how it works:
- Basic scanning: Works offline for simple QR code decoding
- Security analysis: Requires connection to access real-time threat intelligence
- Cached results: Previously scanned codes are remembered for faster analysis
- Minimal data usage: Security checks use less than 1KB per scan
The security analysis is what makes QRsafer valuable—we need current threat data to protect you from the latest malicious campaigns. Offline mode would leave you vulnerable to new threats.
Can I use this globally?
Absolutely! QRsafer works worldwide with comprehensive global threat coverage:
- Global threat intelligence: Monitors malicious campaigns across all regions
- Multi-language support: Analyzes threats in 40+ languages
- Regional threat patterns: Understands local phishing and malware trends
- International compliance: GDPR-compliant and follows global privacy standards
Whether you're scanning codes in Tokyo, London, or São Paulo, you get the same level of protection. Our threat intelligence networks span globally to keep you safe anywhere.
I am trying to scan a QR code, but it doesn't start scanning. What's going on?
Here are the most common scanning issues and solutions:
- Camera permissions: Ensure QRsafer has camera access in your phone's settings
- Lighting conditions: QR codes need adequate light—try moving to a brighter area
- Distance & focus: Hold your phone 6-12 inches from the code and wait for focus
- Code quality: Damaged, blurry, or low-contrast codes may not scan properly
- App restart: Close and reopen QRsafer if the camera appears frozen
Still having issues? Check our Help Center or contact support—we're here to help get you scanning securely!
Does QRsafer slow down my phone or drain battery?
QRsafer is optimized for minimal system impact:
- Battery usage: Less than 2% daily battery consumption with normal use
- Memory footprint: Under 50MB storage space required
- Processing efficiency: Security analysis happens in the cloud, not on your device
- Background activity: No unnecessary background processes or data collection
Our cloud-based analysis means your phone does minimal work while still getting maximum protection. Most users don't notice any performance impact.
Privacy & Data
What data does QRsafer collect about my scans?
QRsafer follows a strict privacy-first approach:
- Zero personal data collection: We don't store your identity, location, or personal information
- Anonymous threat analysis: QR content is analyzed without linking to you
- Local scan history: Your scan history stays on your device (Premium users only)
- No tracking: We don't monitor your web browsing after scanning
We only see the QR code content needed for security analysis—nothing about who you are or where you've been. Read our full privacy policy for complete details.
Can QRsafer see the websites I visit after scanning?
No, absolutely not. Here's exactly what happens:
- Analysis only: We analyze the QR code's destination before you visit
- No tracking: Once you proceed to a website, we have no visibility into your activity
- No web monitoring: QRsafer doesn't install tracking code or monitor browsing
- Complete separation: Our security analysis is independent of your web browsing
Think of QRsafer as a security checkpoint at an airport—we scan for threats, but we don't follow you to your destination.
Is my scan history stored on QRsafer's servers?
No, your personal scan history never leaves your device:
- Local storage only: Scan history is stored exclusively on your phone
- Your control: Delete your history anytime directly from the app
- No cloud backup: We don't sync or backup your personal scanning activity
- Anonymous analytics: We only collect aggregated, anonymous threat statistics
Your scanning patterns and history are private to you. We focus on analyzing threats, not tracking users.
Pricing & Features
What's the difference between Free and Premium?
Both versions provide essential security, but Premium offers enhanced protection:
Free Version:
- Essential threat scanning with core security services
- Last 20 scans in history
- 30-second ad delays before results
- Standard scan mode
Premium Individual ($4.99/month):
- Multi-source threat detection with cross-verification
- Unlimited scan history with detailed reports
- Instant results with no ads
- Advanced scan mode with threat intelligence details
- Priority notifications for emerging threats
Premium users get our most advanced protection with the multi-source engine that eliminates false positives.
How does the family plan work?
Premium Family ($9.99/month) extends Premium protection to your whole family:
- Up to 5 accounts: Cover family members with individual Premium access
- Shared threat intelligence: Family-wide protection benefits from collective scanning data
- Individual privacy: Each family member maintains their own private scan history
- Easy management: Add or remove family members through your account
Each family member gets the full Premium experience while maintaining their privacy. Perfect for protecting everyone from QR code threats.
Can I try Premium before paying?
Yes! We offer a risk-free trial so you can experience Premium protection:
- 7-day free trial: Full access to all Premium features
- No commitment: Cancel anytime during the trial period
- Easy cancellation: Cancel directly in the app or through your app store
- No hidden fees: If you cancel during trial, you pay nothing
Experience the difference that multi-source threat detection makes. Most users see the value immediately when they encounter their first potential threat.
Why do I see ads in the free version?
Ads help us provide essential security protection at no cost:
- Infrastructure costs: Running real-time threat analysis requires significant server resources
- Threat intelligence: Accessing multiple security feeds has ongoing licensing costs
- Development funding: Ads support continued app improvements and new security features
- Still protected: Even with ads, you get essential threat detection for free
We keep ads brief (30 seconds) and relevant. Premium removes ads entirely while supporting our advanced multi-source protection.
Business & Enterprise
Can businesses use QRsafer to protect employees?
Absolutely! QRsafer provides excellent protection for business environments:
- Volume licensing: Contact us for multi-user Premium accounts
- Employee protection: Prevent QR code-based phishing attacks on your team
- BYOD security: Secure QR scanning on personal and company devices
- Training tool: Help employees understand QR code security threats
Many businesses deploy QRsafer as part of their security awareness training. Contact our business team to discuss enterprise options and volume pricing.
Does QRsafer integrate with security systems?
Currently, QRsafer focuses on individual device protection, but we're exploring enterprise integrations:
- API development: Working on enterprise API for security platform integration
- Threat feed sharing: Considering options for sharing threat intelligence
- Mobile device management: Exploring MDM integration possibilities
- Security information systems: Investigating SIEM integration potential
Interested in enterprise integration? Contact our business development team to discuss your specific needs and upcoming capabilities.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help.