Mimecast enhances QR code protection capabilities

Collaboration and email security company Mimecast has enhanced its QR code protection solutions to include deep scanning of URLs tied to QR codes.

The upgraded solution automatically blocks malicious content upon inspection. This capability has been integrated into Mimecast Email Security, with more enhancements to block abuse of QR codes set to follow.

The product launch follows the massive uptick in QR code attacks from 2023 in a method commonly known as ‘quishing’. Threat actors have been abusing the public’s lack of awareness of the security issues posed by QR codes and their increasing use for legitimate means including ordering at restaurants, sign-up forms and other useful online activities.

Mimecast VP of Product Management Sean Brady said the company’s Global Threat Intelligence Report found that overall attacks with malicious links increased by 22% in Q3 of 2023 compared to Q2, and that inserting QR codes into the body of an email to deliver malicious links is a widely used tactic by cybercriminals and threat actors.

“QR code attacks pose a serious and growing threat for organisations worldwide,” he said. “At Mimecast, we will always innovate to meet our customers’ needs, and we are tackling this growing attack vector head-on to keep organisations secure.”

Image credit: iStock.com/SasinParaksa