QR code phishing surges 146% as Microsoft detects and analyzes 8.3 billion phishing threats in Q1 2026 – attackers are changing tactics to bypass security
Microsoft detected 8.3 billion phishing threats in Q1 2026, with QR code phishing (quishing) surging 146% as attackers adapt to bypass security measures. Cybercriminals are increasingly using QR codes to direct victims to malicious sites, often via mobile devices outside protected enterprise environments. The report also highlights rising trends in business email compromise, CAPTCHA evasion, and credential phishing attacks.
- ▪Microsoft detected 8.3 billion phishing emails in Q1 2026.
- ▪QR code phishing (quishing) increased by 146% during the quarter.
- ▪Attackers use QR codes to bypass scan-based defenses and target users on mobile devices.
- ▪The PhaaS group Tycoon2FA decreased activity but is rehosting infrastructure.
- ▪Rising use of CAPTCHA pages helps attackers avoid automated detection systems.
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Pro Security QR code phishing surges 146% as Microsoft detects and analyzes 8.3 billion phishing threats in Q1 2026 – attackers are changing tactics to bypass security News By Benedict Collins published 1 May 2026 Security tools are struggling against quishing-based attacks When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Image: Generated with Google Gemini) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Microsoft detected 8.3 billion phishing emails in Q1 2026Attackers are favoring QR-code based attacksPhaaS group Tycoon2FA saw a drop in attacks following disruption,…
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