FBI Warns of North Korean QR Phishing Campaigns

Infosecurity Magazine

January 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Actively Exploited

Overview

The FBI has issued a warning about a phishing campaign linked to North Korea's Kimsuky APT group, which is using QR codes as part of their tactics. This group is known for targeting individuals and organizations, particularly in sectors like defense and technology. By embedding malicious links in QR codes, attackers aim to trick victims into providing sensitive information or downloading malware. This method is particularly concerning as QR codes are increasingly used in everyday transactions, making it easier for attackers to exploit unsuspecting users. Organizations and individuals should be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of QR codes before scanning them, as this campaign highlights a growing trend in cyber threats.

Key Takeaways

Active Exploitation: This vulnerability is being actively exploited by attackers. Immediate action is recommended.
Affected Systems: QR codes used in phishing campaigns, potentially affecting users across various sectors.
Action Required: Users should verify QR codes before scanning them and implement security awareness training to recognize phishing attempts.
Timeline: Newly disclosed

Original Article Summary

The FBI says North Korea’s Kimsuky APT group is using QR codes in spear phishing campaigns

Impact

QR codes used in phishing campaigns, potentially affecting users across various sectors.

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited by attackers in real-world attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching or implementing workarounds immediately.

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Users should verify QR codes before scanning them and implement security awareness training to recognize phishing attempts.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Related Topics: This incident relates to Phishing, Exploit, APT, and 1 more.

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