How Multi-Stage Phishing Attacks Exploit QRs, CAPTCHAs, and Steganography

Cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods, including QR codes (“quishing”), CAPTCHA, and steganography, to circumvent traditional phishing detection techniques. These tools enable attackers to mask malicious content, evade spam filters or hide credential-harvesting forms on illegitimate websites. Deceptive links concealed within QR codes or secret data hidden within media files obtained via email can bypass many security systems, making them popular choices for cybercriminals. ANY.RUN is a malware analysis sandbox capable of detecting these advanced phishing methods.