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Kaspersky detected a fivefold surge in QR code phishing attacks in the second half of 2025

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1 month ago

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Kaspersky

Attackers use QR codes in emails more frequently because they provide a simple and cost-effective way to conceal malicious URLs, evading detection by many protective solutions

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has reported a spike in phishing emails containing malicious QR codes. Detections for these jumped from 46,969 in August 2025 to 249,723 in November 2025 – a more than fivefold growth – as cybercriminals increasingly exploit QR codes, a trend that will likely continue in 2026. Attackers use QR codes in emails more frequently because they provide a simple and cost-effective way to conceal malicious URLs, evading detection by many protective solutions.

These QR codes are often embedded directly in email bodies or, even more commonly, within PDF attachments – an evolution that both masks phishing links and encourages users to scan them on mobile phones, which may have weaker security than work PCs.

Malicious QR codes have evolved into one of the most effective phishing tools, particularly when hidden in PDF attachments or disguised as legitimate business communications

Malicious QR codes commonly appear in mass phishing campaigns as well as targeted ones. Links embedded within them may lead to:

  • Phishing forms impersonating login pages for services like Microsoft accounts or internal corporate portals, designed to steal usernames, passwords, and other credentials.
  • Fake HR notifications urging employees to review or sign documents, such as vacation schedules, or even view lists of terminated staff, ultimately directing to credential-stealing sites.
  • Fraudulent invoices or purchase confirmations in PDF attachments, often combined with vishing (voice phishing) tactics that prompt victims to call provided phone numbers to “cancel” or clarify the transaction, enabling further social engineering attacks.

 

These tactics exploit trust in routine business communications, leading to credential theft, account takeovers, data breaches, and financial fraud.

“Malicious QR codes have evolved into one of the most effective phishing tools, particularly when hidden in PDF attachments or disguised as legitimate business communications like HR updates. The explosive growth in November 2025 highlights how attackers are capitalising on this low-cost evasion technique to target employees on mobile devices, where protection is often minimal. Without advanced image analysis at the email gateway and safe scanning practices, organisations are left vulnerable to credential compromise and downstream breaches,” comments Roman Dedenok, Anti-Spam Expert at Kaspersky.

To defend against this escalating threat, Kaspersky recommends educating employees on cybersecurity and deploying a mail server security solution such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server (https://apo-opa.co/3YScvl5) that provides trusted and secure corporate email exchange, countering spam, email-borne infections, all forms of phishing, business email compromise (BEC), QR code attacks, and other threats.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

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HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series Unveils Wheelchair Mode in Activity Rings for Inclusive Fitness

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23 hours ago

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February 27, 2026

By

Huawei

MADRID, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – MadriHuawei is proud to announce an inclusive upgrade to the Activity rings feature of Huawei watches, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to using technology for the benefit of all. On November 29, 2025, Activity rings introduced Wheelchair mode, a feature designed exclusively for wheelchair users. Wheelchair mode empowers wheelchair users to track their daily activities by accurately monitoring their pushes. Activity rings have been meticulously redesigned with wheelchair users in mind. Enhanced icons, motivational messages, and optimized algorithms work together to provide a seamless, supportive experience—one defined by both precision and encouragement.
The Wheelchair mode is more than an isolated advancement; it is the culmination of Huawei’s long-term commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the health and fitness sector. Over the years, Huawei has steadily expanded its R&D investments in wearable technology, while consistently prioritizing accessibility and inclusive design throughout its product evolution journey. From health monitoring features like heart rate and SpO2 measurement to the development of specialized algorithms for wheelchair users, every step in the evolution of Huawei wearables reflects a dedication to transforming cutting-edge technology into meaningful health solutions. As a leader in technological innovation, we embrace our duty to empower all—not just the many, but the overlooked and the underserved—ensuring a future where every individual thrives in health, dignity, and vitality.

To further highlight the humanistic values behind this innovation, Huawei wearables has released a powerful documentary-style video titled “Rolling Ahead.” This video captures the inspiring journeys of multiple wheelchair users on the sports field. Through Huawei wearables, their efforts are translated into quantifiable health data, vividly demonstrating how technology can serve as both a witness and a companion to extraordinary lives.

From technical breakthroughs to emotional resonance, Huawei is redefining the boundaries of health and fitness. By integrating the real needs of specific groups into the core of technological evolution, Huawei wearables are evolving from a mere provider of health technology to a catalyst for equal social participation. This is more than just a product feature upgrade—it’s a tangible realization of the vision to “bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.”

A new workout mode, Rolling, will be available at the end of December, with the latest HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series being the first to support it. This mode precisely tracks the frequency and number of wheelchair pushes, ensuring that every movement is accurately tracked.

Moving forward, Huawei remains committed to exploring the convergence of technology and humanity. By collaborating with more partners, Huawei aims to build a more inclusive and compassionate digital health future—one where technology truly serves the needs of everyone.

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Business

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Announces Debt Repayment and Agrees New Credit Facilities

Published

2 days ago

on

February 26, 2026

By

Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Strategic Financial Actions Support Growth Ambitions Across Africa

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), has today confirmed the full repayment of its ZAR term loan and USD revolving credit facility.

These transactions, alongside the recent sale of a minority stake in a data centre subsidiary in South Africa, are part of a significant strengthening of our capital structure

In tandem with this repayment, Liquid has agreed $410 million in new ZAR and USD credit facilities from a syndicate of commercial and development finance lenders. Cassava Technologies is further reinforcing Liquid’s financial position by injecting $195 million in fresh capital into the business.

Commenting on these developments, Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO stated: “These transactions, alongside the recent sale of a minority stake in a data centre subsidiary in South Africa, are part of a significant strengthening of our capital structure as we position the Group for accelerated growth. Through our One Cassava ecosystem, we are delivering innovative AI, cloud, data centre, payments, and low latency broadband connectivity solutions to enterprise customers across Africa.”

Africa Data Centre Holdings (“ADCH”) remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Cassava Technologies as the minority stake sale was in the ADCH South Africa business.

Looking ahead, Liquid intends to issue a new $300 million bond to replace its existing $620 million bond in advance of its maturity in September 2026. This move will reduce Liquid’s overall leverage and further strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

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Business

SICPA secures major European award for United Kingdom (UK) Vaping Duty Stamps Program

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4 days ago

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February 24, 2026

By

SICPA

Swiss technology company SICPA (www.SICPA.com) secured a landmark traceability contract, in partnership with Spectra Systems Corporation’s subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (Cartor), reinforcing its global leadership in secure track and trace (T&T) technology. The program will deliver robust traceability solutions to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for vape products in the United Kingdom.

Building on SICPA’s proven experience in deploying secure T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor’s advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote‑grade security features with state‑of‑the‑art digital systems to effectively combat the illicit trade of vape products.

Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC

The solution will enable HMRC to support excise duty collection, enhance market compliance, protect consumers, and further strengthen its fight against illicit trade.

Following a multistage procurement process launched by HMRC in July 2025, the consortium was appointed upon detailed assessment of technical and financial submissions. The project will run for an initial five-year term, with an option for a further one-year extension. The system will be implemented in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp from April 2026, followed by an enhanced stamp supported by a full track and trace solution from October 2026.

Cartor will be responsible for the printing of tax stamps with the provision of core security features. SICPA will complement these with additional material and digital security features that further reinforce the system’s robustness, while also managing tax stamp coding and the track and trace software solutions. Its role also includes managing stakeholder and product registration, tax stamp ordering and payments processes, as well as data collection and compliance monitoring for HMRC across the vape products supply chain. SICPA’s advanced digital market intelligence capabilities will further enable the identification of suspicious patterns and potential fraud hotspots, while audit devices for enforcement authorities and consumer verification applications will support in tackling fraud and fakes.

“We are glad to support His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in its mission to secure the market against illicit trade, building on decades of experience in excisable products secure traceability systems and the successes of our programs throughout the world,” said Philippe Amon, chairman and CEO of SICPA.

“Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC,” said Andrew Brigham, Cartor’s managing director. “By combining our complementary strengths, this partnership delivers a trusted solution for our customer and the UK vapes market, while supporting the UK’s efforts to protect both public revenues and consumers.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SICPA HOLDING SA.

 

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