Wave of Attacks on Telegram: How Hackers Use Malware Distribution Methods

Cybercriminals have intensified attacks on Telegram accounts using proven methods of distributing malicious code, allowing them to quickly infect users’ contacts. According to Foresight News, attackers have successfully adapted to operate in multiple languages, including Chinese and English, significantly expanding the geographic scope of their operations and the number of potential victims.

Scheme of Compromise via Fake Software

The main attack tactic has become the distribution of tools disguised as legitimate software. Criminals use counterfeit versions of video conferencing programs like Zoom, which is especially effective given the widespread use of remote communications. After installing such software, hackers gain full control over the device and access to the user’s Telegram account.

Simultaneously, attackers distribute malicious code repositories through open development platforms, as well as infect popular gaming programs and third-party utilities. This multi-channel approach to spreading threats makes their campaigns particularly dangerous for inexperienced users.

Scale of Distribution and Infection Chain

After gaining access to an account, hackers do not stop there. They begin contacting the compromised user’s contacts, using their legitimate credentials. This creates a snowball effect, where each infected account becomes a source of spreading the malware to new victims. The spread accelerates because messages from “friends” evoke a higher level of trust.

Threat to Cryptocurrency Assets and Personal Information

The goal of these attacks is to seize cryptocurrency assets and confidential account information. Hackers systematically improve their strategies, constantly updating social engineering techniques and schemes for distributing new variants of malware. Stolen wallet and account data can be used immediately for theft or sold on the black market.

Experts recommend users be extremely cautious when downloading applications, verify code signatures, and use two-factor authentication. Uncontrolled spread of such threats could lead to significant losses among crypto investors and active digital asset users.