The encrypted-messaging app Telegram has become a popular platform for criminal hackers and cybercriminals. Criminals use the app to share and trade hacking information, including malware, vulnerabilities, ransomware, and stolen data.
Drug trafficking and other illicit content also has found a home on the app, where users can discuss and share obscene materials. This trend has raised concerns about the privacy of millions of Telegram users.
Lapsus$
A loose collective of teenagers from the UK and Brazil, prosecutors say, Lapsus$ was a gang of digital bandits. They used con-man tactics and computer hacking to breach global companies like telecommunications giant BT Group (BT.L) and chipmaker Nvidia Corp (NVDA.O). They then published troves of data online and threatened to do so again.
One of the things that stands out in the groupe telegram leak chats is the gang’s fixation on stealing source code. This might have had some practical purpose: if LAPSUS$ hacked companies and then stole the underlying software, they could sell it to other hackers for profit. But there is also the possibility that they simply enjoyed the thrill of stealing such valuable intellectual property.
Other chats show that they were fascinated by the technology of their targets. One of them, a call between White and a hacker identified only as “Mox,” involved attempting to break into the systems of Brazilian fleet management and freight security firm SASCAR (SASCAR.BR). It turned out that the gang had already bought and hacked their way into the company’s networks, had stolen gigabytes of source code, and then taunted employees with porn and other embarrassing content.
Although they appear to have gotten caught, it’s unclear how the gang will regroup or what sort of threat they pose now that their high-profile attacks have come to an end. However, the recent arrests of Kurtaj and another 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, suggest that the gang has been disrupted for the time being.
Hacking & Cybercrime
The hacking and cybercrime section of Telegram’s chat platform allows users to share information and content with other criminals. This includes hacking-related discussions and trades, as well as dark web marketplaces. Users can also find tutorials on hacking and money laundering. The dark web marketplaces feature a range of illicit products, including drugs and weapons, stolen credit cards, fake money, and other items that can be used for committing crimes.
Hacking has long held a certain coolness in popular culture. Hollywood movies like Tron and WarGames portrayed hackers as smart, slick criminals that use their skills to infiltrate computer systems and steal data. But cybercrime is a real and growing threat to society. In fact, a study sponsored by McAfee reported that hackers cause around $1.5 billion in losses to businesses every year.
Despite this, the concept of hacking is still popular among younger generations. The popularity of online games, such as Fortnite, is a major reason for this. In addition, a growing number of teens are learning how to code and build apps. This has led to a surge in visits to hacker websites and forums. While visiting such sites, you should be aware of the difference between ethical hacking and black hat hacking. Ethical hacking is considered legal and involves identifying weaknesses in computer systems and networks to improve security. Black hat hacking is illegal and can lead to severe consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.
Cyber Security
Cybersecurity is a broad term that encompasses the tools and processes that are used to protect computer systems from cyber-attacks. This includes everything from ensuring that software is designed with security in mind to monitoring networks for suspicious activity and defending against malicious attacks. It also covers the training of employees to help them follow best practices for system safety.
Cyber-attacks can be motivated by a variety of factors. While some attackers are simply thrill-seekers or vandals, others seek financial gain through espionage. One of the first documented cases involved German hacker Markus Hess, who hacked into American defense contractors, universities, and military bases and sold the information to the KGB. Other threats include man-in-the-middle attacks and denial-of-service attacks, which are designed to sabotage computer systems by overwhelming them with traffic.
In order to combat these threats, businesses need to invest in cybersecurity solutions. In addition, they should also focus on end-user education. This can help ensure that employees are deleting suspicious email attachments and not plugging in unidentified USB drives. It can also teach them to keep passwords secure and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
Telegram has been a popular choice for malicious groups looking to spread their malware. The platform’s encryption and privacy features make it a great tool for hackers and other cybercriminals to communicate and share files without risking their own identities.
