Watch out for this problem if you use Telegram, as they can easily steal your data
Telegram is one of the most popular instant messaging apps, and although WhatsApp is the most popular in the world, it is also widely used. In this article, we will talk about a security threat that can put your data at risk. We will explain what it is and what you should do to protect yourself from this problem, as well as other similar problems that may exist.
Specifically, these are Telegram Captchas that trick users into running malicious PowerShell scripts. They use the social network X to redirect potential victims to a Telegram channel to execute PowerShell code, and in this way, infect them with malware.
But how exactly does it work? What the hackers do is pretend that this is a Captcha. Basically, it’s the typical box you have to fill out to make sure you’re not a robot. It can go unnoticed, as the victim might think that this is normal and not a threat. They ask them to enter that Telegram channel.
However, it actually poses a threat. By filling out this Captcha, cybercriminals will ask the victim to execute a PowerShell command. And here’s where the trouble begins. This code, which the victim has to copy and paste, will download a ZIP file. This ZIP file will contain several different files, including one that may contain Cobalt Strike, a malicious tool that hackers use to gain remote access to the victim’s machine.
Keep in mind that attackers are becoming more sophisticated in what they do. This makes it harder to detect if something is fake. They use correct language and don’t use poor translations or phrases that might raise suspicion. So we need to be more careful.
How to protect yourself
The most important thing is common sense. Be careful with social networks, like X, as they can direct you to malicious Telegram groups or pages created just to make you download dangerous files and steal your data.
It is also essential to keep everything up-to-date. In many cases, hackers exploit existing vulnerabilities. Therefore, we recommend that you have the latest versions of the operating system, as well as update any programs you use on a daily basis. You will avoid many problems, in addition to accessing the latest improvements.