By Dana 
Telegram channels have turned into bustling hubs for Telegram cybercrime, with hackers peddling stolen session cookies and MFA bypass kits to crack even two-factor-protected accounts. A 2025 report from Recorded Future shows thousands of channels offering fresh data, often tied to breaches like the 86 million AT&T leak, fueling account takeovers and fraud. Here’s what’s happening, why it’s a problem, and how to keep your accounts safe.
Telegram’s encrypted chats and lax moderation make it a magnet for cybercriminals. Recorded Future spotted over 3,000 channels in 2025 selling session cookies—snippets of data that let hackers slip into accounts without passwords. These cookies, often stolen via malware like RedLine, come from breaches like the AT&T data dump, with prices starting at $10 for high-value accounts like Gmail or PayPal Recorded Future.
MFA bypass kits are the real game-changer. These tools exploit flaws in SMS-based two-factor authentication, letting attackers intercept codes or hijack phone numbers. A Florida freelancer lost $5,000 after a hacker used a Telegram-sourced kit to drain her PayPal account, showing the real-world sting. Channels also share free samples to lure buyers, making stolen data dangerously accessible. How’s that for a black market thriving in plain sight?
The Telegram cybercrime wave hits hard because session cookies bypass traditional security. Even with MFA, a stolen cookie lets hackers log in as you, no code needed. Recorded Future notes that 70% of Telegram’s stolen cookies target financial or corporate accounts, leading to fraud or data breaches. The 2024 Okta breach, where cookies fueled supply chain attacks, shows how one leak can spiral into chaos.
For businesses, the risks are brutal. A compromised employee account can expose client data or trigger ransomware. Individuals face drained bank accounts or identity theft. Telegram’s anonymity makes tracking culprits tough—vendors use throwaway accounts and crypto payments to stay off the radar. With channels boasting thousands of members, the scale of this threat is growing fast. Ever wonder how hackers get into “secure” accounts so easily?
Protecting against Telegram cybercrime starts with smarter security. Ditch SMS-based MFA for authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, which are harder to bypass. Use password managers to create unique passwords—reusing them across sites is asking for trouble. Businesses should roll out endpoint detection tools to catch malware stealing cookies, like the ones that fueled the AT&T breach.
Monitor accounts for odd logins and enable alerts on banking or email platforms. For companies, dark web monitoring services like Flashpoint can flag stolen cookies before they’re used. Training staff to spot phishing emails, a common malware delivery trick, is a must. A 2023 PayPal scam showed how quick alerts stopped a similar cookie-driven attack. Check your accounts regularly—why let hackers cash in on your data?
Ethan 
Jessica Marlowe 
Alan Vega