Quick Links
Summary
Telegram bots offer many helpful features but can also risk your security.
They might share your private data, like photos and phone numbers, without asking.
How Telegram Bots Steal Your Data
Telegram bots are very useful for automating many tasks.
Unsplash
But, there are also Telegram bots that can steal your data without creating any suspicion.
Once they interact, they can run scripts to extract personal information.
The AnarchyGrabber Malicious Telegram Bot
AnarchyGrabber is a useful example of how Telegram bots can become malicious.
Unsplash
AnarchyGrabber was a bot targeting Discord, but over time it started targeting Telegram users.
The AnarchyGrabber bot aims to hijack authentication tokens, extract confidential data, and enable complex scripts.
The main difference between AnarchyGrabber and other malicious Telegram bots is its ability to bypass two-factor authentication.
Pexels
With this feature, it can compromise user accounts and access private information.
Another stealth tactic involves silently infiltrating groups to collect user data, such as profile pictures and usernames.
The sneaky nature of these bots often leaves users unaware of their existence.
These types of bots can be very difficult to detect and report.
Unlike other threats, Telegram bots often blend seamlessly into the Telegram channels, making detection extremely difficult.
However, it’s worth knowing how to spot a Telegram bot.
Scrutinize the Telegram Bot’s Behavior
Good Telegram bots have a clear purpose and stick to it.
Dangerous Telegram bots might act strangely or ask for info they don’t need.
For instance, a weather bot shouldn’t need your contact details.
Genuine bots usually respond to specific commands or queries.
If a Telegram bot initiates contact without prompting or sends unsolicited messages, this could be a red flag.
Additionally, pay attention to the language and grammar used by the bot.
Many malicious bot developers do not consider language correctness, resulting in strange wording and spelling errors.
Perhaps others have shared their experiences and knowledge regarding this.
Do not contact or interact with the bot until you know whether it is safe or not.
If it is a bot belonging to a Telegram channel, check out its answers to other users.
Online security is always changing, like a game of cat and mouse.
Knowing the signs of malicious Telegram bots can help you stay safer online.
Although malicious Telegram bots are dangerous, there are some steps you’re able to take.
Set Strict Privacy Controls
Another critical step is setting up strictprivacy controls on your Telegramaccount.
Restrictive configs can prevent malicious bots from gleaning personal information.
It’s important to review these parameters, as Telegram updates might change the default privacy configurations.
Regularly Audit Telegram prefs
Checking your Telegram prefs is key for online safety.
This means often looking at your current sessions and checking your interactions and permissions with bots and channels.
If something seems odd or suspicious, act fast.
Remove access and change your security details.
You don’t have to stop using Telegram bots.
Just use them smartly.
Learn about the risks and always think about security first.
This way, you might enjoy Telegram’s benefits without the dangers.
