Check Point researchers have revealed that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the popular messaging app,
Telegram, to exchange information, recruit new partners and evade authorities.
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Criminals are turning to Telegram because law enforcement has been successful recently in taking down Dark Web marketplaces and forums, such as Hansa Market and AlphaBay. Telegram is easy to access and offers good security capabilities, so some of its hosted chat groups have become a useful alternative to Dark Web forums.
Telegram launched in 2013, and is an encrypted instant-messaging application with 200 million active users monthly. Similar to WhatsApp, Telegram users can chat to individuals as well as groups. Any criminal with a shady offer or conversation to start can enjoy private and end-to-end encrypted chats instead of the exposed threads that are seen in online forums. In the past, several steps were required to ensure an anonymous connection to the Dark Web via the TOR platform. But today any Telegram user can easily join channels with a single tap on their phone, while keeping their identity hidden.
