The issue of personal security is one of the main problems discussed by professional cybersecurity, due to the catastrophic effects that cyberattacks can have on people and companies. Cybercriminals are continuously coming up with new strategies to take advantage of flaws in hardware and software to steal sensitive data, spread malware, and wreak havoc on gullible victims.
Cybercriminals’ newest strategy incorporates armed versions of well-known communication apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. These apps are frequently used in phishing scams and other forms of social engineering because they have been changed to incorporate malware that can compromise a user’s device and collect personal data.
The risks caused by weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps are significant, because they may be used to access a variety of sensitive data, including login passwords, personal and financial information, and more, weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps offer serious hazards. Cybercriminals can also utilize a compromised device as a jumping off point for additional attacks, infecting other devices connected to the same network, and disseminating malware throughout the internet.
In term of cybersecurity, it is our responsibility to remain aware and inform both ourselves and others on the most recent risks and effective countermeasures. The threats posed by weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps will be covered in more detail in the parts that follow, along with safety advice for navigating an increasingly perilous online environment.
Overview of weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps
Cybercriminals have been increasingly exploiting weaponized versions of well-known messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp to assault users of Android and Windows in recent years. These customized apps are used as weapons because they contain malware that can infiltrate a user’s device and steal confidential data, making them a desirable tool for attackers trying to acquire valuable data.
How Weaponizes Social Media can exploit your Security
Numerous ways, such as the use of repackaging tools and reverse engineering techniques, can be used to modify these apps. Once the virus has been uploaded to the app, the attackers usually spread it through a variety of techniques, including phishing attempts, fake app stores, and social engineering strategies.
There are many different sorts of malware that may be incorporated into weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps, ranging from ransomware to spyware. A user’s activities may be monitored by malware, which may also be used to take control of their device and utilize it as part of a botnet. Some malware is made to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.
The 2021 malware campaign dubbed “FakeUpdates” targeted Windows users through weaponized versions of well-known software installers, and the 2020 Android spyware campaign known as “WolfRAT” distributed via a fake version of the Telegram app are just two examples of recent attacks using weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps.
The Cases of Cyber Attacks Using Telegram and Whatsapp
Pegasus Malware
In 2019, it was discovered that journalists, activists, and government officials all across the world were being targeted by the Pegasus spyware, which was created by the Israeli cyber espionage firm NSO Group. The spyware, which took advantage of a flaw in the app’s calling feature, was spread via WhatsApp chats.
Telegram-based botnet
Telebots, a Telegram-based botnet, was used to perform a number of cyberattacks against Ukrainian targets, according to research published in 2017. Malicious software that was disseminated through phishing emails and Telegram messages was the main method used to spread the botnet.
Whatsapp Phising Attack
In 2020, a phishing scheme was uncovered that preyed on WhatsApp users. Users were asked to authenticate their accounts by clicking on a link in a phony message that was sent by the government as part of the attack. Users were sent by the link to a phony website that collected their personal data.
These are just a few instances of how WhatsApp and Telegram have been used as weapons in cyberattacks. There will probably be more cases of these chat applications being weaponized in the future as their use increases.
How attackers use weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps to compromise devices
To fool victims into downloading and installing armed versions of Telegram and WhatsApp, cybercriminals employ a variety of strategies. These techniques could include social engineering techniques including posing as a trusted contact and sending a message with a link to a harmful program, phishing scams, and phony app stores.
Using Malware
The malware can start to infiltrate a user’s device in a number of ways once they download and install the weaponized app. Remote access trojans (RATs), which enable the attacker to seize control of the device and access sensitive data, are one frequent technique employed by attackers. RATs can be used to steal login information, keep track of user activities, and even turn on the device’s microphone and camera to capture audio.
Keyloggers, which record every keystroke the user makes and can be used by attackers to steal login information, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data, are another popular tactic.
Using Ransomware and Botnet Software
Weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps can be used to spread various sorts of malware like ransomware and botnet software in addition to collecting confidential information. Botnets are networks of hacked devices that can be used to carry out massive assaults on other targets. Ransomware is a sort of malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Preventive Techniques and Strategies of Professional Cyber Security
When Telegram and WhatsApp are used as weapons, threat actors are using them to launch cyberattacks or engage in other illegal actions. To stop such attacks, professional cybersecurity practitioners use a variety of approaches and procedures, such as:
Endpoint Protection
To stop malware and other malicious files from being downloaded and executed, cybersecurity experts install endpoint protection solutions on devices. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software might all fall under this category.
Access Control
To limit access to sensitive data and systems, access control measures are utilized. Strict authentication and authorisation procedures can be put in place by cybersecurity experts to stop unwanted access to Telegram and WhatsApp.
Threat intelligence
To stay current on the most recent threats and vulnerabilities, cybersecurity experts use threat intelligence feeds. This enables them to spot potential weaponization of these messaging apps and take appropriate action.
Encryption
To safeguard sensitive data sent through these messaging apps, cybersecurity experts can use encryption techniques. This may entail employing secure messaging protocols or end-to-end encryption.
Monitoring and analysis
Security experts keep an eye on network activity and logs for any strange behavior that can point to the weaponization of these messaging apps. They can then conduct analysis to determine the attack’s origin and take the necessary action.
Overall, a thorough cybersecurity plan that combines the aforementioned methods can help stop Telegram and WhatsApp from becoming weaponized and safeguard against cyberattacks.
Self Mitigation and prevention strategies for weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp app attacks
It is crucial for people and businesses to have procedures in place to mitigate and avoid these types of attacks given the potential for weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps to infect users’ devices and steal vital information. Here are a few suggested tactics:
- Users should be informed about the dangers of using weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps. This is one of the best strategies to prevent assaults. This involves teaching people how to spot phishing scams and steer clear of downloading apps from dubious sources.
- Implement app screening and whitelisting policies: Organizations can do this to make sure that only authorized apps are installed on devices. This can help users from unintentionally installing malicious programs that are intended for use as weapons.
- Utilize mobile device management (MDM) tools: MDM tools can be used to remotely manage and safeguard devices, enforcing security policies, watching for harmful behaviour, and remotely deleting devices in the event of loss or theft.
- Use two-factor authentication: By asking users to give a second form of authentication in addition to a password, such as a text message or a biometric scan, two-factor authentication can help prevent credential theft.
- Update software and security settings frequently: To safeguard against known vulnerabilities and exploits, it’s critical to frequently update software and security settings on devices.
- Use antivirus software and firewalls: These tools can assist in identifying and stopping harmful behavior, such as attacks utilizing Telegram and WhatsApp that have been modified to serve as weapons.
- Investigate any potential symptoms of compromise while keeping an eye out for suspicious activity: Organizations should keep an eye out for strange traffic patterns or data exfiltration on their networks.
- Individuals and organizations can help lower the risk of compromise from weaponized Telegram and WhatsApp apps by putting these mitigation and preventive techniques into practice. To stay one step ahead of attackers, it’s critical to keep up with the most recent threats and to regularly upgrade security measures.
Users should also exercise good cyber hygiene, such as avoiding clicking on dubious links or downloading dubious programs, and stay aware about the most recent risks. Additionally, businesses should work to inform staff members about the dangers posed by WhatsApp and Telegram that have been turned into weapons and train them on how to protect themselves from such assaults.
Conclusion
The security and privacy of users are seriously threatened by armed versions of WhatsApp and Telegram. Individuals and organizations can contribute to lowering the risk of compromise and protecting their sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands by maintaining attention, putting in place suitable security measures, and staying educated about developing risks.