Since more people use Telegram today than ever before, and given that the app originates from Russia, it will be useful to know how to detect malicious Telegram bots to protect your data. 24 Channels Recommends you to familiarize yourself with useful tips to consider if you plan to continue using this messenger.

How do Telegram bots steal your data?

Telegram bots are very useful for automating many tasks. However, there are also bots that can steal your data without raising any suspicion. The purpose of such bots is to create a non-existent sense of security by appearing innocent and legitimate. Following the interaction, they may run scripts to extract personal information.

Often such bots pretend to be representatives of the support service and extort important data from users, including phone numbers and verification codes. Another tactic involves bots sneaking into groups to collect user data such as profile pictures and names.

The insidiousness of these bots often means that users are not even aware of their existence. These types of bots can be very difficult to detect.

How to detect a malicious Telegram bot

It is quite difficult to detect a malicious Telegram bot, but there are some signs you should look out for. Unlike other threats, Telegram bots usually blend seamlessly into Telegram channels, making them extremely difficult to detect. But it is worth knowing how to recognize a Telegram bot.

• Carefully examine the behavior of the Telegram bot. Good Telegram bots have a clear goal and stick to it. Dangerous Telegram bots may act strangely or ask for information they don’t need. For example, a weather bot doesn’t need your contact information.
• Pay attention to the level of interaction with Telegram bots. Another sign is the bot’s interaction level. Real bots usually respond to specific commands or requests. If a Telegram bot initiates communication without a request or sends unsolicited messages, this could be a red flag. Also pay attention to the language and grammar the bot uses. Many malicious bot developers do not pay attention to the correctness of the language, which leads to strange wording and spelling errors.
• Investigate the suspected bot. If you think the Telegram bot is suspicious, try searching for it by name on Google. Maybe other users have already shared their experience and knowledge on this subject. Do not communicate or interact with the bot until you are sure it is safe. If it is a bot belonging to a Telegram channel, check its replies to other users.
• General security awareness. Being aware of emerging threats and understanding common bot tactics is crucial to your digital security.

How to protect yourself from malicious Telegram bots?

Proactive measures are vital to protect against malicious Telegram bots. Although malicious bots are dangerous, there are steps you can take.

• Use two-factor authentication. Telegram’s two-factor authentication (2FA) increases the security of your Telegram account by adding an extra verification step. This extra security step makes it harder for attackers, especially bots, to gain unauthorized access to your account if your primary password has security issues; because the extra step usually involves entering a unique code to confirm your actions.
• Establish strict privacy controls. Another important step is to establish strict privacy controls on your Telegram account. This includes controlling who can see your profile picture, your latest status, and who can add you to groups. Restrictive settings can prevent malicious bots from maliciously collecting personal information. It is important to review these settings as Telegram updates may change default privacy configurations.
• Check your Telegram settings regularly. Checking your Telegram settings is an important factor in online security. This means frequently reviewing your current sessions and checking permissions and interactions with bots and channels. If something seems strange or suspicious, take action immediately. Remove access and change your security details.

You don’t need to stop using Telegram bots. Just use them wisely. Learn about the risks and always think about safety first. So you can enjoy the advantages of Telegram without any danger.