Email Hack Leads to Telegram Account Takeover. How to Protect Your Messaging Apps

Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak experienced a security breach that compromised several of her Telegram messaging channels. The hackers gained access to her Telegram accounts by first breaking into her email account. Once they controlled her email, they were able to take over her Telegram channels and access her private messages with political figures. This incident demonstrates how breaking into one account can give attackers the keys to many others. This situation affects anyone who uses Telegram or other messaging apps that are connected to their email address. If someone gains access to your email account, they may be able to reset passwords or take control of your messaging apps, social media accounts, and other services linked to that email. Your private conversations, photos, and shared files in these messaging apps could then be exposed to attackers.

Here is what you need to do right now to protect yourself.

1. Enable two factor authentication on your email account immediately. This adds an extra security step beyond just your password.
2. Turn on two factor authentication for Telegram and any other messaging apps you use. In Telegram, go to Settings, Privacy and Security, then Two Step Verification.
3. Use different, strong passwords for your email and messaging apps. Never reuse the same password across multiple services.
4. Check which services are connected to your email account and remove any you no longer use.
5. Review your active Telegram sessions by going to Settings, Devices, and logging out any sessions you do not recognize. For ongoing protection, think of your email account as the master key to your digital life. Secure it with the strongest protection available. Consider using a password manager to create and store unique passwords for each service you use. Regularly review your account security settings across all your important apps and services. Be suspicious of any unexpected password reset emails or login notifications, as these could be signs that someone is trying to access your accounts.